Trade & mobilityTradeNigeria
Import goods into Nigeria
End-to-end regulatory procedure to import commercial goods into Nigeria: prohibition check → agency permits → e-Form M → SONCAP → PAAR → duty & clearance.
- Procedure
- 6steps
- Coordination
- 5agencies
- Category
- Trade & mobilityTrade
Task links
Go to the exact next page
Application, requirements, forms, fees, and tracking are labelled separately.
RequirementsCheck the prohibited-items listNigeria Trade Portal · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗RequirementsUse the interactive trader’s guideNigeria Trade Portal · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗Apply onlineOpen the NAFDAC stakeholder portalNAFDAC · services.nafdac.gov.ng↗RequirementsOpen SONCAP requirementsStandards Organisation of Nigeria · son.gov.ng↗Apply onlineSubmit a PAAR consignmentNigeria Customs Service · app.trade.gov.ngRequires enrolled bank or importer credentials.⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗Form or guideOpen the PAAR submission guide (PDF)Nigeria Customs Service · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗FeesEstimate customs duties and taxesNigeria Trade Portal · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗
Routing map
Who you will deal with
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)NAFDAC and/or SONAuthorised Dealer Bank → NCSSON / accredited firmNCS (Nigeria Single Window)
Procedure
The steps, in order
Each route below is scoped to the step it can actually complete.
01 Confirm goods are importable
- Agency
- Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
- What is required
- Check the NCS Import Prohibition List; confirm goods are not banned or restricted.
- Documents
- None
- Typical timeline
- Immediate
Use for this stepRequirementsCheck the prohibited-items listNigeria Trade Portal · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗RequirementsUse the interactive trader’s guideNigeria Trade Portal · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗02 Obtain product regulatory permit(s)
- Agency
- NAFDAC and/or SON
- What is required
- For food/drugs/cosmetics/chemicals: obtain NAFDAC permit/registration. For SON-regulated products (electronics, machinery, many consumer goods): prepare for SONCAP certification.
- Documents
- NAFDAC permit; product certificate
- Typical timeline
- Weeks (product-dependent)
Use for this stepRequirementsUse the interactive trader’s guideNigeria Trade Portal · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗Apply onlineOpen the NAFDAC stakeholder portalNAFDAC · services.nafdac.gov.ng↗RequirementsOpen SONCAP requirementsStandards Organisation of Nigeria · son.gov.ng↗03 Open e-Form M via Authorised Dealer Bank
- Agency
- Authorised Dealer Bank → NCS
- What is required
- Open and submit an electronic Form M through your bank; bank validates and forwards to NCS. Form M validity: 6 months (12 months for plant & machinery).
- Documents
- Proforma invoice; insurance certificate; product certificate; relevant permits
- Typical timeline
- Validity 6 months (12 for machinery)
04 Obtain SONCAP Certificate (SON-regulated goods)
- Agency
- SON / accredited firm
- What is required
- Exporter contacts an accredited firm with the Form M to obtain the SONCAP certificate; importer activates it.
- Documents
- Form M; final invoice; Bill of Lading/Airway Bill; packing list
- Typical timeline
- Days–weeks
05 Apply for PAAR
- Agency
- NCS (Nigeria Single Window)
- What is required
- Apply for the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report on the Nigeria Single Window; PAAR is issued to enable clearance.
- Documents
- Activated SONCAP; Form M; shipping documents
- Typical timeline
- Days
Use for this stepRequirementsUse the interactive trader’s guideNigeria Trade Portal · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗Apply onlineSubmit a PAAR consignmentNigeria Customs Service · app.trade.gov.ngRequires enrolled bank or importer credentials.⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗Form or guideOpen the PAAR submission guide (PDF)Nigeria Customs Service · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗06 Pay duty & levies and clear goods
- Agency
- Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
- What is required
- Compute and pay import duty + levies + VAT (see cost components); clear cargo at the port of discharge.
- Documents
- PAAR; final invoice; Certificate of Origin; transport docs; packing list
- Typical timeline
- Days (subject to inspection)
Use for this stepRequirementsUse the interactive trader’s guideNigeria Trade Portal · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗FeesEstimate customs duties and taxesNigeria Trade Portal · trade.gov.ng⚠ we could not reach this source from outside Nigeria — it may still work for you↗