CBN Plans to Start E-invoice For Import, Export Operations Feb 1

The Central Bank of Nigeria has stated that it will begin the use of electronic invoices for import and export transactions in the country from February 1, 2022.

It noted that the electronic invoice will be submitted through the portal – Trade Monitoring System, a Nigeria single-window portal.

This was made known in a circular, on Friday signed by the CBN Director, Trade and Exchange Department, O. S. Nnaji, sent to all authorised dealers as well as made available on its official website for the general public.

With the title– ‘Guidelines on the introduction of e-valuation, e-invoicing for import and export in Nigeria,’ the circular stated that all import and export operations will now be done with an electronic invoice.

It noted that the e-invoice must be authenticated by an authorised dealer bank as part of the seller’s documentation for payment.

The CBN pointed out that the use of a hard copy final invoice will not be accepted from February 1 as it is now to be replaced with the electronic invoice.

Explaining the reason for the new regulation, it said the use of e-invoices is aimed at getting the exact value of import and export transactions in the country.

“This is to inform dealers and the general public that the introduction of e-valuator and e-invoice replaced the hard copy final invoice as part of the documentation required for all import and export transactions.

“This new regulation is primarily aimed at achieving accurate value from import and export items in and out of Nigeria. 

“No importer/exporter may effect payment to the credit of any foreign supplier unless the electronic invoice has been authenticated by authorised dealer banks presented together with the relevant document for payments,” the circular read.

It also stated as part of the electronic invoice principles that products that are more than 2.5 percent around the vertical price would not be accepted nor allowed successful completion of Form M or Form NXP as the case may be.

Every importer or exporter of goods must ensure that the purchase/sale contract with a foreign supplier/buyer is in compliance with the guidelines of the new regulation.