Customs Introduces New Operating Standards for Courier Companies
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the activities of courier companies operating under the Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Incoterm in Nigeria.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada. According to the NCS, the initiative is aimed at creating a unified and transparent operational framework for courier services, in line with international best practices.
Maiwada explained that the new SOP covers critical operational areas, including company registration, manifest submission, cargo declaration, valuation, clearance, delivery, and compliance monitoring. He noted that the DDP framework is anchored on internationally recognised legal and regulatory standards.
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“This procedure draws its legal foundation from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Incoterms 2020, the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, and other relevant international agreements,” the statement said.
Under the new guidelines, courier companies intending to operate under the DDP regime are required to obtain a licence from the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters License and Permit Unit.
The Customs spokesman further stated that applicants must submit mandatory documentation, including Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration certificates, valid courier operation licences, compliance bonds, and a formal application indicating their intention to operate under the DDPDDP arrangement.
In addition, all licensed courier operators are required to submit an Advance Electronic Manifest (AEM) at least 24 hours before the arrival of any shipment. The manifest must clearly indicate Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) as the applicable Incoterm.
The NCS said the new operating standards are expected to enhance transparency, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve efficiency within the courier and logistics sector, while aligning Nigeria’s customs operations with global trade practices.
By PRNigeria
