IMPORT (PROHIBITION) ACT

An Act prohibits the importation of specified goods to protect domestic industries and public health. It targets importers, customs officers, and manufacturers to enforce restrictions on dangerous or substandard items. This aims to support import substitution and enhance national security.

What Is This Policy?

An Act that provides the legal basis for the prohibition of specified goods from importation into Nigeria, protecting domestic industry, public health, and national security.

Who Does It Target?

Importers and customs agents Nigeria Customs Service enforcement officers Manufacturers of goods competing with imports Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Protect Nigerian industries from unfair foreign competition, prevent importation of dangerous, substandard, or counterfeit goods, and support the government's import substitution policies.

Key Features

Prohibited Goods List: Empowers the Minister to publish lists of goods prohibited from importation into Nigeria. Customs Enforcement: Grants Customs the authority to seize and forfeit prohibited imports at ports and borders. Penalties: Prescribes criminal penalties for persons who attempt to import prohibited goods. Exemptions: Provides for exemptions from prohibition for approved special purposes such as government procurement.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All ports and border points in Nigeria Beneficiaries: Domestic manufacturers; Nigerian consumers (quality protection); public safety Funding: Federal Government

How to Access

Importers must verify that goods are not on the prohibited list before shipping Apply for exemption from the Ministry of Finance where an exemption is needed Import documents must accompany all goods at customs clearance Application method: Engage Nigeria Customs Service or the Federal Ministry of Finance for prohibited goods queries.

Important Terms

Importing prohibited goods constitutes smuggling under the Customs Act Goods seized for prohibition violations are forfeited to the government Prohibited goods lists are updated by ministerial order; importers should check before each shipment

Official Resources

Website: https://www.customs.gov.ng Contact: Nigeria Customs Service / Federal Ministry of Finance

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative authority of the National Assembly pursuant to Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Customs and Excise Management Act, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act, and Nigeria's trade policy framework.