The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has migrated from the old version of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Common External Tariff (2017- 2021) to the new version (2022- 2026).
The migration which came into effect on Friday, April 1, 2022 was in-line with the World Customs Organization (WCO) five years review of the nomenclature.
According to a statement on Monday by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Timi Bomodi, the contracting parties were expected to adopt the review based on regional considerations and national economic policy.
Bomodi disclosed that the nation had adopted all tariff lines with few adjustments in the extant CET.
He said, “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.
“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 government.”
The Service spokesman further disclosed that the NCS had 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 Nigeria’s case promotes industrialization
through sectoral and sub-sectoral incentives for members targeted at economic growth, enhancement of security and minimized consumption of unwholesome goods.
He also be noted that the Automotive industry, bonafide assemblers, manufacturers of auto spare parts and other local manufacturers enhance technology transfer and skill acquisition create jobs and increase per capita income.
“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 rate for 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.
“Implementing the current CET takes immediate effect, please”, he concluded.
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