Customs Announce 90-Day Window For Regularising Import Duties On Vehicles

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a 90-day window for regularising import duties on vehicles imported into the country.

The Service revealed this in a statement, signed by its spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada on Sunday.

Maiwada said the initiative applies only to imported vehicles where the requisite customs duty has not been fulfilled, and vehicles detained due to undervaluation.

According to Service, the initiative is a proactive move to enhance compliance and streamline import processes, while reflecting its commitment to facilitating compliance.

“We encourage all stakeholders to capitalise on this opportunity within the stipulated time frame,” the statement said.

The NCS, however, clarified that the vehicle seized and condemned would not be released under the recent arrangement, rather it would be forfeited to the federal government in accordance with extant regulations.

“All vehicle owners, Importers/Agents seeking to regularise import duties on their vehicles are required to apply to the Zonal Coordinators (Zones A, B, C, D) and CAC FCT Command.

“They must submit the necessary documents and process Vreg in line with the Federal Ministry of Finance directives for the registration of imported motor vehicles.

“Valuation and assessment of the vehicles will be carried out using the VIN valuation method. Import Duty and a 25% penalty shall be paid in tandem with the import guidelines, procedures, and documentation requirements for used vehicles under the Destination Inspection Scheme in Nigeria (2013) and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.,” the Service said.

The Nigeria Customs further noted that all duty payments must be made using the Procedure Code specifically created for this exercise.