4% FOB charge: Customs cancels import declarations, directs stakeholders to recapture entries

Following the suspension of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the cancellation of all import declarations made during the initial implementation period.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said in a statement that the measure is necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations, and prevent any disruptions in clearance processes.

The statement signed by the Customs spokesman, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdulahi Maiwada, therefore, urged affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders to recapture their declarations and proceed with the clearance of their goods.

The statement added that all stakeholders affected should promptly recapture their entries through the designated customs processing platforms.

Adeniyi said the decision to cancel previous declarations and give room for recapturing is part of the Service’s broader effort to be a public-centric organisation that ensures efficient service delivery.

“The NCS has put measures in place to ensure this process is seamless. Customs Commands nationwide have been directed to provide the necessary assistance and clarifications to importers and agents requiring support during this period.

“The Service remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing government fiscal policies in alignment with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 through robust consultation and dialogue with all stakeholders.

“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service remains committed to demonstrating openness and transparency in its engagements with stakeholders. Traders are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to avoid any further delays in the clearance of their consignments,” the statement concludes.