What you need to know about Customs Clearance

We come up with the tips for Clearing your Consignments in Nigeria. They are essential and you’d find them interesting. This post is triggered by two major reasons. One, you might be here because you are planning to import goods into Nigeria. And two, you might wish to build up knowledge in the area of customs goods clearance.

For the first, you might just want to understand how to clear your goods from the airports or seaports without any form of assistance from a freight forwarding or customs clearing agent.

No doubt, that might just be the biggest reason for checking on this post. We understand are willing to show you some tips for clearing your consignment in Nigeria.

Due to lack of proper information and experience, very many importers have got their consignments impounded at the point of clearance. This most of the time occurs as a result of having to handle these steps alone without seeking the help of a reliable freight forwarder.

Read also: Causes of Delay in Delivery of Goods in Nigeria.

Bowa Gate Global Limited is a Licensed Custom Agent with experience in excellent service especially in Air Freight Shipping to and from Nigeria.

And that the company has been in existence in the industry for over 2 decades with lots of excellent work delivery recorded? Check our profile for details.

Bowagate Global, an approved member of FIATA and ANCLA, has over the years proven beyond a reasonable doubt to standout. The company endeavours to provide hassle-free logistics services for its customers.

Having attained such feat, we have the confidence to recommend the company as your best go-to place for Air Freight Shipping to Nigeria, Sea Freight to Nigeria, Road Freight to Nigeria. As a matter of fact, check out our RoRo Shipping Service to Nigeria also and much more on this website.

Do you need some tips on Exportation? Find it here.

If you wish to go through the entire clearing procedures all by yourself, this article will guide you through with a minimal stress. The tips are richly updated as it applies to present date experiences.

11 Tips for clearing your consignments in Nigeria

1. Prior to shipping, the consignee in Nigeria completes and applies for Form M electronically (Form M is like an import license). This is done online through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) /Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Trade Portal and is then transmitted to his/her bank with the following attachments:
   A. Proforma Invoice
   B. Insurance Certificate
   C. SON Product Certificate/SONCAP (If Required)
2. The Bank approves the Form M and generates a bank code otherwise known as a BA Number, and then sends/transmits the Form M to the Scanning Agent.
3. The Scanning Agent approves the Form M.
4. The Consignee forwards the Form M & BA Numbers to the Shipper. These numbers are to be shown on the Airway Bill/ Bill of Lading (AWB/BL).
5. Once shipped, the shipper provides the AWB/BL to the consignee for the processing of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). The Report shows the duty rate /classification of the cargo. This document guides you while computing the Duty & Taxes.
6. The consignee’s customs agent prepares the Customs Entry and approaches customs for the Customs Assessment Notice.
7. The Consignee or his Customs agent pays custom’s duty at the Bank. The Consignee or Agent pays the Local Charges such as Airline Documentation Fee, Shipping & Terminal Company Local Charges. Other examples include: a. Airfreight: NAHCO and SAHCOL Charges b. Sea freight: Port & Cargo, PTML, ENL Terminal, etc.
8. Customs examination is carried out.
9. Customs release and Exit notes are obtained. For Sea freight, Terminal Delivery Order (TDO) is also obtained. For Airfreight shipment, NAHCO/SAHCOL Gate Pass is also obtained.
10. The agent then positions his van/truck to take delivery of the shipment.
11. After loading, the van/truck proceeds to the customs exit gate for security check and final exit.

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Cargo Advice:

Once an airway bill is generated and received, the first thing to be done is to go to the airline’s office for CARGO ADVICE. Once this advice is received, payment is made either to the bank or at the office for the release of documents.

Customs Clearance Documentation & Duty Payment:

Once the documents are released, the next step is to proceed to the DTI CAFE to capture the said airway bill in the customs data bank. This is when we say in our local parlance that you are RUNNING your ENTRY. A customs ASSESSMENT is first generated. The amount to be generated is based on the weight of any said consignment.

For example:

• 0-500kg could pay a total duty of N70, 000 naira.
• 501kg-1000kg may pay N150, 000 to N175, 000 and so on.

For PAAR jobs, duty is generated based on the value of goods as stated in the FORM M and Commercial Invoice.