Customs reduces import duty for used, new vehicles

The Nigerian Customs Service has officially released a circular announcing the reduction of import duties on both used and new vehicles.

In a statement by Timi Bomodi, Customs National Spokesman, the service said the new duty rate for both used and new vehicles is now 20% as against the 35% usually paid.

The statement noted that implementation will take effect immediately.

The service revealed that on April 1, 2022, they migrated from the old version of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2017-2021) to the new version (2022-2026).

The statement noted that the reduction in import duties on new vehicles was as a result of a directive from the Federal Ministry of Finance in a letter marked; letter ref. no. HMF BNP/NCS/CET/4/2022 and dated April 7, 2022.

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The statement reads; “On Friday the 1st of April 2022, the Nigeria Customs Service migrated from the old version of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2017- 2021) to the new version (2022- 2026). This is in-line with WCO five years review of the nomenclature. The contracting parties are expected to adopt the review based on regional considerations and national economic policy,

“The nation has adopted all tariff lines with few adjustments in the extant CET. As allowed for in Annex II of the 2022-2026 CET edition, and in line with the Finance Act and the National Automotive policy, NCS has retained a duty rate of 20% for used vehicles as was transmitted by ECOWAS with a NAC levy of 15%. New vehicles will also pay a duty of 20% with a NAC levy of 20% as directed in Federal Ministry of Finance letter ref. no. HMF BNP/NCS/CET/4/2022 of 7th April 2022.

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“It is instructive to note that domestic fiscal policy on the importation of motor vehicles and other items is targeted at growing the local economy in these sectors. The focus of NCS is on implementation of these policies in the hope that it achieves its desired objectives in line with National Automotive Policy and other fiscal policies of the government.

“The NCS has also activated the use of Chapters 98 and 99 of the CET, in accordance with WCO recommendation for national use by contracting parties, which in our case promotes industrialization

Through sectoral and sub-sectoral incentives for members targeted at economic growth, enhancement of security and minimized consumption of unwholesome goods.

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“In Chapter 98 of the current CET – Bonafide Assemblers importing Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and Semi Knocked Down (SKD) are to enjoy a concession of 0% and 10% Duty rate respectively. While within ECOWAS, duty rates for the same items are 5% and 10% respectively.

“Incentivizing their efforts through policy interventions guarantees a win-win situation for the nation in the long run.”

Both new vehicles and used vehicles will now pay a duty rate of 20%. However, while used vehicles pay a 15% NAC levy, new vehicles will pay 20% NAC levy.