Inappropriate Vehicle Import: Customs Gives 90 Days Window for Duty Payment

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has approved a 90-day window for payment of import duties on vehicles that are inappropriately imported into the country by importers.

This according to a press release made available to the media by the National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada is seen as a proactive move to enhance compliance and streamline import processes, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the directive of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

The statement said that the management of the service is pleased to give a 90-day window for regularizing import duties on specific categories of vehicles.

The initiative, according to the statement, applies solely to vehicles imported into Nigeria where the requisite customs duty has not been fulfilled or vehicles detained due to undervaluation.

While the statement said that the service strive for inclusivity, it however further importantly clarified that vehicles seized and condemned will not be released under this arrangement and shall be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with extant regulations.

According to the modalities, “All vehicle owners, Importers/Agents seeking to regularize 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 available 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. Also, duty payments must be made using the Procedure Code specifically created for this exercise.

The statement also said that the initiative reflects the NCS unwavering commitment to facilitating compliance. “We encourage all stakeholders to capitalize on this opportunity within the stipulated timeframe”, the statement concluded.