Tips to Ensure Seamless Customs Clearance in Nigeria
All goods imported or exported internationally must be cleared by the Customs Authority before they are allowed to enter or exit a country. This includes all goods being transported by sea, air, or land. In Nigeria, all goods being imported or exported must be cleared the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
What is Customs Clearance and What Does it Entail?
Customs clearance involves the preparation and submission of documents to the Customs Authority which is required to facilitate export or imports of goods into a country. A Freight Forwarder representing a client during customs examination ensures assessment of goods, payment of duty and co taking delivery of cargo from customs after clearance along with documents.
Are Customs Clearance Procedures the Same in All Countries?
The rules, regulations, and laws are a bit different from country to country, sometimes from port to port within a country, making someone who specializes in customs clearance very important to a shipper exporting and importing goods.
What are the documents required for Customs Clearance in Nigeria?
Some of the documents involved in customs clearance are:
- Exports Documentation: Purchase order from buyer, sales invoice, packing list, shipping bill, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin and any other specific documentation as specified by the buyer, or as required by financial institutions or LC terms or as per importing country regulations.
- Imports Documentation: Purchase order from buyer, sales invoice of supplier, bill of Entry, bill of lading or air waybill, packing list, certificate of origin, and any other specific documentation required by the buyer, or financial institution or the importing country regulation.
Once the goods are cleared, the shipper is provided with a document that confirms that all custom duties have been paid and that the shipment of goods may proceed.
A freight forwarder usually handles the customs clearance process and procedures. but you may also choose to hire a customs broker.
The service performed by Freight Forwarders who coordinate international transportation as well as customs clearance services to clients is referred to as customs brokerage.
Issues arising from Customs Clearance in Nigeria
While the NCS inspects your goods, issues could arise, and your goods could be delayed and not released promptly. Shipping containers are warehoused as they go through customs clearance. Warehousing and storage fees can add up quickly.
All of these issues could cost your business more money because the arrival of your shipment is delayed.
How Can I Ensure a Smooth Customs Clearance Process in Nigeria?
It is advised that you carefully select a Freight Forwarder or Customs Broker to ensure your customs clearance runs smoothly and avoid excessive shipping costs.
Your Freight Forwarder or Customs Broker should be able to handle your customs clearance procedures and processes efficiently and effectively.
When choosing a Freight Forwarder, you should select a company with the experience to handle your customs clearance effectively and who knows all the nitty-gritty of what is entails should any issue arise. Your Freight Forwarder should also provide cost-effective services.
TGL is a logistics management company whose vision is to redefine the concept of service delivery in the logistics business primarily in Nigeria and Africa and by extension, the rest of the world.
With a team of over 50 years’ combined experience in freight forwarding, out-country and in-country logistics, compliance/documentation and core technology services, we bring to the table a firm promise to provide a reliable platform for end-to-end logistics solutions for B2B and B2C businesses.
TGL assures you of timely delivery of your goods without incurring extra storage charges. Talk to us for your freight forwarding services like shipping, customs clearance and haulage.
Get in Contact with our Experts to discuss your requirements
Email: info@tgl.ng
Phone Number: +234 903 062 2243
Address: 68 Molade Okoya Thomas Street, Off Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos