Abuja – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate courier companies operating under the Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Incoterm, in line with international best practices.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, who said the initiative is aimed at establishing a unified operational framework for courier services in Nigeria.
According to him, the SOP covers key operational areas including registration, manifest submission, declaration, valuation, clearance, delivery, and compliance monitoring, while ensuring alignment with global standards.
Maiwada explained that the DDP initiative is anchored on internationally recognised legal and regulatory frameworks.
“This procedure draws its legal foundation from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Incoterms 2020, the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, and other relevant international agreements,” the statement read.
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 spokesperson further stated that applicants must submit mandatory documentation, including Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration certificates, valid courier operating licences, compliance bonds, and a formal application to operate under the DDP framework.
In addition, all licensed operators are mandated to submit an Advance Electronic Manifest (AEM) at least 24 hours before the arrival of any shipment, clearly indicating DDP as the applicable Incoterm.
The NCS noted that the new SOP is expected to enhance transparency, improve compliance, facilitate trade, and strengthen customs control within Nigeria’s courier and logistics sector.
