This is just a case study and the applicable process will be same for other countries of origin. How to import from China to Nigeria is quite strategic taking into cognizance that international trade is embedded in the DNA of the Chinese economy.
China is the world’s largest manufacturing economy and exporter of goods. In addition, China is also the largest trading nation in the world and plays a prominent role in international trade and has increasingly engages in trade organizations and treaties in recent years.
Currently, Nigeria is China’s most important strategic cooperation partner in Africa which is quite obvious in Nigeria economy.
When importing Chinese products, international freight movement is required and you will require as well a shipper also called consignor or exporter or seller, freight forwarder in China, Carrier in China, clearing agent in Lagos, and you the consignee (buyer) depending on the incoterms involved.
The most common applicable incoterms in Nigeria are Ex Works (EXW), Cost and Freight (CFR), and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). Incoterms depicts trading terms as it defines the responsibilities of seller and buyer for the delivery of goods under sales contract. Please, have a better understanding of the appropriate incoterms in order to minimize risk because of the intricacies in freight forwarding, logistics, and supply chain industry.
You as the prospective consignee (buyer) with intents to import physical goods from China into Nigeria shall in the first instance process Form M through any authorized dealer bank irrespective of the value and whether or not payment is involved with the following documents:
1 Proforma invoice
2 Insurance certificate
3 Regulatory certificate / permits (examples – NAFDAC, SONCAP, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, etc and any additional documents that might be prescribed by relevant government agency). See full details on guidelines for importers.
Upon completion of the Form M, you will inform your shipper to arrange for the transportation of the goods to Nigeria and this will either be through air freight or ocean freight. The transportation mode is principally determined by the cost, volume, and lead times.
The next step involved on how to import from China to Nigeria, is for the clearing agent in Lagos to effect the local clearance upon arrival of the goods at either the airport or seaports based on the necessary documents handed over to the clearing agent.
For more details on how to import from China to Nigeria, effect local clearance from the airports and seaports, project & heavy lift logistics, oil & gas services, and ship’s agency, kindly contact us.
We look forward to provide you with passionate logistics solutions as clearing agent in Lagos.