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Nigeria Importer of Record and IT Shipping

Nigeria's complex import process requires an Importer of Record that is familiar with SONCAP and can navigate the flourishing tech hub.

Nigeria Importer of Record at a Glance:

Importer of Record

  • Nigeria requires a higher than average number of documents for import including SONCAP, Form M, and other entities

IT Shipping & Logistics 

  • Nigeria does not allow you to import used goods 

Importer of Record and Pre-Shipment Documentation 

Nigeria is one of the more complex countries to import tech hardware into. There are a number of forms that are needed in order to import almost any telecommunications or electronic equipment. 

SONCAP 

The Standards Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program (SONCAP) ensures that all imports comply with guidelines. SONCAP requires product certificates for each piece of equipment and is issued for each shipment. Your shipment must be approved by SONCAP for customs clearance. 

In order to be approved by SONCAP you must have both: 

  • A Product Certificate 
  • SONCAP Certificate
SONCAP Certification Nigeria
SONCAP Certification Nigeria

Form M and Other Documentation 

To import into Nigeria your Importer of Record will need a number of forms. You are required to obtain a Form M, final invoice, transportation bill, packing list, and CCVO. All of these forms must be extremely accurate and consistent. Any discrepancies can cause fines and long delays in customs. FGX can prepare these forms for you and ensure a successful shipment to help avoid any delays, fines, or other obstacles. 

Form M: Form M is issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and declares the intention of the goods. It acts as a declaration form for goods and is important for tax purposes. 

CCVO: The Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO), also known as Form C16, serves as both an invoice and declaration of items. It includes the Form M number, description of goods, import destination, etc. 

Form M Nigeria
Form M

PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report System) 

PAAR is an online application used by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Once you submit all your necessary documents to NCS, they will generate the PAAR to be included in the final shipment. 

IT Shipping & Logistics 

Nigeria is viewed by popular sources as a tech hub in Africa. If you are looking to expand your technology infrastructure in Africa, Nigeria is likely a good place to start and/or to build out your presence. 

One issue you may have when importing tech equipment is that Nigeria does not allow used goods for any reason. There are a number of reasons why a country may choose to not allow used goods. It may simply be for tax reasons, but they may also wish to avoid equipment that has been modified or whose quality does not hold up to the newer equipment used in testing. 

FGX manages all of our client’s shipments door-to-door (or door-to-data center). This case study showcases how we navigated IT logistics and importation into Nigeria at the time that it was written. Regulations and challenges are constantly changing and exact shipping requirements may have changed. To learn more about FGX and how our global shipping platform can help your company, reach out here.