Customs offers 90-day duty payment window for improperly imported vehicles

Business a.m

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is offering a 90-day window for importers to pay duties and clear improperly imported vehicles. The Service’s management said this move is intended to enhance compliance and streamline import processes.

Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS’s national public relations officer, in a statement, stated that the opening of the 90-day window was directed by Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister for the economy. Maiwada explained that this directive was made in line with the government’s effort to encourage compliance and encourage due diligence among importers.

Maiwada clarified that the initiative applies only to improperly imported vehicles, where the required Customs duty has not been fulfilled, or vehicles that have been detained due to undervaluation.

“While we strive for inclusivity, it is important to clarify that vehicles seized and condemned will not be released under this arrangement and shall be forfeited to the Federal Government by extant regulations.

“All vehicle owners, importers and 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 available documents and process vehicle registration (Vreg) in line with the Federal Ministry of Finance directives for the registration of imported motor vehicles,” he said.

According to the NCS, the valuation and assessment of the vehicles will be done using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Valuation method, which allows for accurate and transparent valuation of vehicles. It also stated that import duty and a 25 percent penalty would be payable, in accordance 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.

Maiwada highlighted that duty payments must be made using the procedure code that has been created specifically for this exercise. He further emphasised that the initiative demonstrates the Service’s unwavering commitment to facilitating compliance, and urged all stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity within the stipulated time frame.