The import process in Nigeria involves a number of steps. Before any importation is carried out, the following list must be completed by the importer.
Before shipment, the importer must first ensure that they:
- Register their company name in Nigeria and hence have a Certificate of Incorporation/Registration in Nigeria.
- Register their company with the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) with an up-to-date proof of Tax Payments, upon which a Tax Identification Number (TIN Number) is allotted, with a valid e-mail address tagged to it.
- Select a Bank of choice in Nigeria to act as the Authorised Dealer Bank (ADB). This is the Bank that will process the Form M / PAAR and mediate among the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the importer and other bodies.
Once the above is done, the importer is now ready to import into Nigeria. The following steps must now be taken to clear your goods through Customs:
- The importer gets his Regulatory Certificates, e.g. the PC, for any items that are regulated.
- The importer activates the PC on the online single window.
- 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 (when SON regulates the item) - and submit it to the ADB.
- The ADB reviews/validates Form M and sends it to the NCS.
- The NCS either accepts Form M or rejects it when not properly completed or lacking some information and/or documents.
- When the NCS accepts Form M, the importer forwards a copy of the Form M to his exporter, who will, in turn, contact Cotecna, the International Accreditation Firm, with the Form M, the Final Invoice, the Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, and the packing list, for the issuance of the SONCAP Certificate.
- The importer activates the SONCAP Certificate and applies for PAAR issuance on the Nigeria Single Window for Trade.
- The PAAR is issued, and the importer commences the clearance of his goods.
If you need any more details on the importation process into Nigeria, please contact us.