CUSTOMS PORT (DESIGNATION) ORDER
Act · Trade
An Order designates specific ports, airports, and border posts for importing and exporting goods, requiring Customs presence for clearance. It targets importers, exporters, shipping companies, and Customs officers at these locations. This prevents smuggling and ensures proper supervision of trade.
CUSTOMS PORT (DESIGNATION) ORDER
What Is This Policy?
An Order designating the ports, airports, and land border posts at which goods may legally be imported into or exported from Nigeria, with Customs present to clear goods.
Who Does It Target?
Importers and exporters choosing ports of entry Nigeria Customs Service at designated ports Shipping companies choosing Nigerian ports Freight forwarders and customs agents
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Define officially designated ports of entry and exit to concentrate customs operations, prevent smuggling through non-designated points, and ensure proper customs supervision of international trade.
Key Features
Designated Ports: Lists all approved ports, airports, and land borders where goods may legally enter or leave Nigeria. Prohibition: Importing or exporting through non-designated points is an act of smuggling. NCS Presence: All designated points must have Nigeria Customs Service officers stationed. Periodic Review: The Minister may add or remove points from the designation list as needed.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All Nigerian international trade entry and exit points Beneficiaries: Legitimate traders; government revenue Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
All international trade must pass through designated points Ship and aircraft masters must proceed to the nearest designated port upon arrival Application method: Engage NCS at designated ports for customs clearance.
Important Terms
Entry through a non-designated point is smuggling regardless of duty paid status Masters who allow cargo to be landed at non-designated points face criminal prosecution Some goods may only be imported through specific named ports
Official Resources
Website: https://www.customs.gov.ng Contact: Nigeria Customs Service
Legal Framework
Issued under the executive powers of the Minister of Finance or Customs pursuant to the Customs and Excise Management Act (Cap C45 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the Nigeria Customs Service Act, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Act, and the Land Border Management framework. Aligns with World Customs Organization (WCO) standards on port designation and customs facilitation.