CBN Reviews FX Rates for Customs Duty on Importation
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has reviewed the formula for fixing foreign exchange (FX) rates for Customs duty on importation. Dr Hassan Mahmud, the Director, Trade and Exchange Department of the CBN said this in a memo addressed to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the general public on Friday in Abuja.
According to Mahmud, the idea is to check irregular changes in the Import Duty Assessment levies applied by the NCS. “Following the liberalisation of the FX market, the CBN has noted the concern of Importers of goods and services in the irregular changes in the Import Duty Assessment levies applied by the NCS.
“These developments have further built uncertainties around the pricing structure of goods and services in the economy. It is creating an abnormal increase in the final sale prices of items, largely driven by uncertainty rather than traditional market fundamentals, with implications for near term inflation trends.
“To this effect, the CBN wishes to advise that the NCS and other related parties adopt the closing FX rate on the date of opening Form M for the importation of goods, as the FX rate to be used for Import Duty Assessment,” he said.
The director said that this rate would remain valid until the date of termination of the importation and clearance of goods by importers.
He said this would enable the NCS and the importers to plan appropriately and reduce the uncertainties around varying daily exchange rates in determining their revenue or cost structure.
“Therefore, effective Feb. 26, the closing rate on the date of opening of Form M for the importation of goods and services will be the rate that will apply for the import duty assessment.
“This supersedes the requirements of Memorandum 9 of the CBN Foreign Exchange Manual. While the CBN is mindful of the initial volatility and price distortions in the aftermath of the FX market liberalisation, the apex bank is confident that these reforms would ensure stability in the market and entrench market confidence,” he said.
Nigeria Customs had adjusted its FX rate for tariffs and duty collection to N1,413 to the dollar on Feb. 3. The NCS had earlier adjusted the rate from N951 to N1,356 to the dollar on Feb. 2.
The frequent review of Customs exchange rates for computing Import Duty has raised concerns among Nigeria’s business community. #CBN Reviews FX Rates for Customs Duty on Importation Africa Countries Top World’s 20 Fastest-Growing Economies in 2024
