Export to Nigeria? Conventionally speaking, the federal government of Nigeria has mandated that every export into the Nigerian logistics trading space, the importer shall first of all obtain Form M before proceeding with his importation. The importer will then add Form M numbers (BA/MF) to shipping documents. Such documents include the Final Invoice (also called the Commercial Invoice), the Packing List, the Combined Certificates of Value and Origin, the Bill of Lading or the Air Waybill. Subsequently the Manifest also carries Form M detail and helps the Customs in duty calibration.
EXPORT TO NIGERIA?: CONVENTIONAL SHIPPING
Conventional shipping method is cargo shipment into Nigeria, following the Form M principle mentioned above. The steps for conventional shipping to Nigeria are as follow:
- Get proforma invoice for the items
- Get SON PC or Import Permit or NESREA Clearance Permit(for used items)
- Request for Form M with the Nigerian Customs/Central Bank of Nigeria. See how to get Form M: FORM M IN NIGERIA: HOW TO PROCESS AND OBTAIN IT
- Add the Form M detail on shipping documents mentioned above
- Ship the goods
- Obtain the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report – PAAR
- Proceed with Import Clearance of the goods with the Nigerian Customs and other relevant authorities.
When cost is the key determinant, the conventional cargo shipment is the best method to import into the Nigerian logistics trading space especially . Following the Form M first principle helps you reduce cost and human interface in the process. It equally helps to eliminate crude corruption from the importation clearance process. However, it isn’t the only way of doing things as far as importation to Nigeria is concerned. How fast do you need your goods delivered to you?
If speed is the sole determinant of what method you use in bringing the shipment, then many have occasionally used the direct assessments method.
EXPORT TO NIGERIA?: WHAT IS DIRECT ASSESSMENT IMPORTATION METHOD?
Direct Assessment simply refers to duty assessment on the spot. If you ship your goods without following the conventional Form M method outlined above, because of how urgent the items are needed for your operations. Then, the Nigerian Customs will have to look at the shipment and all relevant shipping documents submitted by your cargo Clearance Vendor, and raise duty for the goods. Once the duty is paid into the Government coffers, and evidence of payment presented to the Customs, and the confirmation made by it, then the shipment could be released.
Read Also: CALCULATING CUSTOMS DUTY; NIGERIA AS EXAMPLE
In summary:
Two methods of importation process are open for every importation or export into the Nigerian logistics trading space. The conventional cargo shipment into Nigeria is not only cost effective, but is seen as holy practice, designed to reduce human interface, and eliminate corruption from the system. However, to enable your operations continue without shutdown, speed could mean that your shipment be cleared on direct duty estimation . If this is the case, then direct assessment is the fastest answer to what you want.
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