Nigeria’s customs authority has introduced new rules for courier companies that handle imported goods under a system where duties are paid before delivery, Prime Business Africa reports.
The Nigeria Customs Service said the changes affect companies operating under the Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) arrangement. In a statement on Monday, Customs said the new rules were meant to bring courier operations under closer control and improve compliance.
Under the DDP system, overseas sellers pay customs duties and taxes before goods are shipped. This allows items to be delivered to customers in Nigeria without extra charges on arrival. Customs said courier companies using the system must now obtain a special licence from its headquarters before operating.
They must also submit full shipment details electronically at least 24 hours before goods arrive in the country.
The information must include what the goods are, their value, where they are coming from and who they are meant for.
The new rules make courier firms directly responsible for declaring shipments and ensuring that duties and taxes are fully paid before clearance. Customs officers will continue to inspect parcels based on risk. Physical checks will be carried out where inconsistencies are found, the agency said.
Goods will only be released for delivery after customs clearance. Courier firms may also be asked to provide proof that items have been delivered to customers. Customs said it would carry out checks after release to confirm that declarations were accurate and payments correct.
Companies found to have broken the rules could face fines, seizure of goods, suspension of licences or prosecution.
The Nigeria Customs Service said the measures were aimed at protecting government revenue and bringing courier operations in line with international standards.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
