How to ship your goods to Nigeria (A step-by-step guide)

Take the lead and learn more about the key steps to take when shipping to Nigeria.

Many people import into Nigeria without having the basic knowledge of the documentation processes. Like in any other country in the world, there are regulations to be followed. The Form M is one of the necessities put in place by the Federal Government of Nigeria for this process. To get the Form M, the following instructions must be done.

Any person intending to be an importer of goods into Nigeria must first and foremost register their company name in Nigeria with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Once this is done, a Certificate of Incorporation/Registration number is issued (RC number).

The next step is to register the company with the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS). A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is issued. This TIN number would allow the importer to access the Single Window for Trade.

On completion of the two steps above, the importer can then choose a bank, known as the Authorized Dealer Bank (ADB). This is the Bank that will process the Form M as well as liaise between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the acceptance of the Form M and for Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) processing for duty payment, before the goods can eventually be cleared from any Nigerian port.

There are several bodies that regulates goods coming into Nigeria; The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC etc.

For items regulated by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the following steps apply.

1. The importer gets his Regulatory Certificates, e.g. the Product Certificate (PC), for items that are regulated.
2. The importer activates the PC on the online single window for trade
3. The importer opens a Form M on the Nigerian Trade Platform (Single Window System), attaching the required documents - e.g. the Insurance Certificate, the Proforma Invoice, the Product Certificate (where the item is regulated by SON) and submits it to the ADB.
4. The ADB reviews/validates the Form M and sends it to the NCS.
5. The NCS either accepts the Form M or rejects it if not properly completed or lacking some information and/or documents.
6. When the NCS accepts the Form M, the importer forwards a copy to his exporter.
7. The Exporter, will, in turn, contact Cotecna - the International Accreditation Firm (IAF) - with the Form M, the Final Invoice, the Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, and the packing list, for the issuance of the SONCAP Certificate.
8. The SONCAP Certificate is issued. The importer activates the SONCAP Certificate and applies for PAAR issuance on the Nigeria Single Window for Trade.
9. The PAAR is issued, and the importer commences the clearance of his goods.

Please contact us if you need assistance at any stage of the process, or if you need any further information.

Since 2013, Cotecna has been accompanying exporters and importers throughout the conformity assessment process, and assisting them in obtaining the necessary Product Certificate (PC) and SONCAP Certificate (SC).

About Cotecna

For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.