Vehicles being processed through Nigerian customs clearance at Apapa port Lagos

Logistics & Customs

Seamless Auto Import Clearance & Logistics in Nigeria

Nigerian port clearance is the step that trips most importers up — delayed documentation, incorrect duty classifications, and unofficial levies can add weeks and thousands of dollars to your import. Our licensed customs agents manage the entire process from PAAS pre-filing to final delivery, so your vehicle clears quickly and legally.

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Our Customs Clearance Process

Five legally compliant steps that get your vehicle out of the port quickly and without unofficial payments.

Pre-Arrival Notification

We file the Pre-Arrival Assessment System (PAAS) declaration with Nigerian Customs (NCS) before your vessel docks. This reduces port dwell time and prevents unnecessary demurrage charges.

Customs Classification & Duty Assessment

Our agents correctly classify your vehicle by HS code, engine size, and age to calculate the accurate Combined Duty Rate (import duty + VAT + ECOWAS levy). We provide this figure before the vessel arrives so there are no surprises.

Document Lodgement & Examination

We lodge the Form M, Single Goods Declaration (SGD), and all supporting documents. If a physical examination of the vehicle is required by customs, our agent is present throughout.

Duty Payment & Release

Duties are paid through the approved NCS e-payment gateway. We obtain the duty receipt and present all documents for the final assessment approval and vehicle release order.

Port Exit & Inland Delivery

Once released, our trusted haulage partners collect the vehicle from the port — Apapa or Tin Can Island — and deliver it to any address in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, or onward across Nigeria.

Documents Required for Import

Missing or incorrect documentation is the number-one cause of port delays in Nigeria. We prepare and audit every document before your shipment departs the USA, so that when the vessel arrives, clearance can begin immediately. Below is the standard document checklist for a private vehicle import.

✓Original Bill of Lading

Issued by the shipping line (Grimaldi / Sallaumlines). Must be endorsed and surrendered at port.

✓Commercial Invoice

Shows vehicle purchase price. Used for duty calculation. Must match wire transfer records.

✓Packing List

Details of vehicle contents. Required for customs examination.

✓Certificate of Origin

Confirms the vehicle was manufactured in and exported from the USA.

✓Form M (Pre-Shipment)

Nigerian import declaration form lodged with the Central Bank of Nigeria before shipment.

✓NAFDAC Exemption (if needed)

Required for vehicles containing controlled substances. Most private vehicles are exempt.

✓Vehicle Title / Export Certificate

US title document proving legal ownership. Must be notarised for high-value vehicles.

✓Insurance Certificate

Marine transit insurance certificate. Required for customs file.

Vehicle clearing Nigerian customs at Apapa port with documentation being processed

Import Duty Guide

Rates are based on CIF value (vehicle cost + insurance + freight). Exact duty assessed by NCS.

Under 2,000cc20% + 7.5% VAT

Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic

2,001cc – 3,500cc35% + 7.5% VAT

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord

Over 3,500cc35% + 7.5% VAT

Land Cruiser, Tahoe, Suburban

Trucks & Commercial10% + 7.5% VAT

Pickup trucks, cargo vans

What Sets Our Logistics Team Apart

Experience, licensing, and direct carrier relationships mean your clearance happens faster and cheaper.

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Fast Port Release

Average 5–7 business days from vessel arrival to vehicle exit. PAAS pre-filing cuts dwell time significantly.

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Licensed Customs Agents

All our Nigerian agents hold current NCS Customs Agents licences and are registered with NAGAFF.

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Accurate Duty Estimates

We calculate your import duty before the shipment departs the USA — no surprises when the bill arrives.

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Examination Support

If NCS orders a physical examination, our agent is on-site to ensure the process goes smoothly and no unofficial fees are paid.

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Nationwide Delivery

From Apapa or Tin Can port we can deliver to Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and beyond.

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Regular Status Updates

You get WhatsApp updates at every stage — vessel arrival, document lodgement, duty payment, and final release.

Port-to-Door Delivery Across Nigeria

Clearing the port is only half the battle. Once your vehicle has received its release order from NCS, we coordinate haulage to your final destination anywhere in Nigeria. We use bonded, licensed transporters with GPS tracking on every run.

Lagos

Same day / next day from port

Kano

2–3 days from port

Abuja

1–2 days from port

Port Harcourt

1–2 days from port

Kaduna

2–3 days from port

Ibadan

Same day from port

Aerial view of Apapa port in Lagos Nigeria showing vehicle import terminal

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the import duty on a car in Nigeria?+

Import duty on most private passenger vehicles is 35% of the Customs-determined vehicle value, plus 7.5% VAT. The total effective rate is typically 40–45% of the vehicle's CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value. Engine size and vehicle age can affect the rate. We provide an exact duty estimate before your vehicle ships.

How long does Nigerian customs clearance take?+

With proper documentation and our PAAS pre-arrival filing, we typically achieve port release in 5–10 business days from vessel arrival. Incomplete documents or physical examination orders can extend this to 2–3 weeks. We monitor every shipment daily and flag issues immediately.

What is Form M and do I need it?+

Form M is a mandatory Nigerian Customs import declaration that must be registered with a Nigerian bank (CBN-approved) before your vehicle is shipped from the USA. It proves the foreign exchange payment was made through official channels. We guide you through the Form M process with your Nigerian bank before shipment departs.

Can you clear a vehicle at Tin Can Island port as well as Apapa?+

Yes. We operate at both Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. Both are major vehicle import terminals. We will advise which port your vessel discharges at and handle clearance accordingly.

Can you deliver my car to Kano after port clearance?+

Absolutely. After port release in Lagos, we arrange bonded haulage to Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, or any destination in Nigeria. Kano is one of our most common delivery destinations — we have established routes and trusted transport partners on that corridor.

Speak to Our Nigeria Logistics Team

Get accurate duty estimates and a clear timeline for your import. Our Kano team is available on WhatsApp now.

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