Step-by-Step Guide to Customs Clearance in Nigeria (Apapa & Tin Can Ports Focus)

Welcome to Simpler Cross-Border Trade

At Afriex, we’re not just about sending money, we’re about making cross-border living, business, and payments easier. Whether you’re a small business owner importing goods, a new entrepreneur shipping equipment from overseas, or a student receiving a care package from home, we believe you should move your money and cargo with ease.

That’s why we’ve created this straightforward, step-by-step guide to customs clearance in Nigeria specifically focused on the country’s busiest gateways: Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos.

Why This Matters

• Nigeria’s ports handle over 70% of the country’s imports, with Apapa and Tin Can being the most active.
  
• Delays at customs can lead to extra charges, storage penalties, or business losses.
  
• Understanding the process saves you time, money, and peace of mind.
  
  

 Let’s dive in.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing Goods at Apapa & Tin Can Ports

1. Obtain Your Import Documentation

Before anything arrives at port, make sure you have the right documentation in place:

• Form M: Mandatory for all imports. It’s submitted via the Nigerian Single Window Trade Portal and approved by your bank.
  
• Proforma Invoice: Issued by the supplier, detailing item descriptions, cost, and freight.
  
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill: Shows cargo ownership and shipping details.
  
• Packing List: Lists everything being shipped.
  
• Certificate of Origin: Shows where the goods were manufactured.
  
• Insurance Certificate: Proves goods are insured during transit.
  
• SONCAP or NAFDAC Permit (if required): For regulated products like electronics or consumables.
  
  

Tip: Use a trusted freight forwarder to ensure your documents meet Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) requirements.

2. Assess Customs Duties and Valuation

Once your goods land, the Customs Valuation Unit will determine how much duty to pay.

• Use the Nigeria Customs HS Code to classify your items.
  
• Import duty typically ranges from 5% to 35%, depending on the product.
  
• Additional taxes may include:
  
  
  • ECOWAS Levy (0.5%)
    
  • VAT (7.5%)
    
  • CISS (1%)
    
  • ETLS Levy (0.5%)
    
    

You can estimate these costs using the Nigeria Trade Hub Duty Calculator.

Also Remember To Always factor duties and charges into your cost-of-import calculations.

3. Submit Your Clearance Application

You (or your clearing agent) will now submit your documentation to customs via the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II).

• Upload and track documentation online.
  
• Wait for review by Customs, SON, NAFDAC, and any other relevant authorities.
  

Expect to receive a Risk Assessment Report (RAR) or PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report).

4. Pay Duties & Terminal Charges

Payments must be made before goods are released:

• Pay import duties via your commercial bank using a customs duty payment reference.
  
• Terminal charges are paid to the shipping line or terminal operator.
  
• Demurrage fees may apply if goods aren’t cleared quickly.
  
  

Use Afriex to send money to vendors or pay clearing agents abroad without delays, at competitive rates, and it is as easy as sending a text!

5. Physical Inspection and Customs Release

Customs will physically inspect the cargo at the terminal. You may be present, or your agent can represent you.

Once cleared, the Exit Note and Release Order will be issued.

• Present these to the terminal operator.
  
• Trucking arrangements can now be made to move goods out of the port.
  
  

6. Final Delivery & Record Keeping

Congratulations! You’ve successfully cleared your goods.

Keep digital and physical copies of all paperwork in case of audits or future imports.

And yes, you’ve just navigated Nigerian customs like a pro.

Tips to Make It Even Easier

• Use a licensed clearing agent with experience at either Apapa or Tin Can.
  
• Double-check your HS Codes to avoid classification errors.
  
• Start early to avoid demurrage or port congestion delays.
  
• Automate payments where possible. Afriex can help with scheduled business payments or vendor transfers.
  
  

Afriex Is How You Move with Freedom

We’re building more than a payments platform, we’re building tools that help Africans move money, build businesses, study abroad, and stay globally connected.

With Afriex, you can:

• Hold and send digital money across borders.
  
• Pay for imports, supplies across countries and also support your family with ease.
  
• Simplify your international payments— no stress, no fuss.
  

Cross-border payments should be as simple as sending a text. and with Afriex, they are.

Want to Go Global Without the Stress?

Sign up today and discover how easy it is to move money, pay globally, and thrive anywhere.