Importing from China to Nigeria: The Ultimate Guide

Importing from China to Nigeria is a booming business that you need not miss out if you are an importer.

But how do you go about importing from China to Nigeria?

The answer to this question lies in this guide.

The guide seeks to unravel all the details that you need to know when you want to import from China to Nigeria.

In this guide, you will learn about the customs procedure in Nigeria as well as which goods you can import from China to Nigeria.

Let’s get straight into the details to help you understand.

How do I avoid fake suppliers for our goods importing to Nigeria?

You will need to be extra vigilant when you are sourcing for your suppliers.
Some scammers supply you with fake or low-quality goods.
Before engaging your supplier, you need do a background check to ascertain if they are genuine.
This includes requesting their physical address and their licenses.

How to pay importing from China to Nigeria?

There are several ways you can use to pay for your goods.
· Telegraphic Transfer
· Western Union
· PayPal
· Alipay
· Escrow
· Letter of Credit

How to buy goods from China to Nigeria?

The starting point of your importation is to order goods from China to Nigeria.
There are several ways you can order your goods from China to Nigeria.
· Use Chinese Sourcing Agents
· Order Goods Directly from Chinese Factory or Supplier
· Use Online Market Places

Which products you can Import from China to Nigeria?

i. Electronics appliance and gadget
ii. Fashion Accessories
iii. Home and Office appliances
iv. Automobile.

• Things to Import from China to Nigeria

Things to Import from China to Nigeria

As an importer, you need to import products that will sell quickly and those that will increase your profit margin.

There are a variety of products that you can import depending on your market niche.

Here is a look at these products.

i. Electronics appliance and gadget

• Under this category, you can import a wide variety of products. They include:
• Tablets and laptops which people can use as an alternative for Computers
• Memory cards and flash disks for file storage
• Smartphones and smart watches for communication and accessory purposes

ii. Fashion Accessories

Products that you can import under this category include:

Makeup which women use for beautification purposes

Shoes – You can either import casual or formal shoes which are in high demand in Nigeria.

Sportswear especially football kits which much Nigerian youth uses for training and playing purposes.

Clothing – Here, you can import any clothing be it formal or informal clothing.

Children wear especially those that toddlers and youth wear to look fashionable

iii. Home and Office appliances

This category includes those items that you can find in most homes and offices in Nigeria.

These products include the following:

• Computer and laptops. The demand for laptops and computers is in high demand in Nigeria especially among business people and in offices.
• CCTV cameras and their security surveillance systems. If you want to specialize in the security market of importing, then this needs to be your segment
• From cameras to security software like fingerprint scanners, you can win big by importing these items.
• Projectors which go in hand with laptops or computers when making presentations during board meetings or in seminars.
• Safety appliances such as fire extinguishers. These items are important for preventing fire outbreaks and safety of the occupants in offices and houses.
• Printers and scanners which play as an important accessory in offices.

iv. Automobiles

Items which you can import under this category include:

• Motor vehicles
• Tractors and heavy machinery
• Motorcycles commonly known as “Okada” and tricycles
• Automobile spare parts.

Other items that you can import from China to Nigeria include:

• Batteries
• Agricultural machinery including plowing and harvesting machines
• Musical instruments which have a niche in the entertainment industry
• Solar based equipment such as generators or panels which are in use as an alternative source of electricity.

List of Prohibited and Restricted Imports from China to Nigeria

One aspect of your importation that you need to be careful when importing from China to Nigeria is understanding the prohibited and restricted imports regulations.

Here are some goods that you should never import from China to Nigeria.

These are the prohibited goods which the customs will confiscate if you import them.

They include the following:

• Pork
• Nuclear industrial waste
• Alcoholic substances
• Drugs and narcotics
• A medicament which falls under the headings of 3003 and 304. You need to confirm which ones are they before importing them
• Waste pharmaceuticals
• Corrugated paper and paperboards
• Used motor vehicles above 15 years from the date of manufacture
• Bagged cement
• Certain furniture items
• Water including mineral water
• Carpets and certain textile floor covering
• Used compressors and used fridges and freezers
• Second-hand clothing

How to Order Goods from China to Nigeria

The starting point of your importation is to order goods from China to Nigeria.

There are several ways you can order your goods from China to Nigeria.

Whichever methods you use, you need to ensure that it is secure and that at the end of the day you will have your goods.

Here is a look at the most commonly used methods of ordering your goods from China to Nigeria.

· Use Chinese Sourcing Agents

The best thing about using Chinese sourcing agents to order your goods is that you can capitalize on their networks.

Most sourcing agents have a wide network of suppliers and manufacturers which you can use to order your goods.

What happens is that you will contact your sourcing agents detailing the kind of goods that you want to import.

Your sourcing agent will search for a list of your favorite products

They will use parameters such as cost, MOQ, and delivery time to source for suppliers and manufacturers for you.

Once they come up with a list of possible suppliers and manufacturers, they will present it to you.

They will then take you through each of the suppliers or manufacturers giving you the advantage and disadvantage of each.

This will enable you to settle for the best supplier for your goods.

Though ordering using a sourcing agent is beneficial as it can help you order quality goods at a lower price, there are some limitations.

For instance, your sourcing agent may not be in a position to disclose the details of your supplier.

Also, they may slow down your importation process since they are middlemen in your importation process.

· Order Goods Directly from Chinese Factory or Supplier

You can opt to order goods directly from a Chinese factory or supplier.

This is common especially if you are old in the industry and thus has established a lasting relationship with your supplier.

If you are a newbie, it will take a lot than ordering directly from your supplier.

For instance, you will have to visit the factory of your supplier to check on the production process.

You will also have to request for samples to confirm that the products that you will be importing are of the right quality.

Once you are OK with your supplier, you can now go ahead and order your products.

The advantage you will have with this method is that you have control over your order.

As such, you can contact them in case of any problem relating to your products.

Also, the fact that you are dealing directly with your manufacturer or supplier means that you have eliminated intermediaries.

You are therefore able to order goods at a lower price.

Apart from that, you are in a position to negotiate with your supplier or manufacturer on the details of your products.

This includes the price, the delivery time and the MOQ.

· Use Online Market Places

Online Marketplaces are the other method you can use to order your product from China to Nigeria.

These refer to secure and trusted sites on the internet that you can use to order your goods from China to Nigeria.

There are a couple of sites.

However, the common ones are Alibaba, AliExpress and DH gate.

If you are an importer who wants to import a large volume of goods in wholesale, then you can check out Alibaba.

Alibaba allows you to interact with several suppliers depending on your needs.

You can engage your suppliers or even your manufactures on the cost of your products.

You can also consider the MOQ and the delivery lead time for your products.

The advantage of using Alibaba is that you can easily see the reviews of your supplier based on their previous works.

You are therefore able to pick a reliable supplier based on how well they handled their previous customers.

AliExpress, on the other hand, offers you an opportunity to import small quantities preferably for retail purposes.

Being a sister company to Alibaba, there is a guarantee of quality and delivery of your products from your supplier.

Other online sited that you can use to search for your suppliers include Made in China and DH gate.

However, whichever site you pick, it needs to be secure and offer you protection from scammers.

You also need to do a background check on the suppliers before you engage them for your importation.

Calculate Cost of Importing from China to Nigeria

The cost has a significant role when you are importing from China to Nigeria.

You need to be aware of the various costs that you will pay during this process.

To assist you with this aspect, here is a look at the main elements of cost when you are importing from China to Nigeria.

1) Know Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) & Unit Price of Imports

One thing you will notice with all Chinese suppliers is that they always insist on the MOQ.

In most cases, this MOQ is usually on the higher side.

The reason for their MOQ being on the higher side is due to the low-profit margins that they enjoy.

The competition is high in China that they have to lower their price so as t get a competitive edge.

The reason why you will find most Chinese supplier requesting for MOQ is that they don’t keep stock.

For this reason, they set an MOQ s that they can start production as soon as you place an order with them.

For this reason, you need to check on the production time of your supplier before you engage them for your goods.

However, you can have a variety of ways that you can use to lower your manufacturers MOQ requirements without having to compromise on the quality.

For instance, you can reduce your customization requirements only to have requirements necessary customization.

You see, too much customization let’s say branding of your products will tend to attract a higher price than having plain products.

By doing this, you will be able to meet your supplier’s MOQ without affecting the quality of your goods.

The other way you can do this is by quoting a higher price for less quantity of the goods.

Since Chinese suppliers depend on large volume to make a profit, by reducing the volume, you lower their profit margin.

The only way they can still earn their profit is by increasing the value of your product if you are lowering the quantity.

Lastly, you can consider purchasing your goods from small manufacturers and suppliers.

Most of their MOQ is normally lower when you compare to big manufacturers and suppliers.

By doing this, you will get the same quantity of goods at a better price.

2) Calculate Cost of Shipping from China to Nigeria

Here is a look at the shipping cost of the various containers from China to Nigeria

If you are using ocean shipment, it will cost you the following when shipping to different ports in Nigeria from China.

• Shipping a 20ft container

• Shipping a 40ft container

• Shipping an OOCL container

If you are shipping via air, there are several factors that you will have to consider when you are determining the shipping cost.

They include the distance between the ports.

The farther the distance is, the higher the shipping cost that you will pay.

Also, you will have to factor in the different port charges that ports charge.

Other factors that will determine your shipping cost include the nature of your goods, fuel surcharge and the paying currency for your shipping.

The fuel surcharge and the paying currency keeps fluctuating during the shipping process.

The fuel surcharge is as a result of the changing prices of fuel while currency is as a result of a change in the strength of the currency.

Having a reliable forwarder will always inform you of any change in the price of fuel.

You will find this change indicated in your shipping cost.

To avoid instances of having less money when you are shipping, always factor in the currency fluctuation in your cost.

Having a reserve will help you pay for your air shipping cost without having troubles.

3) Calculate Nigeria Import Tariffs

The method for valuation of your import duty is the CIF.

The total import duty will include surface duty which is a percentage of the CIF, a surcharge ta of 7% and an administrative charge of 1%.

Also, you will also have to pay a 5% VAT and an ECOWAS levy of 5% on your imports.

Also, there are other duties which you will have to pay depending on the goods you are importing.

An automotive levy of between 10-20% when you are importing automotive.

A rice levy of 20% when importing rice.

When you are importing cigarettes, you will have to pay a 50% levy of the CIF value of your goods.

You will also have to pay a levy of between 10-20% when you are importing sugar into Nigeria.

However, there are some goods such as books that you can import duty-free.

You can check with the customs to determine if you can import your goods duty-free.

Know Nigeria Import Customs Clearance Procedures

Understanding the customs procedures when importing from China to Nigeria will help with the faster clearance of your goods from China to Nigeria.

Not following these procedures would mean paying fines for delays in clearance and having to wait longer at the customs.

If you are in the importation business, this is something you don’t want to happen to your importation.

To help you in understanding this, here is a look at the details involved.

· Nigeria import regulations

Let’s go through the important import regulations that you need to consider when importing to Nigeria from China

You will be required to submit a dully completed e-form M electronically to your dealer bank which must be authorized by the CBN.

You must attach this with the following documents

Proforma Invoice, insurance certificate and the necessary regulatory certificate such as NAFDAC or SONCAP.

There are some original documents which you will have to submit to your dealer bank before the validation process takes place.

Your dealer bank will do the following after they have received the duly completed copy of the e-forms.

First, they shall check the forms to ensure that you have filled them properly.

They will then have to compare the forms with the original documents.

Once the customs finish, they will validate and transmit your e-form to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS)

· Import marking and labeling requirements in Nigeria

First, you will have to ensure that your supplier labels your imports in English before importing them.

You will also have to indicate the country of origin which in this case is China.

When importing perishable goods, you will need to indicate the date of manufacturer and expiry of the goods.

Also, on all imports, you need to indicate the name of the product, the batch number, and their specifications.

Always remember to remind your supplier that they have to indicate the standards for producing the goods.

Electronic equipment that you import to Nigeria must include the instruction manual and a warranty of at least six months.

They should also have safety signs or information where applicable.

· Quality compliance in Nigeria

You will have to be issued with a Certificate of Conformity by SONCAP when importing to Nigeria.

You can obtain this certificate from an accredited firm.

There are three levels of SONCAP certification that you must adhere.

These levels are known as routes.

Let me explain these routes for you and depend on your products.

· Route A

You can use this route if you are importing unregistered or unlicensed products.

You can also use this route if you don’t frequently import to Nigeria.

· Route B

If you are importing registered goods, then you can conveniently use this route to import your cargo.

Also, if you are a regular importer and you have frequently complied with the quality system in place, then you can use this route.

· Route C

If you have shown consistency with the compliance of route B, you can apply for your goods to be certified under route C. mainly the goods that are certified here are the licensed products.

· How to get an import license in Nigeria

The important thing before you start importing is to obtain an import License for your business.

This is a license that permits you to import your cargo from China to Nigeria.

The following are the guidelines you will follow when seeking an import license for your business.

The first step involves registering the name of your company in Nigeria after which you will give you a certificate of incorporation.

You can do this by registering with the Federal Inland Service (FIRS) where you will be given a Tax Identification Number once you have paid tax.

You need to open an account with any commercial bank of your choice in Nigeria.

It is this bank that shall act as your dealer bank.

Your dealer bank will process your forms for you including e- form M and act as a link between you and the Nigeria Customs Service, you and other parties to your imports.

Remember that the e- form M is an important document when importing to Nigeria as the customs use it for statistics and other functions

You will have to get the necessary permits such as SONCAP or NAFDAC depending on the kind of gods you are importing.

After completing the above steps, you will have to register as an importer on the Nigeria Single Window Trade Portal.

You can locate this portal on the FIRS site.

The purpose of the portal is to facilitate the import procedure for your goods.

It does this by linking the government, you as an importer, your forwarding agent and your supplier in China.

Depending on your imports, there is three import categories procedure that your imports will have to follow.

You can have a one-time registration procedure which will make you an importer in Nigeria.

You can also have a special import license to import certain goods to Nigeria.

Lastly, you need to have a certification like SONCAP or NAFDAC or any permit as prescribed by the Nigeria Customs Service.

You will only start your importation from China to Nigeria after you have completed the above procedures.

· Documents required for importation in Nigeria

Proper documentation is a key element if you want to have a successful importation of your goods.

Lack of these documents may lead to you paying higher fines as well as a delay in you getting your cargo.

Here are the important documents that you need to have when importing to Nigeria from China.

1. Form M

Form M is a mandatory document that you must have when you are importing into Nigeria from China.

You can obtain this document from the Central Bank of Nigeria through your commercial bank.

The requirements or obtaining this document include a proforma invoice and an insurance cover for your imports.

Remember to source for the insurance cover locally.

You will also have to submit your Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN).

You can access the document through the Federal Government of Nigeria Single Window for Trade portal.

The importance of this document is that it enables the customs to monitor the importation of goods into Nigeria.

It also aids in the collection of taxes and duties.

The content of the document includes the Harmonized code for your import duty and the total amount that you need to pay.

2. Insurance certificate

An insurance certificate is an important document since it covers your goods against risks that might occur during importation.

The customs authorities require that you obtain an insurance cover from a local insurance company.

Insurance is a compulsory step when you are importing your goods to Nigeria.

3. Agency certificate

Depending on the type of goods you are importing from China to Nigeria, you will need to have an agency certificate.

For example, if you are importing food products, you will obtain a NAFDAC certificate.

Similarly, if you are importing manufactured goods, you will have to obtain a certificate from SONCAP.

For ease of importing your goods, always seek the services of a freight forwarder on which agency certificate you need to have.

4. Bill of Lading or Airways Bill

Depending on which shipping method you use to import your goods from China to Nigeria, you will need to have a bill of lading or an airways bill.

Your carrier will issue your customs agent with this document.

The information on this document include the details of the goods that you are shipping, the details of your supplier and your details.

Your forwarder will use this information as reference when computing your import duty.

Always ensure that the information therein matches the information that is in your commercial invoice.

5. Commercial Invoice

This is a document that your supplier will issue your forwarder which they need to present to the customs.

The information in this document includes the number of products you import, the unit price as well as the total price for the imports.

Also, it includes the information on the supplier and your information.

The customs will use this document when they are calculating the duty that you are supposed to pay for your cargo.

To avoid complications when dealing with the customs, always ensure that the information in the commercial invoice is accurate.

Importing from China to Nigeria Payment Terms

There are several ways you can use to pay for your import from China to Nigeria.

However, not all these payment options are secure for you to use.

Whichever method you choose for payment of your imports, needs to be secure and one which you pay for goods that you ordered.

Some of the factors you can consider when selecting a payment option include the relationship between you and your supplier.

You can also include the risks of using the payment option, the hidden charges for using the option and the speed of using the option.

Let’s have a look at the commonly used payment options that you can choose to pay for your imports from China to Nigeria.

· Telegraphic Transfer

Telegraphic Transfer is an electronic method of making payments to your supplier or manufacturer in China.

Under this method, you have to make payments first befor