Customs Board Approves $300 Duty-Free Threshold, Warns Officers on Misconduct

Customs Board Approves $300 Duty-Free Threshold, Warns Officers on Misconduct

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a De Minimis threshold of $300 for low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage, effective September 8, 2025.

The decision, taken at the board’s 63rd regular meeting chaired by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is aimed at simplifying clearance processes, easing trade facilitation, and boosting cross-border e-commerce. The exemption, limited to four importations per year, will not apply to prohibited or restricted items.

The board also announced stricter penalties for invoice manipulation and duty evasion, including forfeiture and arrests, while promising multi-channel help desks to guide stakeholders through the new regime.

In a separate decision, two officers were demoted following viral videos of misconduct, while two others were reinstated. The sanctioned officers will also undergo medical re-evaluation.

The board warned all officers against substance abuse and unethical behaviour, stressing that discipline, accountability, and integrity remain core to the service’s mandate.