Importing goods into Nigeria can be profitable, but the process involves more than finding a supplier and paying for shipping. You need to confirm that the product is allowed, register properly, understand the customs requirements, prepare the right documents, calculate your landed cost and arrange delivery after clearance.
For a first-time importer, following the process in the right order can prevent expensive mistakes.
1. Decide What You Want to Import
Start with the product rather than the supplier.
Research the Nigerian market to determine whether people actually buy the product, what competitors charge and whether the expected selling price leaves enough profit after shipping, customs duties, taxes and local delivery.
Also check whether the product is restricted or prohibited from importation. The Nigeria Trade Information Portal provides product-specific information on applicable procedures, costs, regulatory requirements and documentation. (NTIP – Nigerian Trade Information Portal)
2. Find and Verify Your Supplier
Once you know what you want to import, find suppliers from countries such as China, Dubai, the UK, India or other suitable markets.
Do not choose a supplier based only on the cheapest quotation. Check:
- Supplier business details
- Product specifications
- Minimum order quantity
- Product quality
- Packaging
- Production time
- Payment terms
- Previous customer experience
- Shipping arrangements
For a new supplier, requesting samples before placing a large order can reduce the risk of receiving poor-quality goods.
3. Calculate the Full Landed Cost
The supplier’s price is not your actual import cost.
Your calculation should consider the product price, freight, insurance where applicable, customs duty, taxes, port or terminal charges, clearing costs and transportation to your final destination.
Customs valuation in Nigeria generally uses the transaction value as the primary basis, while the applicable tariff rate depends on the classification of the goods. (Nigeria Customs Service)
This is why a product that looks cheap at the supplier’s warehouse can become expensive after reaching Nigeria.
4. Identify the Correct HS Code
Every imported product needs the appropriate Harmonised System classification.
The HS code is important because it helps determine the applicable customs treatment and tariff rate. You should not simply copy a code supplied by a foreign seller without checking whether it correctly describes your product.
The Nigeria Customs Service provides tariff and classification information through its customs systems, while the Trade Information Portal provides product-specific import guidance. (NTIP – Nigerian Trade Information Portal)
5. Register as an Importer
You need the appropriate registration and identification before carrying out formal import procedures.
For businesses, this normally includes having the necessary business registration and Tax Identification Number. The current Customs guidance identifies the TIN as a key registration requirement for customs processes, including the Form M, PAAR and customs declaration. (Nigeria Customs Service)
The Nigeria Trade Information Portal also provides registration guidance for first-time traders.
6. Prepare the Required Documents
Your documents depend on the type of product and the method of importation.
Common documents can include:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading for sea freight
- Airway bill for air freight
- Form M
- Pre-Arrival Assessment Report where applicable
- Customs declaration
- Certificate of origin where required
- Product-specific permits or certificates
- Other documents required by regulatory agencies
Some products may require additional approvals from agencies such as NAFDAC, SON or other relevant authorities.
7. Process the Form M
Form M is an important part of the Nigerian import process. Nigeria Customs Service describes Form M registration as a mandatory process for importing goods and states that it is processed through an Authorised Dealer Bank. (Nigeria Customs Service)
The information provided should accurately reflect the transaction, including the importer, supplier, product description, value and other required details.
Errors at this stage can create problems later during customs assessment and clearance.
8. Obtain the PAAR
The Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, commonly called PAAR, is used to assess imported goods and determine applicable duties before the goods physically arrive.
Nigeria Customs Service identifies PAAR as an important document in the import process for goods falling under the relevant destination-inspection procedure. (Nigeria Customs Service)
Keeping your commercial documents accurate and consistent helps make the assessment process easier.
9. Ship the Goods to Nigeria
After completing the necessary pre-shipment requirements, arrange transportation from the supplier’s country to Nigeria.
The main options are:
Sea freight: Usually more suitable for larger or heavier consignments where delivery speed is less important.
Air freight: Faster and often useful for smaller, urgent or higher-value shipments, although the cost per kilogram is generally higher.
Your choice should be based on the cargo size, urgency, product value and total landed cost rather than shipping speed alone.
10. Make the Customs Declaration
When the goods arrive, the shipment must be declared to Customs using the required customs process.
The Single Goods Declaration contains important information about the imported cargo, including its description, value and country of origin. Nigeria Customs Service identifies the SGD as part of the import declaration and release process. (Nigeria Customs Service)
At this stage, your documentation, product classification and declared value need to be consistent.
11. Pay the Applicable Duties and Charges
After assessment, the importer is required to settle the applicable customs duties and other government charges.
Remember that customs duty is not necessarily the same thing as your total import cost. Depending on the goods and transaction, you may also have taxes, levies, terminal charges, shipping-related charges, clearing fees, storage, demurrage and inland transportation costs.
The applicable amount depends on factors including the product’s classification, customs value and current tariff treatment.
12. Complete Inspection and Clearance
Depending on the shipment and applicable procedures, Customs and other relevant government agencies may conduct inspection or examination.
Some products can also require regulatory clearance from agencies responsible for areas such as standards, health, food, drugs or environmental requirements.
The objective is to establish that the goods and documentation comply with Nigerian requirements before release.
13. Collect the Goods From the Port or Airport
Once the necessary customs and regulatory requirements have been completed and the consignment is released, the goods can leave the port, airport or border facility.
This is where many first-time importers underestimate logistics costs.
Your cargo still needs to move from the entry point to your warehouse, shop, office or customer’s location.
14. Arrange Inland Transportation
The final stage is transporting the cleared goods to their destination.
For a large shipment, this could involve a truck moving cargo from Apapa, Tin Can Island, Lekki or another entry point to a warehouse in Lagos or another Nigerian state.
For smaller shipments, courier or delivery arrangements may be more practical.
The important thing is to plan this part before your goods arrive rather than waiting until clearance is completed.
Common Mistakes First-Time Importers Should Avoid
Some problems can be prevented before the shipment leaves the supplier’s country.
Avoid:
- Importing prohibited goods without checking the rules
- Choosing the cheapest supplier without verification
- Using the wrong HS code
- Underestimating freight and local charges
- Giving inconsistent information across documents
- Forgetting product-specific permits
- Calculating profit from supplier price alone
- Ordering a large quantity before testing the market
- Ignoring storage and demurrage costs
- Waiting until arrival before arranging transportation
A proper landed-cost calculation should happen before you pay the supplier.
How Travo.ng Can Support Your Import Logistics
Travo.ng can help with the transportation and logistics side of an import journey once you know what you are bringing into Nigeria.
For example, after cargo has been cleared at a Nigerian port or airport, you may need transportation from the entry point to a warehouse, shop or another delivery location. Travo.ng can support cargo transportation, delivery coordination and vehicle hire where appropriate.
Travo.ng is not Nigeria Customs Service and should not be treated as a customs authority or a replacement for a licensed customs agent. Customs declarations, assessments and regulatory approvals remain subject to the relevant government agencies.
For an importer, the practical advantage is having the onward movement of goods considered as part of the wider logistics plan rather than treating customs clearance as the end of the process.
A Simple Import Process to Remember
For a beginner, the process can be simplified to:
Choose product → Verify supplier → Check import restrictions → Find HS code → Calculate landed cost → Register properly → Prepare documents → Process Form M → Obtain PAAR where applicable → Ship goods → Make customs declaration → Pay applicable charges → Complete inspection/clearance → Transport goods to their final destination.
The exact requirements can vary according to the product, country of origin, transport route and applicable regulations. Checking the requirements before placing an order is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary delays and unexpected costs.
