Are you shipping a car to Nigeria but don't know how to go about clearing the car from the port?
In this article, we outline the key steps involved in clearing your car through customs and break down the customs car clearance costs.
To clear your car efficiently and avoid extra costs or delays, partner with a professional customs clearing agent. Our expert brokers will ensure a prompt and cost-effective clearance. Contact us today to get started!
How to Clear A Car From Nigeria Customs
To clear a car from the Nigerian port, our customs brokers guide you through the following steps in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS):
1. Paperwork Verification:
The first step involves having the required paperwork verified by customs officers. In some cases, this process can begin even before the car arrives at the port.
Once you give us the information about the car you are shipping, we will work with you to ensure that all the required documents are prepared accurately according to the regulations on importing vehicles into the country.
What Documents Are Required For Customs Car Clearance?
The document you will need to clear a car depends on the type of car you are importing.
But in general, these are the major documents you will need:
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Entry
- Bill of Lading or Air waybill
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Import Licence
- Insurance certificate
- Inspection Certificate
Note that Form M and SONCAP are necessary only when you are importing a new vehicle, especially for those manufactured this year or last year.
2. Payments, Taxes, Duties:
Once the documents are verified by the customs authorities, we proceed to make the necessary payments for the car-clearing process.
The Nigeria custom car clearance price also varies depending on the type of car you are importing (i.e. the brand, model and year of the car).
In this step, you have to pay for:
A. Customs duty:
The customs duty on cars in Nigeria is 20% for most cars.
B. Levy:
This ranges from 15-20% and is 0% for some vehicles.
C. Valued Added Taxes (VAT):
This is 7.5% of your car value.
D. Inspection Fees:
This varies depending on the inspection agent used and the number of inspections carried out.
E. Customs Clearing Agent Fee:
This is paid to the clearing agent/broker for the service renders.
F. Handling and Port Fees:
This depends on how long your vehicle spends in the port.
Other include ETLS Levy and CISS Fee.
We will show you a breakdown of this cost for a used Toyota Highlander 2015 later in this article.
3. Customs Officer Inspection:
To ensure that the car you are importing to the country meets the customs regulations, the officers take time to inspect the vehicle in the port.
They check the documents provided, ensuring that it is correct with the actual vehicle make, model and year also verifying the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Our customs brokers diligently prepare for inspections to ensure your vehicles are cleared and released right after the inspection, avoiding any unnecessary delays or extended time at the port.
4. Release of the Vehicle:
Once your car is cleared, we receive an exit notice and move your vehicle from the port to your desired location.
From the day your car arrives at the port in Nigeria, it takes an average of 7 days before we can clear the vehicle successfully and deliver it to you.
You can always trust SARA for on-time deliveries,
Custom Car Clearance Cost
Here is a breakdown of the car clearance fee for a used Toyota Highlander 2015 from Baltimore Maryland Port, USA to Apapa Port, Nigeria.
1. Customs Duty:
Rate: 35% of the total cost (Vehicle Cost at $10,000 + Shipping Cost $2,000).
Calculation: Customs Duty = 35% of ($10,000 + $2,000) = 35% of $12,000 = $4,200.
2. Levy (for used vehicles):
Rate: 35% of the total cost (Vehicle Cost + Shipping Cost).
Calculation: Levy = 35% of ($10,000 + $2,000) = 35% of $12,000 = $4,200.
3. VAT (Value Added Tax):
Rate: 7.5% of the total cost (Vehicle Cost + Shipping Cost + Customs Duty).
Calculation: VAT = 7.5% of ($12,000 + $4,200) = 7.5% of $16,200 = $1,215.
4. Additional Fees:
This includes the port charges, clearing agent fees, and other taxes. While these charges are typically minimal, they can quickly add up if your vehicle stays longer at the port due to demurrage fees and other costs.
However, with SARA, we work efficiently to prevent delays, ensuring your vehicle is cleared on time and saving you from excessive costs.
An estimated USD for this would be $1,500 including clearing agent fees and other minimal surcharges.
Total Estimated Clearance Cost:
| Fees | Cost |
| Customs Duty | $4,200 |
| Levy | $4,200 |
| VAT | $1,215 |
| Other Fees (approximate) | $1,500 |
| Total | $11,115 |
Do you need the breakdown of another car? Let us know and we will provide this to you as soon as we can.
Note that the custom car clearance price for used Toyota Highlander 2015, including other car models, changes regularly. Contact us today to get the current price.
How to Save on Customs Clearance of a Car from Nigeria Port
Yes, the cost of clearing a vehicle can be expensive, especially with the recent exchange rate and economic fluctuations.
But you can still save time and money when clearing your car.
This is only possible with the help of an expert customs broker. When working with an experienced broker from SARA, you save your time while we efficiently handle the entire process for you.
Each additional hour your vehicle remains at the port incurs extra charges, driving up the car clearing price.
Our agents are committed to speeding up the process, ensuring that your shipments are cleared swiftly, which not only enhances your satisfaction but also helps you avoid unnecessary costs.
Clear Your Cars With SARA
Clearing a car from Nigeria’s port involves several steps, including verifying paperwork, paying duties, and passing customs inspections.
Neglecting the need for professional help is a costly mistake you do not want to make.
Choose SARA for your car clearance needs in Nigeria and experience hassle-free, cost-effective service tailored to your satisfaction.
Contact us today and we will get your car delivered to you soon.
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