Nigeria Customs releases guidelines for implementing zero import duty rate on food items.
In a significant move to ease the financial strain on citizens, President Bola Tinubu has approved the implementation of an import duty waiver on selected basic food items.
Following this approval, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially released guidelines for the application of a Zero Percent Duty Rate (0%) and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on these essential commodities.
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The directive, effective from July 15, 2024, through December 31, 2024, aims to reduce the cost of basic food items, making them more accessible to Nigerians amidst ongoing economic challenges. The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to stabilize the economy and enhance food security across the nation.
The guidelines issued by the NCS provide detailed information on the eligibility criteria for companies wishing to participate in this zero-duty importation scheme.
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Importers are expected to comply with specific measures designed to ensure that the initiative supports local food security while achieving its goal of making essential items more affordable.
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List of Eligible Food Items and Duty Reductions
The NCS also outlined the specific food items that qualify for the zero percent duty rate, along with their corresponding Economic Community of West African States Common External Tariff (ECOWAS CET) Harmonized System (H.S.) codes. The food items and their new duty rates are as follows:
| S/N | Item Description | ECOWAS CET H.S. Code | Previous Duty Rate + Levy | New Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Husked Brown Rice | 1006.20.00.00 | 30% | 0% |
| II | Grain Sorghum – Other | 1007.90.00.00 | 5% | 0% |
| III | Millet – Other | 1008.29.00.00 | 5% | 0% |
| IV | Maize – Other | 1005.90.00.00 | 5% | 0% |
| V | Wheat – Other | 1001.19.00.00 | 20% | 0% |
| VI | Beans | 0713.31.90.00 | 20% | 0% |
Compliance and Cooperation
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully to ensure the successful implementation of this policy. The NCS stressed the importance of adhering to the guidelines to maximize the benefits of the initiative for the Nigerian populace.
This measure reflects the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of rising food prices and supporting the overall well-being of its citizens during these challenging times.
As the country moves forward with this initiative, the hope is that it will provide much-needed relief to households across Nigeria, ensuring that basic food items remain within reach for all.
