A Step-by-Step Process; professional, easy-to-follow export Guide for Successful Container Shipping from Nigeria to the World.
Exporting goods by sea from Nigeria requires precision, compliance, and timely coordination with multiple stakeholders; including customs, terminals, and shipping lines. This guide walks you through the key stages of the process, whether you’re exporting agro-products, industrial materials, or consumer goods.
- Request Sea Freight Quote
- Contact a reputable shipping company for a Sea Freight Rate.
- Provide shipment details (commodity, destination, volume/weight, preferred port).
- Compare rates, transit times, and service reliability before choosing.
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- Book a Container
- Proceed to book your container with your selected shipping line.
- Confirm container size (20ft, 40ft, HC, reefer, etc.).
- Request availability and secure booking reference.
- Arrange Container Pickup
- Coordinate a truck to pick up the empty container from the shipping company’s depot or designated terminal.
- Alternatively, locate the container yourself from their authorized depot.
- Confirm Booking
- Re-confirm your container assignment with the shipping line.
- Get documentation of your booking for loading and customs purposes.
- Customs Pre-Examination Notification
- Notify a Nigeria Customs export examiner of the intended loading location and date.
- Schedule an in-person examination or prepare a video/photo inspection record as evidence of export content.
- Customs Clearance Process
Option A: Full Compliance with FORM NXP
- Register and submit your FORM NXP through an authorized bank.
- Upon examination, Nigeria Customs issues a Clean Certificate of Inspection (CCI).
- Prepare and submit your Single Goods Declaration (SGD).
- If the export item is dutiable, make required duty payments.
- Obtain clearance from relevant government agencies (e.g., NAFDAC, SON, Quarantine).
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Option B: Compromise Clearance (No Form NXP)
- Exporter opts to proceed with informal clearance — note this lacks full legal protection and is not recommended for long-term operations or high-value cargo.
- Clearance and Sealing at Terminal
- Obtain the “To Go” authorization from Nigeria Customs for the loaded container to be moved to Lilypond Terminal (or designated export terminal).
- Terminal conducts assessment and Nigeria Customs seals the container after documentation.
- Trucking to Port of Loading
- Move the container to the final port terminal (e.g., Tin Can, Apapa).
- The port issues a Terminal Debit Note (charges for container handling).
- Submit documentation and settle charges with the shipping line.
- Documentation for Shipment
Prepare and submit the following to the shipping company:
- Shipper’s full details
- Consignee’s full details
- Packing list
- Commercial invoice
The shipping line will then:
- Issue a draft Bill of Lading (BL) for your review.
- Upon your approval, issue a Freight Debit Note.
- Once payment is confirmed, release the Original Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill.
- Delivery of Shipping Documents
- Send the Original BL (or SBL) to your consignee via email or international courier.
- Consignee uses this to receive goods at the destination port.
Additional Considerations
- Export Contract Agreement: Ensure your buyer/seller agreement includes Incoterms (FOB, CIF, etc.).
- Regulatory Approvals: Depending on the goods, get approvals from SON, NAFDAC, NESREA, or others.
- Insurance: Consider insuring the cargo for damage, loss, or delay.
- Banking Compliance: Ensure your proceeds repatriation complies with CBN export guidelines.
- Export Incentives: Register with NEPC to access export incentives like the Export Expansion Grant (EEG).
Let Valuehandlers Handle Your Export with Ease
We assist businesses in Nigeria with:
- Export documentation
- Container booking and trucking
- Customs clearance
- Global delivery and tracking
- Sea and air freight solutions
Call: 08032241768
What’sApp+234 8082375017
Ready to Export from Nigeria to the World? Get a free Quotation now,
Email: customercare@valuehandlers.com