Documents Required to Import Goods into Nigeria (Checklist)

Missing or mismatched documents are the most common reason cargo gets held at Nigerian ports. Use this checklist before your supplier ships.

Core documents for every import

• Form M: registered through your authorised dealer bank before shipment.
• Commercial invoice: showing the seller, buyer, goods, quantities, unit prices and total value.
• Packing list: contents, weights and dimensions of each package.
• Bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air): issued by the carrier.
• PAAR: the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report issued by Nigeria Customs.
• Certificate of origin: where required, for example to claim ECOWAS treatment.

Product permits

Some goods need approval from a regulator before they can be cleared:

• SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria): for regulated products such as electrical and electronic goods, building materials, auto parts and many manufactured items. Usually a product certificate plus a SONCAP certificate for each shipment.
• NAFDAC: registration and import permits for food and drinks, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and chemicals.
• Other permits may apply to specific goods, such as certain agricultural products, chemicals or security-related items.

Business documents

• Company registration (CAC) details
• Tax identification number
• Bank details used for the Form M

Tips

• Make descriptions, quantities and values identical across the invoice, packing list, Form M and bill of lading.
• Use accurate HS codes; a wrong code can mean extra duty and penalties.
• Confirm permits before you pay your supplier, not after the goods arrive.

Not sure which permits your goods need? Send us the product list and we will check before you ship.