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Nigeria Customs clearing documents you need to import goods in Nigeria.
Discover all the different customs clearing documents you need, and how they work, in order to clear your goods through Nigerian Customs
Successfully clearing goods through Nigerian Customs requires several customs clearing documents. In this article, we will discuss the documents you need to give the Clearance Vendor and how they work.
SON Conformity Assessment Program Certificate (SONCAP)
To clear goods in Nigeria, importers are required by law to provide a Product Certificate (PC) and a SONCAP Certificate (SC). These certificates are needed for every consignment of regulated products by SON approved inspection agencies, like Cotecna.
Form M
Importers also require a Form M to clear their goods. To open a Form M, you must select a dealer bank and provide them with the following documents: the Pro forma Invoice, Marine Insurance Certificate and a (SON) Product Certificate. The bank will then use these documents to open and issue a Form M.
Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)
PAAR is an acronym for Pre-Arrival Assessment Report. The Nigerian Customs service requires an approved and valid PAAR for cargo clearing. The PAAR is processed through the Nigeria Single Window Trade Portal. However, the applicant’s dealer bank, or the bank that issued the Form M, processes the PAAR since the single window is not accessible to individuals. In addition, regulation requires that the exporter send a set of original shipping documents to the bank for PAAR processing. Depending on the bank, this may take some time consequently lengthening the clearing process. Finally, the bank will attach the scanned SONCAP Certificate and shipping document copies to the application and submit everything to the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS). The NCS will then review, register, query or reject the PAAR application.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
MSDS is a document that lists the occupational safety and health of various substances and products. MSDS information may include details like how to safely use the product, potential risks and spill-handling procedures. This document is required for the importation of certain chemical products.
DAT (DELIVERED AT TERMINAL)
Delivered at Terminal DAT named place Incoterms® 2010 — This term may be used regardless of the mode or modes of carriage to be used.
DAP (DELIVERED AT PLACE)
Delivered at Place DAP named place Incoterms® 2010 — This term may be used whatever mode or modes of transport will be used.
NAFDAC Permit
NAFDAC regulated products like certain food items and regulated chemicals require a NAFDAC Permit for customs clearance. Clearing imported goods through Nigerian Customs can be difficult and time-consuming. This is one of the reasons why we assign a dedicated agent to guide our clients through the certification process. If you would like to learn more about exporting to Nigeria or make a commitment free enquiry, please contact us.
