Documents for Importing to Nigeria

The import documents required in Nigeria also depends up on the nature of goods importing (General goods, Personal effects, Dangerous goods, Livestock etc.) ,regular trade policy of Nigeria Government, specific goods importing to Nigeria (Arms and ammunition, health products, food products, chemicals etc.) To receive clearance for goods imported to Nigeria, traders must present a Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice Exit Note, duly completed Form ‘M’, Packing list, Single Goods Declaration, and a Product Certificate. Until recently, the importer was also required to submit a Combined Certificate Value & Origin (CCVO) which contains the description of goods, port of destination, country of origin, date of shipment, country of supply etc. However, in line with international trading procedures and recommendations from stakeholders, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reviewed its trade transactions guidelines and replaced the CCVO with the simpler Certificate of Origin. The revision also prescribes a 48-hour maximum processing time from the receipt of application.

Usually, import of goods to Nigeria requires three categories of procedures wherever required. One-time registration procedures to act as an Importer in Nigeria, Specific import license to import goods to Nigeria if applicable, and certain certification like SONCAP or NAFDAC or others from concerned government agencies of Nigeria related to each import wherever applicable.