5 Most Important Import Documents Required for Customs Clearance

The following are the 5 important documents needed for the shipping process of goods to Nigeria.

Form M

This is a mandatory statutory document to be completed by all importers for the importation of goods into Nigeria. This simply implies that without the form, goods can not be approved for importation into Nigeria.

The documentation process is put in place by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). In other words, this document is issued by the CBN through Commercial Banks for import permit procedure. It states the product Harmonized Codes for customs import duty, the amount as well as other basic information.

All imported goods to Nigeria must have Form M attached.

See Also: What you need to know about Customs Clearance

Agency Certificate

Without obtaining approvals or certifications from agencies responsible for a related type of consignment, the customs clearance process may not work out well. This type of certificate usually depends on the goods you are importing.

For manufactured goods, SONCAP Certificate will be issued by the Standard Organization of Nigeria. For importation of food items, cosmetics, drugs etc, NAFDAC certificate must be issued. NDLEA and NAFDAC certificates are required for clearing of imported drugs. NESREA certificate is required for customs clearance of second-hand goods.

For more explanation or clarity, you’d need the service of a freight forwarding company for professional guides and advise. They’d explain the exact Agency certificate that will be needed for the shipping process, in order to prepare you for success.

Commercial or Pro Forma Invoice

This is a monetary value declaration of goods. It is always issued by the seller or the shipper of the goods. This invoice will be needed in two ways. For form M and Pre Arrival Assessment Reports by the customs for import duty.

Insurance Certificate

This is a document indicating the type and amount of insurance coverage in force on a particular shipment. It is used to assure the consignee that insurance is provided to cover loss or damage to cargo during the shipment process. It is needed to cover any loss or damage during shipping of the goods to Nigeria.

For this, you need to approach any reputable insurance company for issuance of the certificate. An insurance certificate will be needed when raising Form M at the banks for imported goods. This certificate is usually needed when raising a Form M for imported goods, at the bank.

Do you have any questions about your goods documents issuance for your next shipment? or do you want to learn more about the documents required for customs clearance or talk to us about your Shipment?

Give us a call 0818 607 8330 or send an Email to via info@bowagateglobal.com.

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