Nigeria
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • Form M Number, BA Number, SONCAP Certificate Number (or NAFDAC Permit Number), Consignee FIRS TIN, Consignee Email Address, and 6-digit HS Code mandatory on Master B/L, House B/L, and manifest.
- • Ocean freight must be prepaid.
Form M number, BA number, SONCAP/NAFDAC reference, Consignee TIN, and Consignee email address must appear directly on the B/L and manifest. First-time Nigerian consignees must complete carrier KYC verification before booking confirmation.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • Importer must obtain an approved Form M via an Authorized Dealer Bank on the CBN TRMS portal prior to vessel departure.
- • Mandatory Product Certificate and SONCAP Certificate issued at origin prior to loading for regulated goods.
- • Marine cargo insurance must be underwritten locally with a Nigerian licensed insurer.
- • Re-exporting cargo from Nigerian customs territory is strictly prohibited by law.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Passenger vehicles: maximum 12 years from manufacture
- • Commercial vehicles (trucks, buses): maximum 10 years from manufacture
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • English product labeling mandatory on all commodities.
- • Passenger vehicles older than 12 years prohibited; commercial vehicles restricted to 10 years.
- • Food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices require prior NAFDAC product registration and 50% to 70% remaining shelf life upon port arrival.
- • Official Veterinary Health Certificate and prior Federal Ministry of Agriculture import permit mandatory for all meat products.
- • ISPM 15 wood packaging stamp strictly enforced at Apapa, Tin Can, Onne, and Lekki.
- • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.
Shipper & Consignee
Where this destination differs from standard practice
- • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.
Consignee must be a registered Nigerian corporate entity holding an active FIRS TIN. NVOCCs and licensed consolidators can be named as consignee on Master B/Ls. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered Nigerian buyer with full physical address in Nigeria, local phone number, email address, and TIN clearly stated on the B/L. PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Missing Form M or SONCAP numbers on the B/L triggers severe customs seizures, demurrage, and destination fines of up to 100% of CIF value at Apapa/Tin Can Island. Re-exporting imported cargo from Nigeria is prohibited.
Compliance Timeline for Nigeria
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Complete pre-shipment inspection (PVoC / CoC) via SONCAP Accredited Bodies (Cotecna, SGS, Intertek, CCIC, TÜV Rheinland) before cargo is stuffed.
- ✓ Verify vehicle age against the applicable statutory limit (12 yrs passenger / 10 yrs commercial).
- ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT right-hand drive before booking.
- ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
- ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Prior to Sailing
- ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
- ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Port Clearance at Destination
- ✓ Present original Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to destination standards inspectors.
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for Nigeria (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.