The customs clearance procedure in Nigeria, particularly at a busy hub like Apapa Port in Lagos, involves a series of structured steps designed to ensure proper inspection, documentation, and payment for goods entering or leaving the country.
This process, which can take anywhere from 35 minutes to just over 4 hours for straightforward cases, requires careful coordination and adherence to regulatory requirements.
The procedure typically begins with the clearing agent, who acts as a crucial intermediary. Once engaged, the agent facilitates the customs declaration, a vital document detailing the nature and value of the consignment.
Following this, a shipping note is obtained and then submitted to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). An essential step involves obtaining a commercial invoice, often referred to as a Naira Bill, which details the local charges.
Financial obligations are then met through the payment of consignee fees and terminal charges. Proof of this payment is submitted, and an official receipt is obtained.
To ensure smooth access within the port, a vehicle entrance permit and a truck request form are necessary.
For certain goods, an SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) certificate must be submitted for verification, underscoring the authorities’ focus on health and safety standards.
Upon accessing the terminal, the process moves towards securing space for the consignment. This involves booking shipping space, obtaining a debit note, and settling service and freight charges.
The critical bill of lading is then obtained, serving as the contract between the shipper and the carrier.
A significant phase of the clearance procedure involves various inspections.
Requests are made to relevant Security Agencies and the Nigeria Customs Service for inspection. For specific regulated goods, a request is also made to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
These separate requests culminate in a joint inspection, where representatives from these agencies examine the cargo.
Successful completion of this joint inspection leads to obtaining clearance from NDLEA, if applicable, and finally, the official release from the Nigeria Customs Service, signaling that the consignment is cleared for onward movement.
This structured approach, though comprehensive, is designed to manage the high volume of trade efficiently while ensuring all regulatory obligations are met, a common characteristic of port operations within Nigeria.
For clearing goods at Nigerian ports, a range of documents is typically required to ensure proper identification, valuation, and compliance with national regulations. These documents are essential for the smooth processing and release of your consignment.
Here is a list of the most common documents needed:
- Commercial Invoice: This details the transaction between the exporter and importer, including the description of goods, quantity, unit price, and total value.
- Packing List: This document provides a detailed breakdown of the contents of each package within a shipment, including weight, dimensions, and markings.
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight): This is the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier, also serving as a receipt for the goods and a document of title.
- Certificate of Origin: This document certifies the country where the goods were manufactured or produced.
- Form M: A mandatory document issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria that all importers for the importation of goods into Nigeria must complete.
- Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR): Issued by the Nigeria Customs Service, this report confirms the valuation and classification of imported goods.
- Single Goods Declaration (SGD) Form: This is the primary customs declaration form submitted to the Nigerian Customs Service.
- Clean Report of Inspection (CRI) / SONCAP Certificate: For many imported goods, a Clean Report of Inspection or a Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) certificate is required to verify product quality and safety standards.
- Regulatory Permits and Licenses: Depending on the nature of the goods, permits from specific government agencies may be necessary, such as NAFDAC (for food, drugs, and cosmetics), SON (for product standards), or NESREA (for environmental standards).
- Payment Receipts: Proof of payment for all applicable customs duties, levies, and port charges is essential for cargo release.
- Shipping Note (for exports): While primarily for exports, this document provides details of goods being prepared for shipment from the port.