A Complete Guide to Shipping Used Vehicles from china to Nigeria: Procedures

1. Pre-export Preparation
Vehicle Compliance Check

• Age and Emission Restrictions: Nigeria prohibits the import of used vehicles over 15 years old. Vehicles must comply with Euro IV or higher emission standards (some regions may require Euro V).

• Vehicle Inspection: A third-party inspection agency (e.g., China Automotive Technology and Research Center) must issue a inspection report that meets the Quality Requirements for Export of Used Passenger Vehicles.

• Vehicle Preparation: Remove any custom modifications and restore the vehicle to its original factory settings. Ensure there is no record of major accidents or water damage.

Export Qualifications and Document Preparation

• Vehicle registration certificate and license (transfer or cancellation of registration must be completed)

• Export contract (including buyer/seller details, VIN, transaction price)

• Commercial invoice and packing list (indicating brand, model, year, mileage)

• Export license (applied for via the Ministry of Commerce’s used vehicle export system)

• Inspection report and photos of the vehicle (exterior, engine compartment, chassis) in both Chinese and English

• Enterprise qualifications: Exporters must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce for used vehicle export and complete customs registration as an exporter.

Core Document Checklist:

• Vehicle registration certificate

• Export contract

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Export license

• Inspection report

• Vehicle photos

2. Domestic Export and Shipping Process
Booking and Loading

• Select a freight forwarder: Engage a professional freight agent to handle sea freight bookings. Container shipping is recommended (a 20GP container can hold 2-3 cars; a 40HQ can hold 4-5).

• Loading methods:

  • Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro): Vehicles are driven directly into the ship. Suitable for large volumes, but confirm in advance that the shipping line accepts used vehicles.

  • Container shipping: Vehicles are secured inside containers, offering greater safety. A lashing certificate is required.

Customs Declaration

• Declare through customs in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao, etc. Submit the customs declaration form (HS code: 8703), export license, invoice, packing list, and other required documents.

• Customs may inspect the vehicle to verify VIN consistency with documents.

Shipping Routes and Timing

• Example: From Shenzhen Port to Lagos Port—common route includes Shenzhen → Singapore/Colombo → Lagos, taking approximately 30-40 days.

• Cost breakdown: Sea freight (approx. $2,000–$4,000 per container) + port charges (THC, documentation fees, etc.).

3. Nigeria Import Clearance Process
Pre-clearance Documents

• SONCAP certification: Mandatory for all vehicles entering Nigeria. Requires an inspection report, application form, and proforma invoice. Process through an accredited certification body.

• Form M application: The importer must apply for Form M (import document) through an authorized Nigerian bank, indicating product value, quantity, and duty information.

• Certificate of Origin: Issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), certifying the vehicle’s origin in China.

Clearance Steps

• Arrival declaration: Upon arrival at Lagos Port, submit the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and SONCAP certificate to customs.

• Duty calculation:

  • Basic duty: 20% of CIF value for used vehicles.

  • VAT: 7.5% of (CIF value + duty).

  • Additional fees: May include port development levy (1%), anti-dumping duties (up to 35% for certain models), etc.

• Vehicle inspection: Nigerian customs and the National Automotive Council (NAC) conduct physical inspections to verify the vehicle’s year, mileage, and configuration.

4. Key Considerations
Avoiding Clearance Risks

• Vehicle age and model restrictions: Nigeria prohibits right-hand drive vehicles and those over 15 years old. Some states restrict diesel vehicle imports.

• Anti-dumping duties: Check in advance whether the target vehicle model is subject to anti-dumping measures (e.g., certain Toyota models).

• Document consistency: The invoice amount must match the Form M declaration to avoid penalties for under-declaration.

Logistics and Cost Optimization

• LCL shipping: For smaller export volumes, consider less-than-container load (LCL) to reduce per-unit costs.

• Free trade zone transit: Using zones like Lekki Free Zone for temporary storage and batch clearance can ease cash flow pressure.

• Insurance coverage: Purchase All Risks insurance to cover damage or loss during transit.

Local Cooperation

• Choose a customs agent: Work with a licensed customs clearance agent in Nigeria familiar with port practices and potential duty reductions.

• Prepay duty deposit: Some customs offices require a 10%–20% deposit of the estimated duty; plan cash flow accordingly.

5. Summary
Exporting used vehicles from Liangshan, Shandong to Nigeria requires strict attention to vehicle compliance, document accuracy, and local clearance capacity. Businesses should focus on SONCAP certification, anti-dumping duties, and vehicle age limits, while building a reliable network of local partners in Nigeria. The entire process—from vehicle preparation to clearance—takes approximately 2–3 months. It is advisable to start with small trial shipments to gain experience before scaling up.