Some useful suggestions to help you have a seamless import process while speeding up customs clearance procedures when importing into Nigeria.
The Nigeria import process involves three entities: an Authorized Dealer Bank, the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) and the Regulatory Bodies. Before any importation is carried out, the importer should do the following:
- Carry out a market survey and feasibility study for the goods he/she intends to import.
- Register his /her company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and obtain the RC number for the company.
- Ensure Taxes are paid regularly, and the company is registered with the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).
- Ensure that a Tax Identification Number (TIN) is allotted to the company, with a valid e-mail address/telephone number tagged to the TIN number.
- Select a Bank in Nigeria which will act as the Authorized Dealer Bank (ADB). This Bank will process the Form M/PAAR as well as mediate among the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the importer and other bodies.
- Visit the Bank of choice or discuss with the Foreign Trade Department or the account officer.
- Find out the H.S. Code of the imported item using the Nigeria Customs Service Common External Tariff (C.E.T).
- Understand the Federal Ministry of Finance Import guidelines.
- Obtain Insurance for the goods to be imported from any local insurance company.
- Inquire about which agency regulates the imported item. For SON regulated products please contact us.
- Inform the exporter about SON and the need for Product Certification, i.e. the Product Certificate (PC) and the SONCAP Certificate.
- Ensure that all items indicated on the Product Certificate (PC) covers all items the importer intends to import.
- Open the e-Form M with the Bank of choice attaching the activated PC.
- Forward the accepted e-Form M to the exporter, to process the SONCAP Certificate through Cotecna.
- To avoid paying a huge penalty fee, ensure that the SONCAP Certificate is issued before the consignment arrives the destination port in Nigeria.
- Validate the SONCAP Certificate online with Importer TIN for PAAR issuance.
If these steps are taken, the import process into Nigeria should proceed without any unexpected complications and clearance for import will be authorized faster.
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.