Importing tyres into Nigeria is a major opportunity, especially for traders sourcing competitively priced products from China. However, the process is tightly regulated and logistically complex, so planning and compliance are essential.

Why tyres import from China to Nigeria is a growing opportunity

Nigeria’s tyre market is expanding, driven by a growing vehicle parc, high use of second-hand vehicles, and an active replacement market. Recent market studies estimate that the Nigerian tyre market will continue to grow steadily through 2030, supported by increasing demand for passenger and commercial vehicle tyres.

China is a key supplier in this space. Imports of new pneumatic tyres of rubber from China to Nigeria were valued at around US$190 million in 2024, and China is consistently ranked as Nigeria’s top tyre supplier by volume.

For wholesalers, fleet operators, and distributors, importing tyres from China offers:

• Competitive pricing compared with many other origins

• Broad product range (passenger, truck, bus, OTR and two-wheeler tyres)

• Private-label opportunities for those building their own brands

At the same time, policymakers are encouraging development of local manufacturing, and there are ongoing discussions about tighter controls or even restrictions on tyre imports. Any business entering this space should therefore stay informed, work with experienced partners, and build compliance into their strategy from day one.

Regulatory requirements for tyres import from China to Nigeria

Tyres are safety-critical products and are treated as regulated goods in Nigeria. Importers must comply with several key requirements:

SONCAP for tyre imports

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) is mandatory for regulated products, including tyres. It verifies that tyres meet Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or acceptable international equivalents before shipment.

Typically, the process involves:

1. Product Certificate (PC) – confirmation that the tyre model complies with the relevant standards, usually valid for a year.

2. Form M – opened through a Nigerian bank to register the import transaction.

3. SONCAP Certificate (SC) – issued per shipment, required for customs clearance at Nigerian ports.

Missing or incorrect SONCAP documentation can lead to delays, additional costs, or seizure of goods.

Customs, tariffs and port procedures

For tyres import from China to Nigeria, importers must also:

• Declare the correct HS codes for tyre types and sizes

• Pay applicable duties, VAT and other levies, which can change as fiscal policies are updated

  Bulk Buy, Big Savings - Start Today!

  Browse More

• Complete Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) processing to speed up clearance

Working with a logistics partner familiar with Nigerian port procedures helps avoid avoidable demurrage and storage charges.

Wigmore Trading regularly supports clients with documentation review, HS code classification guidance (in coordination with customs agents), and coordination with inspection agencies, reducing the risk of non-compliance or clearance delays.

Selecting the right suppliers for tyres import from China to Nigeria

Supplier choice directly affects product quality, brand reputation, and long-term profitability.

When evaluating Chinese tyre manufacturers or exporters, consider:

• Certification and standards – compliance with ECE, DOT or other recognised standards, plus the ability to support SONCAP testing and documentation

• Product portfolio – tyre patterns and sizes suited to Nigerian road conditions (e.g. durability on rough roads, heat resistance, load capacity for commercial fleets)

• Production capacity and lead times – can the supplier meet your seasonal peaks and wholesale order volumes?

• Quality control – robust inspection processes, test reports, and consistency between batches

• After-sales support – warranty policies and technical support, especially for fleet customers

Wigmore Trading works with vetted tyre manufacturers and consolidators in Asia, helping Nigerian buyers narrow down suppliers that can consistently meet both technical and regulatory requirements.

Logistics and shipping for tyres import from China to Nigeria

Tyres are bulky but relatively light compared to their volume, so freight strategy matters.

Key logistics considerations include:

• Full Container Load (FCL) vs. consolidation – many tyre importers favour FCL shipments to optimise cost per unit and reduce handling

• Port of loading and discharge – popular routes run from major Chinese ports to Lagos ports (Apapa or Tin Can), with routing and transit times affecting stock availability

• Container stuffing plans – optimising how tyres are loaded to maximise units per container while maintaining safety and compliance

• Insurance – cargo insurance to cover damage, loss, or extended delays

An end-to-end logistics partner like Wigmore Trading can coordinate supplier pick-up in China, ocean freight, customs clearance in Nigeria and final delivery to warehouse, aligning documentation with each step of the journey.

Managing risk, quality and sustainability in tyre imports

The Nigerian market still faces issues with substandard and counterfeit tyres, which SONCAP is designed to reduce. Importers should go further by implementing their own quality and risk controls, such as:

• Ordering pre-shipment inspections and random sampling at the factory

• Tracking batch numbers and tyre identification numbers for traceability

• Establishing clear product specifications and tolerances in contracts

• Monitoring evolving regulations, including any moves towards further restrictions on tyre imports or incentives for local manufacturing

There is also growing attention on tyre recycling and environmental impact, with Nigerian recyclers investing in facilities to process used tyres into new products. Importers who plan for responsible disposal of end-of-life tyres may gain an advantage with corporate and fleet customers that prioritise sustainability.

How Wigmore Trading supports tyres import from China to Nigeria

For businesses that want to expand or start tyres import from China to Nigeria, Wigmore Trading can provide:

• Supplier sourcing and vetting in China, aligned with Nigerian standards

• Coordination of SONCAP-related testing and documentation with recognised inspection bodies

• Support in preparing Form M and shipping documents in line with customs requirements

• Freight, clearing and inland logistics from Chinese factory to Nigerian warehouse

• Ongoing supply chain management, including reorder planning and diversification of supply sources

This integrated approach helps importers focus on sales and market development while reducing operational and regulatory risk.

Conclusion

Tyres import from China to Nigeria remains an attractive opportunity, supported by strong market demand and China’s role as a leading global tyre supplier. Success, however, depends on strict compliance with SONCAP and customs rules, careful supplier selection, and efficient logistics from factory to warehouse.

By partnering with experienced trade and logistics specialists, Nigerian businesses can build a resilient tyre supply chain that delivers quality products at competitive prices.

Wigmore Trading can help. Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing and logistics for tyres import from China to Nigeria.