The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Sunday, approved a 90-day special window for importers, buyers and users of improperly imported used and new vehicles to regularize their papers.
In a press statement by the National Public Relations officer, Abdullahi Maiwada announced the 25 per cent surcharge on the vehicles, saying, duty payments must be made using the Procedure Code specifically created for this exercise.
According to Maiwada, the special window intervention titled, ‘approval of 90-day window for payment of import duty on improperly imported vehicles,’ was approved by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
“In a proactive move to enhance compliance and streamline import processes, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the directive of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, is pleased to announce a 90-day window for regularizing import duties on specific categories of vehicles.
“This initiative applies solely to vehicles imported into Nigeria where the requisite customs duty has not been fulfilled or vehicles detained due to under-valuation. 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 per extant regulations,” the service spokesman stated.
Maiwada who, however, urged stakeholders to capitalize on the opportunity within the stipulated time frame, further stated that, the initiative reflected the service’s unwavering commitment to facilitating compliance.
“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.
“This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to facilitating compliance. We encourage all stakeholders to capitalize on this opportunity within the stipulated time frame,” the statement read.
