COURIER SHIPMENTS TO NIGERIA AND FORM M?

The Nigerian Government through its agency – the Nigerian Customs Services has directed that all shipments to Nigeria must first of all be preceded with the issuance of Form M from an Authorized Dealer bank chosen by the importer of such goods. The importer has to request for pro forma invoice from his supplier, contact an insurance company in Nigeria to purchase marine cargo insurance. Also, the importer obtains applicable regulatory certification from SON, or NAFDAC, etc. depending on nature of goods being shipped. The question here is does this Form M requirements in Nigeria also include courier shipments? This article will answer in clear terms, so read on and express your concerns.

Read Also: STARTING TO IMPORT TO NIGERIA: HOW TO DO IT

WHAT IS A COURIER SHIPMENT TO NIGERIA?

A courier service is a delivery service offered by a company such as DHL, UPS, etc. the service involves movement of consignments, letters, parcels or goods from one place to another. The courier service is known for its speed, specialization, and ease of tracking. The courier method tends to replace the traditional mail posts. Not all consignments qualify for courier services, hence the sender must check with such services provider to make sure of what’s acceptable in terms of weights, nature of packages and other measures and criterion.

A client asked the following question to our team:

“Dear Vagmon Integrated Services,

Kindly see attached commercial invoice and assist us prepare Form M for 100 pieces of Test Cup with a total Gross weight of 27.5kg.” “Can you advise if Form M is actually needed or we can send the shipment without the Form M to Vagmon Integrated Services Nigeria?”

Our response:

Dear Client,

For shipment below 50kg, we do not recommend Form M.

Method being used for shipping such item to Nigeria is of importance to us.

If courier (DHL, UPS, etc.) method is used, then we can use our license to clear the shipment, and this will go fastest.

Should you use the regular or traditional airfreight method, you will need to provide us with the following documents in other for us to treat the shipment as express direct assessment, in which case we shall be able to clear the shipment immediately at the airport upon arrival.

Documents Needed For Direct Assessment:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Air waybill

We hope to have informed you correctly, otherwise feel free to ask more questions.

Kind regards,

Wilson

For Vagmon Integrated Services.

Read Also: CUSTOMS CLEARANCE CHARGES: COST OF CARGO CLEARING

Client Writes:

Dear Vagmon Integrated Services,

Following your response to our mail above, we have decided to use the direct assessment option given. See attached requested documents and proceed to clear shipment in the earliest. Note that our offshore operations in Nigeria needs the shipment urgently.

IN CONCLUSION:

The answer to the question as to whether courier shipment to Nigeria is exempt from the Form M requirement in Nigeria is: yes courier shipments do not fall under Form M requirements in Nigeria.

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