International trade between China and Nigeria continues to expand, driven by demand for affordable manufactured goods, machinery, electronics, textiles, and FMCG products. For Nigerian importers, China offers competitive pricing, production capacity, and product variety. However, understanding how to import goods from China to Nigeria requires careful planning, regulatory compliance, and strong logistics coordination.

This guide explains the key steps, costs, documentation, and compliance requirements involved in the process, while outlining how experienced trade partners like Wigmore Trading can help streamline operations.

Understanding the Basics of How to Import Goods from China to Nigeria

Before placing orders, importers must understand the regulatory and logistical framework that governs trade between the two countries. Importing is not simply about purchasing goods and shipping them; it involves supplier verification, payment structuring, customs documentation, freight management, and Nigerian import compliance.

Nigeria regulates imports through agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and other sector-specific authorities. Ensuring compliance before shipment leaves China prevents costly delays at Nigerian ports.

At this stage, it is also important to determine whether the product is permitted, restricted, or prohibited under Nigerian import regulations.

Step 1: Identify and Verify Suppliers in China

Supplier verification is one of the most critical aspects of importing from China. Businesses typically source suppliers through platforms such as Alibaba, trade fairs, or sourcing agents. However, due diligence is essential.

Key areas to evaluate include:

• Business registration and export license

• Production capacity and quality standards

• Product certifications

• Experience exporting to Africa

A physical factory inspection or third-party quality control check significantly reduces the risk of substandard goods.

Wigmore Trading supports businesses by connecting them with reliable suppliers and conducting sourcing verification, helping reduce the operational risks associated with overseas procurement.

Step 2: Negotiate Pricing and Understand Incoterms

When learning how to import goods from China to Nigeria, understanding Incoterms is essential. Incoterms determine who is responsible for shipping, insurance, and customs clearance at different stages of the transaction.

Common Incoterms include:

• FOB (Free on Board): Supplier delivers goods to the Chinese port; the buyer handles freight and insurance.

• CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): Supplier covers freight and insurance to the Nigerian port.

• EXW (Ex Works): Buyer assumes responsibility from the supplier’s factory.

For Nigerian importers seeking better control over logistics and cost transparency, FOB arrangements combined with a trusted freight forwarder often provide greater flexibility.

Step 3: Arrange Payment Securely

International payments require caution. Common payment methods include:

• Telegraphic Transfer (T/T)

• Letters of Credit (LC)

• Escrow services

New importers should avoid paying 100% upfront without proper verification. Structured payment terms such as 30% deposit and 70% balance after inspection are common practice.

Working with an experienced trade intermediary can provide additional security and reduce fraud exposure.

Step 4: Organise Shipping and Freight

Shipping options from China to Nigeria typically include sea freight and air freight.

Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for bulk shipments and usually takes between 30 and 45 days depending on routing and port congestion. Air freight is faster but significantly more expensive, making it suitable for high-value or time-sensitive goods.

Importers must decide between:

• Full Container Load (FCL)

• Less than Container Load (LCL)

FCL is generally more economical for large shipments, while LCL works for smaller volumes.

Professional freight coordination ensures proper documentation, cargo tracking, and insurance coverage. Wigmore Trading provides logistics coordination services that simplify freight arrangements and reduce transit risks.

Step 5: Prepare Required Import Documentation

Documentation is a crucial part of how to import goods from China to Nigeria. Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to customs delays, demurrage charges, or seizure.

Typical documents include:

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

• Certificate of Origin

• SONCAP Certificate (where required)

• NAFDAC permit (for regulated goods)

• Form M

• Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)

Form M must be opened through an authorized Nigerian bank before shipment. The PAAR is issued by Nigeria Customs and is necessary for clearance.

Ensuring documentation accuracy before shipment departs China reduces clearance complications upon arrival in Nigeria.

Customs Clearance in Nigeria

Upon arrival at Nigerian ports such as Apapa or Tin Can Island, goods undergo customs assessment. Duties and taxes are calculated based on the HS Code classification, Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF) value, and applicable tariff rates.

Importers must pay:

• Customs duties

• Value Added Tax (VAT)

• Levies (if applicable)

Working with licensed clearing agents helps expedite this process. Delays can result in port storage fees and demurrage costs, which significantly increase total import expenses.

Wigmore Trading supports clients with customs coordination and compliance advisory to ensure smoother clearance processes.

Understanding Import Costs and Profit Margins

To successfully import goods from China to Nigeria, businesses must calculate total landed cost rather than focusing only on supplier price.

Total landed cost includes:

• Product cost

• Freight charges

• Insurance

• Customs duties and taxes

• Port handling fees

• Inland transportation

Accurate costing protects profit margins and ensures competitive pricing within the Nigerian market.

Common Challenges When Importing from China to Nigeria

While the opportunity is significant, importers often face operational challenges.

Quality inconsistencies can occur without pre-shipment inspection. Currency fluctuations may affect payment values. Regulatory non-compliance can result in cargo delays. Port congestion and infrastructure constraints can extend delivery timelines.

Addressing these risks requires structured sourcing, verified suppliers, accurate documentation, and experienced logistics partners.

Wigmore Trading helps businesses mitigate these risks by managing sourcing, supplier verification, freight coordination, regulatory compliance, and distribution planning across Nigeria and West Africa.

Building a Sustainable Import Strategy

Importing should not be treated as a one-off transaction. Successful businesses develop long-term supplier relationships, negotiate better pricing over time, and refine logistics processes to improve efficiency.

Maintaining transparent communication with suppliers, forecasting demand accurately, and staying updated on Nigerian import regulations are essential to building a sustainable trade operation.

Partnering with an experienced trade and logistics company provides additional operational stability, especially for companies importing at scale.

Conclusion

Understanding how to import goods from China to Nigeria involves more than arranging shipment. It requires supplier verification, secure payment structures, regulatory compliance, freight management, and accurate customs documentation.

When managed correctly, importing from China can significantly improve product availability, pricing competitiveness, and profit margins for Nigerian businesses.

Wigmore Trading can help. Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing.