The Nigeria Customs Service has released new guidelines for duty-free imports of CNG and electric vehicles, outlining eligible vehicles, exemptions and conditions for importers
Nigeria Customs Releases Duty-Free Import Guidelines for CNG and Electric Vehicles
The Nigeria Customs Service has announced fresh guidelines for the duty-free importation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to promote cleaner energy, lower transportation costs and expand the adoption of alternative fuel technologies across the country.
The guidelines, issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance under the Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative, grant exemptions from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on a range of environmentally friendly vehicles, equipment and components.
According to the Customs Service, the incentives cover fully CNG-powered vehicles, fully Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)-powered vehicles, pure electric vehicles, Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) with a minimum electric driving range of 200 kilometres, CNG and LPG conversion kits for petrol and diesel vehicles, certified tricycles and motorcycles, as well as semi-trailers equipped with skid-mounted CNG, LPG and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage tanks for gas distribution.
The Service, however, said importers seeking to benefit from the exemptions must first obtain an Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) from the Federal Ministry of Finance and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.
It added that hybrid electric vehicles, dual-fuel internal combustion engine vehicles, luxury vehicles valued at $100,000 and above, CNG vehicles converted overseas without factory-fitted CNG capability, non-self-driven semi-trailers and flatbeds, as well as spare parts, do not qualify for the incentives and will continue to attract import duty and VAT.
Explaining the policy, the Customs Service said: “The implementation of these fiscal incentives is intended to support the Federal Government’s broader objectives of reducing transportation and energy costs, encouraging investment in clean energy infrastructure, expanding the adoption of alternative fuel technologies, and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and environmental sustainability agenda.”
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparent implementation of the policy under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, while urging importers, licensed customs agents and other stakeholders to adhere strictly to the approved guidelines.
“The Service remains committed to the effective and transparent implementation of these incentives and urges all stakeholders, importers, licensed customs agents, and other operators within the trade ecosystem to ensure strict compliance with the applicable guidelines and regulatory requirements,” it stated.
