The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the activities of courier companies operating under the Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Incoterm.
Announcing this in a statement, NCS spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada said the move is intended to create a harmonised framework covering key operational areas such as registration, manifest submission, declaration, valuation, clearance, delivery, and compliance monitoring, in line with global best practices.
He noted that the DDP initiative is anchored on internationally recognised legal standards and aligns with global operational benchmarks.
“This procedure draws its legal foundation from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Incoterms 2020, the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the WCO (World Customs Organisation), SAFE Framework of Standards, and other relevant agreements,” the statement said.
Under the new guidelines, courier companies seeking to operate within the DDP framework must obtain a licence from the NCS Headquarters License and Permit Unit.
PRESS RELEASE
NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE COMMENCES IMPLEMENTATION OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR COURIER COMPANIES OPERATING UNDER DELIVERED DUTY PAID (DDP) REGIME
1. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announces the commencement of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for… pic.twitter.com/FDvRhJx0j8
— NIGERIA CUSTOMS (@CustomsNG) January 13, 2026
Maiwada explained that applicants are required to submit compulsory documents, including CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) registration papers, valid courier licences, compliance bonds, and a formal application to operate under DDP.”
He added that all licensed operators must submit an Advance Electronic Manifest (AEM) at least 24 hours before the arrival of any shipment, with DDP clearly indicated as the applicable Incoterm.