Clearing and forwarding agents sit at the heart of global trade. For businesses importing or exporting goods into and out of Africa, the right partner can mean the difference between smooth operations and costly delays.

In this guide, we’ll explain what clearing and forwarding agents do, why they matter, and how Wigmore Trading can support your trade across African markets.

What Are Clearing and Forwarding Agents?

Clearing and forwarding agents are logistics specialists who handle the end-to-end movement of goods across borders.

Broadly, they focus on two core functions:

• Clearing – Managing customs documentation, duties, taxes, and compliance so goods can legally enter or leave a country.

• Forwarding – Organising the physical movement of cargo via sea, air, road, or multimodal transport.

For importers and exporters, a reliable clearing and forwarding agent becomes a single point of contact for:

• Customs declarations

• Shipping documentation

• Coordination with shipping lines and airlines

• Port and terminal handling

• Delivery to final destination

Wigmore Trading works with experienced clearing and forwarding agents to ensure goods move efficiently through busy ports and land borders across Africa.

Why Clearing and Forwarding Agents Matter in African Trade

African markets offer huge opportunities in FMCG, industrial goods, agriculture, and wholesale distribution. But the trade environment can be complex:

• Regulations and procedures differ between countries.

• Port congestion and infrastructure constraints can cause delays.

• Documentation requirements are strict and often change.

• Local knowledge and relationships are essential.

Clearing and forwarding agents help businesses navigate this complexity by:

• Keeping up-to-date with customs regulations.

• Understanding local port practices and informal realities.

• Managing paperwork and timelines so shipments don’t get stuck.

• Optimising routes and carriers for cost and speed.

For companies sourcing or distributing products in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and other key African markets, working with the right agent significantly reduces risk.

Key Responsibilities of Clearing and Forwarding Agents

A professional clearing and forwarding agent typically handles:

1. Customs Clearance

• Preparing and submitting import/export declarations

• Ensuring HS code classification is correct

• Calculating and arranging payment of duties and taxes

• Managing inspections and queries from customs officers

Mistakes here can lead to fines, demurrage charges, or seizure of goods.

2. Documentation Management

• Bills of lading / airway bills

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• Commercial invoices and packing lists

• Certificates of origin and conformity

• Licences and permits where required

Accurate, consistent documentation is essential for smooth clearance.

3. Freight Forwarding and Transport Coordination

• Booking space with shipping lines and airlines

• Planning shipping routes and transit times

• Coordinating port handling and inland transport

• Tracking shipments and providing status updates

Wigmore Trading works closely with clearing and forwarding agents and transport providers to keep supply chains visible and predictable.

4. Problem Solving and Exception Handling

• Managing delays, rollovers, or changes in vessel schedules

• Handling damaged cargo or missing documents

• Liaising with terminals, customs, and shipping lines

A good agent does not just “process paperwork” – they actively manage issues when they arise.

Common Challenges Importers and Exporters Face

Without strong clearing and forwarding support, businesses often face:

• Unexpected delays at ports due to documentation errors or incomplete declarations.

• High demurrage and storage charges when cargo is not cleared on time.

• Incorrect duty payments from wrong HS classification.

• Poor communication on shipment status and problems.

• Limited visibility on total landed cost.

These challenges can erode margins and damage customer relationships.

Working with clearing and forwarding agents who understand both the local environment and international trade standards can dramatically reduce these risks.

Wigmore Trading can help by connecting your business with trusted clearing and forwarding partners and by managing the end-to-end trade process for you.

How to Choose the Right Clearing and Forwarding Agent

When selecting a clearing and forwarding agent for your African trade lanes, consider:

1. Experience in Your Target Markets

Look for agents with a proven track record in the specific ports and borders you use. Local relationships and knowledge are invaluable.

2. Industry and Product Expertise

FMCG, bulk commodities, perishables, and high-value goods each have different requirements. Your agent should understand:

• Product-specific regulations

• Handling and storage needs

• Documentation and licensing requirements

Wigmore Trading’s experience in FMCG and wholesale distribution across Africa means we understand these nuances and work with agents who do too.

3. Compliance and Transparency

Ask about:

• Licensing and accreditation

• Internal compliance processes

• How duties, taxes, and fees are calculated and reported

Transparent costing and clear communication help you manage your landed costs accurately.

4. Technology and Visibility

Modern clearing and forwarding agents should provide:

• Shipment tracking

• Electronic document sharing

• Regular status updates

This visibility supports better planning and inventory management.

5. Service Level and Communication

Reliability and responsiveness are critical. You need an agent who:

• Responds quickly to queries

• Escalates issues early

• Provides realistic timelines

Wigmore Trading can help you assess and coordinate with clearing and forwarding partners to ensure they meet these standards.

How Wigmore Trading Supports Your Supply Chain

Wigmore Trading is more than a trading company. We act as a practical partner for businesses importing and exporting goods in and out of Africa.

Working alongside trusted clearing and forwarding agents, we help you:

• Plan shipments and choose suitable Incoterms

• Prepare accurate documentation to reduce clearance issues

• Coordinate with carriers, warehouses, and last-mile delivery

• Understand total landed costs and optimise routes

• Resolve problems quickly when they arise

Whether you are a wholesaler, retailer, or distributor, Wigmore Trading can help you streamline your sourcing and distribution by integrating trading, logistics, and clearing and forwarding support.

Get in touch with our team to learn more about how we can support your next shipment.

Practical Tips for Working with Clearing and Forwarding Agents

To get the best results from your clearing and forwarding agents:

• Share accurate information early – product details, values, weights, and packing lists.

• Confirm HS codes and duty rates in advance to avoid surprises.

• Agree clear timelines for documentation submission and clearance.

• Align on communication channels – who to contact, how often, and in what format.

• Review performance regularly – clearance times, costs, and issues.

Wigmore Trading can support you with these steps, helping you build stable, reliable trade flows across African markets.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing and logistics.