Importing FMCG products into Nigeria: practical guide
Are you an importer or distributor in Nigeria planning to buy a container of fast-moving consumer goods from Whitworth in Brussels? This guide follows the real journey of an order, from the proforma invoice to collecting the goods at the Apapa or Tin Can Island terminals in Lagos.
Before you order
Before ordering, check three points with your bank and your customs broker: opening the Form M, the NAFDAC status of each product and the tariff heading of the references. Then send us your product list with the desired quantities. We reply with a proforma invoice detailing prices, pallets, the fill rate of the 20 or 40 foot container, the Incoterm and the payment terms. This proforma is the basis for all subsequent steps, from the Form M to the letter of credit.
Required documents
In Nigeria, the document file is prepared even before loading, because the importer's bank is involved very early.
Proforma invoice and Form M
The proforma is used to open the Form M with your authorised bank, a prerequisite for any import paid in foreign currency.
Commercial invoice
It matches the references, quantities and values of the Form M exactly. Any difference slows down clearance.
Packing list
Details per pallet and per carton, gross and net weight, useful for inspection at the port of Lagos.
Bill of lading (B/L)
Issued by the shipping line on departure from Antwerp, it allows you to collect the container at the terminal.
Origin and NAFDAC registration
European certificate of origin and, for food, product registration with NAFDAC, to be arranged before shipment.
Incoterms offered
We offer two options. Under FOB Antwerp, you choose your own freight forwarder and pay the ocean freight. Under CIF Lagos (Apapa or Tin Can Island), we book the vessel and insurance to the Nigerian port. Many Nigerian importers prefer CIF when their bank finances the transaction, because the covered value appears clearly on the documents.
Sea transit from Antwerp
Sea transit between Antwerp and Lagos generally takes between two and four weeks depending on the vessel's rotation and port calls. Add consolidation time in Antwerp and, on arrival, terminal handling, which can vary widely at Apapa depending on congestion. Allow a margin before any in-store promotion.
Customs clearance and delivery
When the vessel arrives, your customs broker files the declaration with the Nigeria Customs Service using our documents. The container may undergo a physical examination before release. Once duties are paid and the container released, it leaves Apapa or Tin Can Island by truck for your warehouse in Lagos or inland. Return the empty container quickly to avoid demurrage charges.
Tariff zone and duties
Nigeria is a member of ECOWAS and applies the community's common external tariff. For European products, this means duties follow the common ECOWAS schedule, supplemented by national levies. Nigeria also maintains an import prohibition list. The rates and restrictions that apply to your references are to be confirmed with your freight forwarder or customs (Nigeria Customs Service).
Currency and payment methods
The local currency is the naira (NGN), but our invoices are issued in euros. Payment is made by bank transfer or by letter of credit opened by a Nigerian bank, often linked to the Form M. Access to foreign currency goes through your bank: build this lead time into your order planning.
Points to watch
Labelling
English wording, importer name and NAFDAC number on the packaging where the product requires it.
Shelf life
Aim for comfortable remaining shelf life on arrival, as clearance at Apapa can take longer.
Cold chain
For frozen goods, a reefer container plugged in continuously and a forwarder able to handle it at the terminal.
Document consistency
Form M, invoice and packing list must match line by line.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Form M needed for each container?
As a rule yes, the Form M is linked to a specific import transaction. Your bank will tell you the exact procedure.
Do you deliver to Onne or Port Harcourt?
Lagos is our usual destination, but other Nigerian ports can be considered on request, depending on available sailings.
Do my products need NAFDAC registration?
Most food and cosmetic products do. Check the status of each reference before placing your order.
What duties will I pay?
They depend on the tariff heading of each product: to be confirmed with your freight forwarder or customs.
Can I pay in naira?
Our invoices are in euros. Your bank converts the amount at the time of the transfer or the letter of credit.
Send your product list for Lagos: we return a proforma invoice ready for your Form M.