Nigerian Customs circular 42/2004 dated 6th September referred to circular 29/2004 of 21st June which prohibits yarn from importation, and clarified that the items labelled (a to r) in the import prohibition order vide circular no. 009/2004 of 5th March 2004 being exclusions to textile fabrics of all types and articles thereof chapters 50-63 are not prohibited from importation.

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The Nigerian government has approved a recommendation by the National Cocoa Development Committee (NCDC) for a ban on the importation of cocoa powder and cocoa cake. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Mallam Adamu Bello was quoted as saying that the ban "is part of recommendations made by the sub-committee on alternative uses of the NCDC."

On increased local consumption of cocoa, the minister said that other recommendations include adoption of a five-year strategic plan to consume 10 percent of Nigeria's total cocoa production per year up to 50 percent at the end of the plan. After imposing a ban on the importation of textile products and live and processed birds in 2003, Nigeria in early this year banned the importation of 41 items of them, a move largely seen as punitive by Nigerians who have a taste for foreign goods.

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Nigerian Customs circular 43/2004 of 15th September drew the attention of its personnel to the fact that there had been attempts to import soap, contrary to the ban, by declaring it as chemical raw materials, and went on to state that all importation of sodium tallowate, monocarboxylic fatty acid, tall oil fatty acid and other related chemical raw materials must be cleared by headquarters and NAFDAC before final release by customs.

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Customs Circular No 29/2004 has amended a recent import prohibition order. All items under HS codes 50-63, textile fabrics and articles thereof and all types of yarn are now banned.

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Effective date for the implementation of ban on embroidery lace has been shifted from 4th January to 4th April. Please see below the relevant Federal Ministry of Finance and Customs circular.

THE BAN IMPOSED ON IMPORTATION OF TEXTILES WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO EMBROIDERY LACES - Circular No 14/2004
I am directed to inform you that Mr. President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, has approved that the ban on embroidery lace should take effect from 4th April, 2004 as against 4th of January, 2004. This order applies to embroidery lace only and to no other textile materials. The reason for extension is to allow imported inventories to be sold out.
SIGNED: Olabode M. Agusto MFR, Director-General

SUNDRY AGENCIES IN NIGERIAN PORTS
We confirm media reports informing that only the Customs, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will henceforth remain at the ports. Other agencies such as the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Plant and Quarantine Services and other sundry agencies will be invited by the three agencies (NCS; NAFDAC; NDLEA) before they can participate in cargo inspection.

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The Government is expected to announce additions to the 41 items currently banned from importation in order to provide protection for local manufacturers. In the meantime a group of textile importers have made representations to the Government seeking to delay for six months the date of implementation of the ban on textile imports. Separately they have claimed that Nigerian manufacturers can only meet 20% of demand. The need to protect domestic industry is amply demonstrated by the fact that due to imports in recent years nearly 60 textile manufacturers have been forced to close down with the loss of over 20,000 jobs.

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1. Wheat flour - HS Code 1101.0000.
2. Sorghum - HS Code 1007.000
3. Mosquito repellant - HS Code 3803.1110.
4. Retreaded/used tyres HS Code 4012.1000 - 4012,9000.
5. Motor Vehicle above eight (8) years old, but excluding tractors, trucks, trailer/trailer heads and buses provided not imported through land borders.
6. Gaming machines 9504.1000 - 9504.3000.
7. Cement in Bags - HS Code 2523.2910.
8. Bulk importation of vegetable oil.
9. Imported packaged vegetable oils and fats
10. Importation of any motor vehicle through land border.
11. Used Refrigerators - HS Code 8418.2100.
12. Used Air-conditioners - HS. Code 8415.1000.
13. Used Compressors - HS. Code 8414.8000 and 3415.3000
14. Poultry products - HS code 0207.0000 - 3600
15. Cassava, cassava products (importation through land border
    banned - HS code 0714,1000, 1106.2000, 1108.1400 & 1903.0000
16. Toothpick in any form - wood (4421.9000) Quilt (9601.9000) e.tc
17. Table drinking water (spring or sparkling) - HS code 2201.1000-9000
18. All types of biscuits - HS code 1905.1000 - 9000
19. Spaghetti and noodles - HS code 1902.1100-4000
20. Importation of fruit juice – HS Code 2009.110 to be in concentrates and in drums only (not in retail pack ready to drink)
21. Attapulgite - HS code 2511.1000/ 2508.1100-1900 & 2508.2000
22. Packaged fruit juice
23. Sugar confectionaries (sweets/chocolates) - HS code 1704.1000-9000, 1805.2000
24. Exercise books - HS code 4820.2000
25. Envelopes - HS code 4817.1000
26. Beer (BOTTLED and CANNED) HS code 2203-0000
27. Toilet Rolls - HS code 4803.1900
28. Textile fabrics of all types and articles thereof, chapter's 50-63,
    but excluding-:
    (a) Nylon tyre core - H.S. code 5902.1000-5902.9000
    (b) Multi filament Nylon Chafer fabric and tracing cloth
    H.S. code 5111.2000; 5112.2000 and 5901.9000
    (C) Mattress Ticking- H.S. code 5903.1000-5903.9000
    (d) Narrow Fabrics - H.S. code 5806.1000 - 5806.4000
    (e) Trimmings and Linings - H.S. code 5909.0000; 6117.9000; 5808.9000, 6003.000, 6307.9000
    (f) Made-up Fishing nets - H.S. code 5608.1100
    (9) Mosquito Netting Materials – HS Code 5608.1900 and 5608.9000
    (h) Gloves for Industrial use - H.S. code 6116.1000-6116.9900
    (i) Canvas Fabrics for Manufacture of Fan Belt - H.S. code 5907.0000, 5908.000
    (J) Moulding cups Lacera -H.S. code 6212.9000
    (k) Elastic Bands - H.S. code 5604.9000
    (1) Motifs- H.S. code 5810.1000-5810.9000
    (m) Textile Fabrics and articles for Technical use -H.S. code 5911.1000- 5911.9000
    (n) Transmission or Conveyor belt or belting of textile materials H. Code 5910.9900
    (0) Poly propylene primary backing material - H.S, code 5512.110 5512.9900
    (P) Fibre rope - H.S. code 5607.1000 - 5607.9000
    (q) Mutilated rags - H.S. code 6310.1100
    (r) Sacks and bags - H.S. code 6305.1000 and 6305.2000
29. Men's Foot wear and Bags of leather and plastic's (excluding ladies')- H.S. code 3926.2000, 6401.1000-6405.9000, 4202.1100-4202.9000
30. Soap and Detergents - H.S. code 3401.1100-3402.9000
31. Furniture -H.S. code 9401.1000-9401.9000; 9403.1000-9406.000
32. Assembled Bicycles (excluding CKD)-H.S. code 8712.0000
33. Flowers (plastics and fresh) - H.S. code 0603.1000-0603.9000, 6702.1000-6702.9000

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The Nigeria Customs Service on 6 February banned the importation of live or dead birds into the country. The measure is to protect the country from the outbreak of bird flu, which killed thousands of chicken, infected persons and forced the slaughtering of millions of chicken in about 10 Asian countries. According to Customs Deputy Comptroller-General, Dr John Nwaiwu, President Olusegun Obasanjo ordered the ban on chicken imports. The ban affects all kinds of birds imported into the country, including live chicken and turkey.

The President had on Friday 6 January asked veterinary doctors to be on guard in order to ensure the safety of the nation's livestock and poultry products.

It is strongly suggested that the Asian bird flue may likely spread to Europe and other parts of the world. Customs have therefore directed officers at entry points to ensure strict compliance with the ban.

The Federal Government in March 2003 placed a temporary ban on egg imports from the The Netherlands and its European neighbours to protect the country from the outbreak of Avian influenza, a disease similar to the Asian flu.

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1. Wheat flour
2. Sorghum
3. Mosquito repellant
4. Retreaded/used tyres
5. Motor vehicle above 8 years, excludes tractors, trucks, trailer/trailerheads and buses provided not imported through the land borders
6. Gaming machines
7. Cement in Bags
8. Importation of vegetable oil in bulk
9. Importation of vehicle through land borders
10. Used refrigerators
11. Used airconditioners
12. Used compressors
13. Printed fabrics
14. Frozen poultry
15. Cassava and cassava products
16. Toothpick in any form
17. Drinking water (spring or sparkle)
18. All types of biscuits
19. Spaghetti and noodles
20. Importation of fruit juice to be as concentrates only (not in retail packs ready to drink)
21. Byrites, Bentonite and Attupulgite
22. Importation of all textiles - except through Apapa and Tin Can Island ports and must be in 20 ft containers in the following range:

• Other textiles (not printed) - 110,000 – 140,000 metres
• Brocade/Damask - 120,000 - 130,000 metres
• Lace/Embroidery - 70,000 - 80,000 metres

23. Sugar confectioneries (sweet/chocolates)
24. Exercise books
25. Envelopes
26. Beer (bottled/canned)
27. Toilet rolls
28. Gypsum
29. Millet

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1) Air pistols
2) Airmail photographic printing paper
3) Base or counterfeit coin of any country
4) Beads composed of inflammable celluloid or other similar substances
5) Blank invoice
6) Coupons for foreign football pools or other betting arrangements
7) Cowries
8) Exhausted tea or tea mixed with other substances. For the purposes of this item, "exhausted tea" means any tea which has been deprived of its proper quality, strength or virtue by steeping, infusion, decoction or other means
9) Implements appertaining to the reloading of cartridges
10) Indecent or obscene prints, paintings, books, cards, engravings or any indecent or obscene articles
11) Manillas
12) Matches made with white phosphorous
13) Materials of any description with a design which considering the purpose for which any such material is intended to be used, is likely in the opinion of the President to create a breach of the peace or to offend the religious views of any class of persons in Nigeria.
14) Meat, vegetables or other provisions declared by a Health office to be unfit for human consumption
15) Piece goods and all other textiles including wearing apparel, hardware of all kinds, crockery and China or earthenware goods bearing inscriptions (whether Roman or Arabic characters) from the Koran of from the traditions and commentaires on the Koran
16) Pistols disguised in any form
17) Second hand clothing
18) Silver or metal alloy coins not being legal tender in Nigeria
19) Spirits A. other than : a)alcoholic bitters, liqueurs, cordials and mixtures admitted as such in his discretion by the Director and which are not deemed to be injurious spirits within the meaning of any enactement or law relating to liquor or liquor licensing; b)brandy, i.e. a spirit : (i) distilled in grape-growing countries from fermented grape and from no other materials; and (ii) stored in wood for a period of three years; c)drugs and medicinal spirits admitted as such in his discretion by the Director; d)gin, i.e a spirit : (i) produced by distillation from a mixed mash of cereal grains only saccharified by the diastase of malt and then flavoured by re-distillation with juniper berries and other vegetable ingredients and of a brand which has been notified as an approved brand by notice in the Gazette and in containers labelled with the name and address of the owner of the brand; or (ii) produced by distillation at least three times in a pot-still from a mixed mash of barley, rye and maize saccharified by the diastase of malt and then rectified by re-distillation in a pot-still after the addition of juniper berries and other vegetable materials; e)methylated or denatured spirits, i.e : (i) mineralised methylated spirit mixed as follows: to every ninety parts of volume of spirits nine and one-half parts by volume of wood naphtha and one-half part volume of crude pyridine and to every 455 litres of the mixture 1.7 litres of mineral naphtha or petroleum oil and not less than 0.7 grammes by weight of powdered aniline dye (methylviolet) and so in proportion for any quantity less than 455 litres; and (ii) industrial methylated spirit, imported under licence from the Director and mixed as follows : to every ninety-five parts by volume of spirits five parts by volume of wood naphtha and also one-half of one part by volume of the mixture; and (iii) spirits denatured for a particular purpose in such manner as the Director in any special circumstance may permit ; f)perfumed spirits g)rum, i.e. a spirit : (i) distilled direct from sugar-cane products in sugar-cane growing countries; and (ii) stored in wood for a period of three years; h)spirits imported for medical or scientific purposes subject to such conditions as the Director may prescribe; i)spirits totally unfit for use as potable spirits admitted to entry as such in the discretion by the Director; j)whisky, i.e a spirit : (i) obtained by distillation from a mash or cereal grains saccharified by the diastase of malt; and (ii) stored in wood for a period of three years B. containing more than forty-eight and one-half "per centum" of pure alcohol by volume except denatured, medicated and perfumed spirits and such other spirits which the Director, in his discretion, may allow to be imported subject to such conditions as he may see fit to impose.
20) Weapons of any description which in the opinion of the Comptroller General are designed for discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other similar substance and any ammunition containing or in the opinion of the Comptroller General designed or adapted to contain any noxious liquid, gas or other similar substance.
21) Expired food products (whether in can or any other packages)
22) All imported foodstuffs (including fruits and vegetables) for which the Minister of Health or the Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency has issued a certificate of contamination with any toxic or nuclear substance or any other harmful waste as defined in the harmful waste (special criminal provisions, etc) Decree 1995.

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1) Pharmaceutical products not listed in the Nigeria
2) Essential Drug List require special approval (Decree 43 of 13/12/93)
3) All electrical equipment should be accompanied by an instruction manual and possess a guarantee or warranty of at least 6 months.
4) Computer hardware and Software must be Year 2000 compliant.
5) Plant materials, whether for planting, consumption or Industry shall be covered with phytosanitary certificate of the country of export, certifying that the plant material was inspected and found free from pests and that some treatment has been made where applicable in line with the International Plant Protection Convention of FAO
6) Electrical appliances (fluorescent lamps, electric bulbs, electric irons, kettles etc) are required to carry information about their life performance whilst cables must carry information on their rating.
7) Manufactured goods and materials are subject to Standard Organisation of Nigeria's (SON) certification in accordance with the provision of its enabling law.Foodstuffs (including drinks), pharmaceuticals and chemicals should carry expiry dates and/or shelf life and specify active ingredients where applicable on their packaging. All electrical equipment should carry safety Information and/or warning signs
8) Every manufactured item including components and spare parts shall be branded and bear manufacturers' names. (Unbranded products may be subject to seizure or destroyal by authorities upon arrival.)
9) All goods imported into Nigeria shall be labelled in English in addition to any other language or render themselves liable for confiscation

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The listed items attract customs duty rates as specified here.

Zero duty concession on plant, machinery and spare parts to bonafide cement manufacturers.

REDUCTION OF EXCISE DUTY ON CIGARETTES
Cigarettes (HS code 2402.1000) 20%

REMOVAL FROM IMPORT PROHIBITION LIST

• Bentonite (HS code 2508.1000)
• Barytes (HS code 1514.1100-2000) and maize
• (HS code 1005.1100-9000) have been removed from the Import Prohibition list from year 2000

• Stout, beer, wines, vermouth and fermented beverages
• (HS codes 2203.0000-2206.0000) at 40%

PORT REFORMS
Pre-shipment inspection of Imports will continue in year 2000.

EXPORT INCENTIVES
The use of Negotiable Duty Credit certificate (NDCCO in lieu of cash to settle claims of beneficiaries under the New Manufacturer-in-Bond-Scheme (NMIBS) will continue in Year 2000.

The 10% processing fee being charged by Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on beneficiaries of (NMIBS) is hereby abolished.

The grant being given to exporters of processed products is hereby increased from 4% to 10% of their annual export turn-over.

ECOWAS TRADE LIBERALISATION SCHEME
In line with the provision of the protocol on ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, 0.5% of the value of import duty from third countries will, from year 2000, be paid into the TLS account..

You are advised to implement these tariff amendments and policy measures in line with the year 2000 budget. Amendment of the Clean Report of Inspection should not be entertained without prior approval of the Honourable Minister of Finance.

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1. Maize and yam
2. Timber (rough or sawn), excluding furniture components, railway slippers, floor and ceiling titles, doors, windows, and pallet.
3. Raw hides and skin (including wet blue and all unfinished leather)
4. Scrap metals
5. Unprocessed rubber latex and rubber lumps
6. Artifacts and Antiquities
7. Wild life animals classified as Endangered species and their products e.g. crocrodile, Elephant, Lizard, Eagle, Monkey, Zebra, Lion etc.
8. Raw palm kernel
9. Unprocessed rubber and rubber lumps
10. Beans
11. Rice
12. Cassava

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