General News

DHL Advises Consumers on Potential Customs Charges on Int’l Courier Routes

Published

10 years ago

November 18, 2015

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In the lead up to the festive season, consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping portals instead of visiting physical stores due the convenience that these platforms offer.

According to Oliver Facey, vice president, Operations for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa, while local consumers are embracing the shift towards e-commerce, many are still not aware of the regulations involved with importing products purchased online from international retailers, which could lead to consumers incurring unexpected expenses. These charges also apply when receiving gifts from international origins.

He explains that consumers are often caught off-guard when their shipments and gifts arrive from international origins with unexpected additional charges.

“These are incurred when going through Customs where, depending on the type of goods being shipped, parcels may be subject to duties and taxes. All shipments transported across international borders must be cleared through Customs, and gifts are not necessarily exempted from duties and taxes.

“Import duties and taxes differ in each country and are usually calculated as a percentage of the item value but in certain instances they could also be a flat fee, depending on the product type. Import shipments may also be subject to interventions by Customs where the price, contents and country of manufacture are often investigated to mitigate a wide range of risks. This could result in delivery delays as well as additional costs.

He said that as many consumers make use of e-commerce platforms to purchase and send gifts over the holiday season, they need to take note of the receiving country’s regulations to avoid the recipient being liable for additional charges. “For example, customs bureaus in Angola have legislated tax-free exemptions for gifts to an individual as long as the value is less than USD 350 and in Zimbabwe, the limit is USD 50. In South Africa, the value is R400, while Tanzania’s threshold is USD 15.

“With the weakening Rand in South Africa, this needs to be top of mind for shoppers should they not want to incur additional charges for gifts purchased online. It is also important to note that each South African citizen may only receive two gifts, up to the value of R400 each year without incurring additional customs charges – i.e. the third or fourth gift will not be exempt from customs charges. Also note that all types of alcohol and cigarettes are taxable when entering South Africa, regardless of value.

He points to the European Union as another example, where customs charges have been relaxed over the festive season to stimulate trade during the period.

This highlights the varying limits for exemptions, and demonstrates the importance of checking local regulations prior to making online purchases.

“Online shopping offers convenience and in many instances, cost savings, so once consumers become familiar with their local regulations, they will be able to reap the rewards. Customs duties and taxes are unfortunately beyond the control of shipping companies, and are regulated by the Government of the relevant countries.

“It is always peak season for parcel shipments during the lead-up to the festive season and our ongoing investment in our people and extensive infrastructure across Africa ensures that we are well positioned to continue to exceed our customers’ service expectations. When in doubt as to what additional charges may apply, our DHL team is always ready to support and shed some light,” concludes Facey.

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Nigeria Targets Satellite-to-Mobile Services in Draft Spectrum Roadmap

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Ebere Melum-Nwogbo

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Nigeria Targets Satellite-to-Mobile Services in Draft Spectrum Roadmap

The direction is outlined in the Commission’s draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector covering the period.

The proposed approach highlights non-terrestrial networks as a complement to existing mobile infrastructure, especially in areas where terrain, insecurity, or high costs limit the deployment of base stations.

The NCC said D2D satellite technology, which allows standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, is gaining traction globally as a means of delivering voice and data services without reliance on ground towers.

According to the regulator, the technology could help close persistent coverage gaps in rural, riverine, and border communities that remain outside the reach of conventional networks.

It also noted that satellite-backed connectivity could improve network reliability by providing alternative links during fibre cuts, power failures, or other disruptions affecting terrestrial systems.

The Commission added that wider adoption of D2D services could support emergency communications, public safety operations, Internet of Things applications, and services such as smart agriculture in underserved regions.

It also pointed to potential investment opportunities through partnerships between mobile network operators and satellite companies, including more efficient use of shared spectrum resources.

Beyond D2D services, the roadmap places emphasis on Low-Earth Orbit satellites to expand broadband access to remote parts of the country.

It also proposes better utilisation of Geostationary Orbit satellites and the exploration of high-altitude platforms, such as stratospheric balloons, to support mobile backhaul and rural connectivity.

The policy signals come shortly after Airtel Africa announced an agreement with SpaceX to introduce Starlink-powered direct-to-cell services in Nigeria.

The NCC’s roadmap is expected to shape future spectrum allocation, licensing decisions, and technology adoption across the telecommunications sector.

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House of Reps Releases Certified Copies of Tax Reform Acts amid Gazette Discrepancy Claims

Published

2 days ago

January 5, 2026

Ugo Onwuaso

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House of Representatives has released certified true copies of the four tax reform Acts signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, addressing public concerns over alleged discrepancies between legislative versions and circulated gazetted documents.

Tax Reform Acts

House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, disclosed this in a statement, noting that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the immediate publication of the Acts—including endorsement and presidential assent pages—for public verification, in collaboration with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The move followed allegations raised by Rep. Abdulsamad Dasuki on the House floor, highlighting inconsistencies between Bills passed by the National Assembly and executive gazetted versions, which he warned could erode legislative integrity and public trust.

Abbas constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee chaired by Rep. Aliyu Betara, with members including Idris Wase, Sada Soli, Adedeji Faleke, Igariwey Iduma, Fred Agbedi and Babajimi Benson, to investigate the alleged alterations, unauthorised circulation and preventive measures.

The committee’s mandate includes probing circumstances around the discrepancies, while Abbas ordered internal verification and public release of certified copies to dispel doubts and safeguard legislative records. Legal experts, tax professionals and civil society had demanded clarification and implementation suspension amid heated debates triggered by Dasuki’s intervention.

The released laws comprise the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; National Revenue Service Establishment Act, 2025; and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act, 2025, described as foundational to modernising Nigeria’s tax system.

These reforms aim to enhance compliance, curb inefficiencies, eliminate overlaps and bolster fiscal coordination across federal, state and local tiers, following extensive stakeholder consultations, committee reviews and plenary debates under Abbas’s leadership.

Rotimi reassured Nigerians: “The National Assembly is an institution built on records, procedure, and institutional memory. Every Bill, every amendment, and every Act follows a traceable constitutional and parliamentary pathway.”

He emphasised that only National Assembly-certified versions hold authority, urging the public, institutions and stakeholders to disregard all other circulating documents as unofficial.

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MultiChoice Secures 12 Warner Bros. Discovery Channels in New Multi-Year Deal

Published

4 days ago

January 3, 2026

Ugo Onwuaso

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MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company, has retained the distribution rights to 12 Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels following the signing of a new multi-year, multi-territory agreement between CANAL+ Group and Warner Bros. Discovery, marking a significant expansion of their long-standing partnership.

MultiChoice

The new deal, which spans several regions across Africa and Europe, covers the distribution of HBO Max as well as the renewal of selected Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels. It represents a major milestone in the companies’ international collaboration and strengthens content offerings across MultiChoice Group territories.

MultiChoice disclosed that this agreement builds on earlier partnerships concluded in Europe. “It builds on the landmark agreements concluded in France in 2024,including the renewal of the exclusive pay-TV window for Warner Bros. Pictures films just six months after their theatrical release in France and the integration of HBO Max within select CANAL+ group offers – as well as in Poland in 2025, with the renewal of the distribution agreement for 22 thematic channels (including TVN 24 and Eurosport) and 4 free-to-air channels (including TVN).”

Under the renewed arrangement, MultiChoice Group will continue to distribute 12 Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels across its territories, with some channels offered on an exclusive basis. CNN International and Cartoon Network will remain exclusive to South Africa while being distributed non-exclusively in other markets. Cartoon Network Porto will be exclusive in Angola and Mozambique and non-exclusive elsewhere. Other channels such as Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV, Food Network, TNT Africa, Travel, ID and Cartoonito will be offered on a non-exclusive basis.

According to the partners, the deal reinforces CANAL+ Group’s channel portfolio on the continent. “This agreement enables CANAL+ Group to strengthen its entertainment, kids, news, and documentary channel offerings in African markets.”

The agreement is also expected to improve access for CANAL+ Group subscribers to Warner Bros. Discovery’s premium content through HBO Max and selected channels, including globally recognised series and films, further extending the studio’s international reach while consolidating MultiChoice’s content offering in key markets.

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