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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has provided valuable information on how to use its recently enhanced customs e-auction portal for the transparent disposal of seized and overdue goods.
The upgraded e-auction platform aims to streamline the process and ensure fairness in the bidding process.
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Here’s a summary of key information about the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) e-auction portal, as provided by the NCS on its official platform:
Launch Date:
The upgraded customs e auction portal was launched on Monday, 15th January 2024.
Eligibility Requirements:
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- Only individuals with a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) from FIRS, validated on tax promax, can participate in the e-auction.
- Interested participants must have an active email to sign up on the e-auction platform.
Registration and Fee:
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- Upon successful sign-up, participants must pay a non-refundable fee of N1,000 through the platform.
- Each bid on the portal incurs a participation fee of N1,000.
Bidding Rules:
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- Participants can bid for a maximum of two items per window, with unlimited bids.
- Items auctioned on the Customs e-auction portal are sold “as is,” and the NCS won’t entertain requests for replacement or refund.
Auction Schedule:
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- The customs e-auction portal is open for bids from participants every Tuesday, from 12 noon to 6 pm.
Payment and Collection:
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- Participants winning bids on items are required to make payments within 3 days and collect items from the designated terminal.
Additional Charges:
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- Overtime goods on the e-auction portal incur an additional charge on the winning bid, with 25% going to the shipping company and the remaining 25% to terminal operations.
Validation and Documentation:
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- Winners claiming items must provide necessary documentation and identification.
- Nigerian Customs officers and owners of seized items are ineligible to participate in the auction.
- All winnings must be validated at Customs Area Controller’s offices nationwide.
Payment Requirements:
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- Prompt payment of a 7.5% VAT and a refundable container deposit (if applicable) are mandatory.
It’s essential for potential participants to carefully review and adhere to the outlined procedures and rules to engage effectively in the NCS e-auction process.
Additional Information about the customs e auction portal
Following the Nigerian Customs Service Act of 2023, cargo is classified as overdue if the importer neglects to complete the clearance process within 90 days at the port.
The legislation empowers the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to confiscate overdue goods at the port.
Furthermore, the NCS has the authority to conduct auctions for confiscated and overdue goods at the ports, thereby making room for incoming shipments and generating revenue for the government.
