Customs begin implementation of 30% duty waiver on passenger vehicles

The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced the implementation of a 30 per cent import duty waiver of passenger transport vehicles, despite criticism by indigenous automakers that the policy may put them out of business and lead to massive job losses.

Already a circular directing the NCS to begin the implementation and conveying President Muhammadu Bahari’s approval has been issued and is circulated across various commands and units of the agency nationwide.

The import duty reprieve covers aviation engines and spare parts and takes immediate effect.

The Presidential directive was conveyed through a circular from the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja.

It said the reduction followed the decision to prune applicable levies and duties on vehicles to mitigate rising transport costs and boost the mass transit industry.

The Deputy Comptroller-General, Trade and Tariff (T&T), T.M. Isa, signed the circular dated February 18 on behalf of the Comptroller General of the NCS.

The essence of the assent, according to the document, is to support the implementation of the 2021 budget of economic recovery which culminated in the changes of the fiscal framework in terms of the importation of automotive vehicles into the country.

The circular, with reference number: A HMF/BNP/CUSTOM/FA 2020/02/20 and dated 8 February 2021, was titled T&T/2021 Circular N0.5 Grant of the Presidential Assent of Finance Act 2020.

It read in part, “Pursuant to the assent by Mr President to the Finance Act 2020 to support the implementation of the 2021 Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience, certain changes to the fiscal framework regarding the importation of specific automotive vehicles into Nigeria have been introduced.

“These reforms are designed to reduce the applicable levies and duties on vehicles, mitigate rising transport costs, boost road transportation and mass transit industry. Arising from aforestated, Section 38 of the Finance Act, 2020 modified the First Schedule to the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), Etc (Consolidation ) Act by amending applicable duties and levies as follows:

“a) Reduction of Import Duty on Fully Built (FBU) of Agricultural Tractors (HSHS Headings 8701 from 35 per cent to five per cent as applicable.

1. b) Reduction of Import Duty of Fully Built Unit of Motor Vehicles for the Transport of persons (cars) (HS Headings 8703 from 35 per cent to five per cent as applicable.

“c) Reduction of Import Duty of Fully Built Unit (FBU) of Motor Vehicles for the Transport of Goods (HSHS Headings (HSBC Headings 8704) from 35 per cent to 10 per cent as applicable.

“4. Furthermore, the Act also introduces fiscal incentives for the Aviation Sector,” adding, “for the avoidance of doubts, airlines registered in Nigeria which provide commercial air transport services by owning or leasing aircraft are to enjoy free importation of aircraft, engines, spare parts and other components.”

The NCS official directed that the circular be widely circulated to ensure immediate compliance.