Customs to Sanction Non-Compliant Importers, Clearing Agents

The Nigeria Customs Service has issued a stern warning to importers and licensed clearing agents, declaring its intention to impose strict sanctions on operators who fail to comply with customs laws, procedures and documentation requirements. The Service said the move is aimed at strengthening compliance, protecting government revenue and improving transparency within the nation’s ports and border operations.

Customs authorities explained that non-compliance by some importers and agents continues to undermine trade facilitation efforts and distort the integrity of the clearance process. According to the Service, infractions such as false declaration, under-valuation, concealment, misuse of licences and diversion of cargo remain prevalent despite ongoing reforms.

The NCS stated that it will no longer tolerate practices that compromise national security and revenue collection. Officials said sanctions would be applied in line with existing laws, including fines, seizure and forfeiture of goods, suspension of licences and prosecution where necessary.

Customs noted that licensed customs agents play a critical role in the clearance chain and are expected to uphold professional standards. The Service warned that agents who collude with importers to evade duties or bypass procedures risk losing their operating licences permanently.

According to the NCS, intelligence reports and compliance audits have revealed repeated cases of importers deliberately providing inaccurate cargo descriptions and quantities to reduce payable duties. The Service said such actions not only deprive the government of revenue but also create unfair competition for compliant businesses.

Customs explained that it has strengthened its post-clearance audit and risk management systems to detect violations even after cargo has been released. With enhanced data analytics and profiling tools, the Service said offenders will be identified and held accountable regardless of when the infraction occurred.

The NCS also highlighted the growing use of technology to monitor transactions and declarations across ports. Automated platforms now allow Customs to cross-check manifests, invoices and payment records in real time, reducing opportunities for manipulation.

Officials said the planned sanctions are part of broader efforts to enforce discipline and professionalism in the import and clearing process. According to Customs, trade facilitation does not mean lax enforcement, and compliance remains the foundation of efficient cargo clearance.

The Service stressed that importers must ensure accurate classification, valuation and origin declaration of goods. Customs warned that ignorance of regulations will not be accepted as an excuse, especially for frequent importers and licensed agents who are expected to understand applicable rules.

Customs further stated that agents found lending their licences to unauthorised individuals would face severe penalties. The practice, which has become common in some ports, undermines regulatory oversight and increases the risk of fraud and security breaches.

Industry stakeholders have acknowledged that non-compliance remains a major challenge within the maritime sector. Freight forwarders and port users have noted that while many operators follow the rules, a few bad actors often create systemic problems that affect overall efficiency and reputation.

Some stakeholders, however, have urged Customs to ensure that enforcement actions are fair, transparent and consistent. They argue that selective enforcement or discretionary sanctions could erode trust and discourage compliance.

In response, Customs officials said enforcement would be guided strictly by the law and supported by documented evidence. The Service emphasised that sanctions would not be arbitrary and that affected parties would be given the opportunity to respond in line with due process.

The NCS also called on importers and agents to take advantage of training programmes and sensitisation workshops organised by the Service and relevant professional bodies. According to Customs, better understanding of procedures will reduce errors and unintentional violations.

Customs noted that compliance is essential to achieving the Federal Government’s goal of improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking. Efficient and transparent port operations, the Service said, depend on cooperation between regulators and the trading community.

The warning comes amid ongoing reforms to modernise customs operations, including the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technologies and end-to-end automation of clearance processes. Customs believes that as systems become more transparent, non-compliance will be easier to detect and harder to conceal.

Economic analysts say stricter enforcement could help boost government revenue at a time of fiscal pressure. With oil revenues under strain, customs duties and levies remain a key source of non-oil revenue for the government.Analysts also note that improved compliance can reduce delays and costs at the ports. When declarations are accurate and procedures followed, cargo clearance becomes faster, benefiting both businesses and the wider economy.

Customs reiterated that its objective is not to punish operators unnecessarily but to ensure a level playing field. According to the Service, compliant importers and agents should not be disadvantaged by those who cut corners and evade obligations.The NCS urged all stakeholders to review their operations and align fully with customs regulations. Importers were advised to work only with licensed and reputable agents, while agents were encouraged to uphold ethical standards.

As enforcement intensifies, Customs said it will continue to engage stakeholders to address genuine concerns and operational challenges. However, the Service made it clear that deliberate non-compliance will attract firm sanctions.The Nigeria Customs Service concluded that strengthening compliance is essential to safeguarding national revenue, enhancing port efficiency and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s trade system.