The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at regulating courier companies operating under the Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Incoterm.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, who said the initiative was designed to establish a unified operational framework for courier services in Nigeria.
According to Maiwada, the SOP covers key areas such as registration, manifest submission, declaration, valuation, cargo clearance, delivery, and compliance monitoring, in line with international standards and best practices.
He explained that the DDP initiative is grounded in established international legal frameworks and aligns with global customs procedures.
“This procedure draws its legal foundation from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Incoterms 2020, the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, and other relevant international agreements,” the statement read.
Under the new SOP, courier companies intending to operate under the DDP regime are required to obtain a licence from the NCS Headquarters License and Permit Unit.
Maiwada noted that interested operators must submit mandatory documentation, including Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration papers, valid courier licences, compliance bonds, and a formal application to operate under the DDP framework.
In addition, all licensed courier companies are required to submit an Advance Electronic Manifest (AEM) at least 24 hours before the arrival of any shipment. The manifest must clearly indicate DDP as the applicable Incoterm.
The Customs spokesman said the new guidelines are expected to enhance transparency, ensure proper duty payment, and strengthen regulatory oversight within Nigeria’s courier and logistics sector.
