Nigerian Customs Service Grants 120-Day Grace Period for Overtime Consignments, Urges Importers to Act Swiftly

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has announced a 120-day grace period for clearing overtime consignments at ports to ease congestion and streamline the clearance process. Importers are advised to utilize this window to regularize documents and clear their consignments to avoid forfeiture.

Failure to comply within the deadline may result in seizure of goods. The move, in line with the Customs Excise Management Act (CEMA), aims to boost trade facilitation and enhance efficiency in customs clearance.

Overtime cargo exceeding 30 days will be subject to seizure, but a newly introduced automation system allows for clearance within an additional 30 days with approval. Further extensions can be granted upon application to Customs Headquarters.