BREAKING: Customs Board Approves $300 Duty-Free Limit for Low-Value Imports, Moves Against Errant Officers

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has rolled out sweeping policy changes that will reshape low-value imports and reinforce discipline within its ranks.

At its 63rd regular meeting held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the Board approved a de minimis threshold of $300 for low-value consignments arriving through express shipments or passenger baggage. The landmark decision takes effect on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Trade Boost for E-Commerce and Travellers

The Board said the approval aligns with global best practices designed to simplify clearance processes, boost cross-border e-commerce, and provide clarity for travellers.

“The threshold, restricted to four importations per annum, aligns with provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and international conventions including the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention,” the NCS said in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, ACC Abdullahi Maiwada.

Under the new regulation:

Goods valued at $300 or less will be exempted from import duties and taxes.

Passenger merchandise not exceeding the same value is also covered.

Eligible consignments will enjoy immediate release and clearance without cumbersome post-release documentation.


However, the Board cautioned that strict enforcement will be deployed against manipulation of invoices or duty evasion, with penalties including forfeiture, arrest, and prosecution under the NCS Act, 2023.

To ease compliance, the NCS announced plans to establish multi-channel helpdesk platforms to guide stakeholders, address inquiries, and resolve complaints during implementation.

Discipline Within the Ranks

In a dramatic twist, the Board also deliberated extensively on disciplinary cases. Following recent viral videos exposing misconduct by some officers, it approved the demotion of two officers to the next lower rank.

The demoted officers will undergo mandatory medical re-evaluation to determine their fitness for continued service, a measure the Board said is aimed at deterrence. Conversely, two other officers were reinstated after favourable reviews of their cases.

The Board issued a stern warning to all personnel against abuse of banned substances and unethical behaviour, stressing that discipline, accountability, and integrity remain non-negotiable within the Service.

“The NCS will continue to strengthen public trust through impactful reforms, transparent processes, and strict enforcement of ethical standards. Our personnel must reflect the values of service, fairness, and national responsibility,” the statement read.

Why It Matters

The $300 de minimis threshold is expected to stimulate Nigeria’s digital economy, empower small businesses leveraging e-commerce, minimise border clearance delays, and position the country as a regional leader in trade facilitation.