Step by Step Guide for Importing into Nigeria

The import process in Nigeria involves a number of steps. Before any importation is carried out, the following list must be completed by the importer.

Prior to shipment, the importer must first ensure that they:

• Register their company name in Nigeria and hence have a Certificate of Incorporation/Registration of the company in Nigeria.
• Register their company with the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) with an up-to-date proof of Tax Payments, upon which a Tax Identification Number (TIN Number) is allotted, with a valid e-mail address tagged to it.
• Select a Bank of choice in Nigeria to act as the Authorised Dealer Bank (ADB). This is the Bank that will process the Form M / PAAR, as well as mediate among the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the importer and other bodies.

Once the above is done, the importer is now ready to import into Nigeria. The following steps must now be taken in order to clear your goods through Customs:

1. The importer gets his Regulatory Certificates, e.g. the PC, for any items that are regulated.
2. The importer activates the PC on the online single window.
3. The importer opens a Form M on the Nigerian Trade Platform (Single Window system) attaching the required documents – e.g. the Insurance Certificate, the Proforma Invoice, the Product Certificate (when the item is regulated by SON) – and submit it to the ADB.
4. The ADB reviews/validates the Form M and sends it to the NCS.
5. The NCS either accepts the Form M, or rejects it when not properly completed or lacking some information and/or documents.
6. When the Form M is accepted by the NCS, the importer forwards a copy of the Form M to his exporter, who will in turn contact Cotecna, the International Accreditation Firm, with the Form M, the Final Invoice, the Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, and the packing list, for the issuance of the SONCAP Certificate.
7. The importer activates the SONCAP Certificate and applies for PAAR issuance on the Nigeria Single Window for Trade.
8. The PAAR is issued and the importer commences the clearance of his goods.

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