In a significant boost for Nigerian exporters, the United Kingdom has announced that more than 3,000 products from Nigeria are now eligible for duty-free or reduced tariff access to the UK market. This development comes under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), aimed at strengthening trade partnerships with developing nations.
Mark Smithson, the UK’s Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade, made the announcement through a video released by the British High Commission in Nigeria. He emphasized that the scheme is among the most generous globally and presents a major opportunity for Nigerian businesses.
“Nigerian exporters can now benefit from easier access to the UK market. The DCTS covers thousands of goods ranging from cocoa and textiles to seafood, sesame oil, and cashew nuts either tariff-free or at significantly reduced rates,” Smithson stated.
He also highlighted that the UK has streamlined its trade processes to make it simpler for Nigerian businesses to comply with export requirements. “The UK is open for trade and eager to do business with Nigeria,” he added, encouraging exporters to explore the DCTS and take full advantage of the opportunities available.
Launched in 2023 as a replacement for the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, the DCTS supports over 60 developing countries by cutting tariffs and reducing administrative burdens on trade. Nigeria is now positioned to leverage this platform to grow its export base and enhance its trade relations with the UK.
For more details about eligible products and application procedures, Nigerian exporters are advised to visit the gov. uk official trade website.
