Car Export to Nigeria from China
Wholesale FOB and CIF supply to Lagos, Apapa, Tin Can and Onne. Left-hand drive only, SONCAP-aligned specifications, complete export documentation and a 120-point inspection before loading.
Why Nigerian Dealers Buy Chinese Vehicles
Nigeria is West Africa's largest vehicle import market, and supply origin has shifted decisively toward China over the past few years. Here is what that means for a dealer or importer sourcing stock.
Newer model years, not older stock
We supply new and low-mileage vehicles that sit comfortably inside the age range Nigeria currently permits, so consignments are not exposed to rejection at the port.
Left-hand drive as standard
Nigeria drives on the right. Every unit we quote for this market is left-hand drive, confirmed before deposit is taken.
Workable margin after duty
Factory-direct FOB pricing on Chinese models lands at a cost point that leaves room for distribution margin even after Nigerian duty and levies are applied.
Parts and service are practical
BYD, Geely, Toyota, Changan and GAC already operate dealer networks in major Nigerian cities, so after-sales supply is realistic rather than theoretical.
Import Compliance: What Nigeria Requires
Compliance is where most Nigerian import transactions go wrong. These are the steps and documents involved, in the order they actually happen.
- Proforma invoice and Form M Your bank opens Form M on the basis of our proforma invoice. This must be in place before loading. The PI carries the exact VIN, model year, trim, price and destination port, so it needs to be right the first time.
- Pre-shipment inspection and Certificate of Conformity Inspection happens in China, before the vessel sails. An accredited agency examines the vehicles and issues the CoC, which is the basis for the SONCAP certificate. We schedule this as soon as shipping space is booked.
- SONCAP activation The CoC, bill of lading and commercial invoice are used to activate the SONCAP certificate in Nigeria. Standards Organisation of Nigeria requires this for every imported vehicle.
- PAAR and final clearance Nigerian Customs reviews the invoice, B/L, Form M and SONCAP documentation and issues the PAAR, which releases the consignment.
The one step that cannot be moved: pre-shipment inspection has to happen before the vessel departs. Waiting until the ship has sailed is the most common and most expensive mistake in this trade, because it typically leads to rejection or a substantial penalty at the destination port.
Documents we provide
| Document | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Proforma Invoice | Opens Form M at your bank | Before deposit |
| Certificate of Conformity | Enables the SONCAP certificate | Before sailing |
| Bill of Lading | Title document for the delivery order | 3–5 days after departure |
| Commercial Invoice | Customs valuation and PAAR | Before departure |
| Packing List | Port inspection and VIN check | Before departure |
| Certificate of Origin | Bank and customs compliance | On B/L issuance |
| Inspection Report | Independent condition record | Before final payment |
On VIN accuracy: Nigerian customs systems cross-check every character across Form M, the commercial invoice, the packing list, the bill of lading and the CoC. We verify all five documents against each other before the original B/L is printed.
Ports and Shipping to Nigeria
We arrange container and RoRo shipments from Chinese ports to the terminal that suits your distribution. Tell us the destination port and we build the loading plan around it.
| Destination port | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tin Can Island, Lagos | Main vehicle import terminal | Most consignments clear here |
| Apapa, Lagos | Largely container traffic | Congestion varies by season |
| Onne / Port Harcourt | Eastern Nigeria distribution | Suits east-region dealers |
Plan for port-side time, not just ocean time. Ocean transit is only part of the total. Clearance at Lagos commonly adds several weeks after arrival, and demurrage begins accruing once the free period ends. We give you a realistic door-to-door estimate in your quotation rather than quoting ocean transit alone.
Container loading. A 40HQ container typically carries three to four SUVs, or four to five sedans, depending on model dimensions. Mixed model loads are routine for dealers testing a new line — send us your model mix and we return a loading plan with the quote.
How Nigerian Import Duty Works
We quote FOB or CIF. Duty is assessed at destination on the CIF value. This is the structure importers work with.
| Component | Applies to |
|---|---|
| Import duty on passenger vehicles | CIF value |
| Value added tax | CIF value plus duty |
| Supervision and ECOWAS levies | CIF value |
| Port and terminal charges | Per consignment |
We deliberately do not publish a total percentage. Rates, HS classification and exemptions change, and a figure that is right this quarter can be wrong the next. Your proforma invoice sets out the cost structure for your specific vehicles, and we recommend confirming the final calculation with a licensed Nigerian customs agent before you commit.
Vehicle age. Nigeria restricts the age of vehicles that may be imported, and the rule has been revised more than once in recent years. We will only quote units that sit inside the window currently in force. Tell us your target model year and we confirm eligibility before you place a deposit — you will not discover an age problem at the port.
Models Nigerian Dealers Order Most
Drawn from current demand in Lagos and Abuja. Every model below is available from our catalogue or on allocation.
| Segment | Models in our catalogue | Why it sells |
|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Toyota Camry · Toyota Corolla · Kia K3 · Hyundai Elantra | The largest volume segment in Lagos |
| Family SUVs | Toyota Highlander · Toyota Frontlander · Nissan X-Trail · Kia Seltos | Strong demand and dependable resale |
| Compact SUVs | Geely Boyue · Changan CS55 PLUS · Changan X5 PLUS · GAC Trumpchi GS3 | Value positioning for volume dealers |
| New energy | BYD Han EV · BYD Song Plus · BYD Sealion 06 · Zeekr 7X | Emerging demand in Lagos and Abuja |
Need a model that is not on this list? Send the model, year and quantity — our sourcing goes beyond the catalogue shown on this site.
How Ordering Works
- Send your RFQModel list, quantities, target model years and destination port.
- Receive a quote within one business dayStructured FOB or CIF pricing with unit prices, container plan and lead time.
- Confirm and pay a depositVehicles are reserved and inspection is scheduled. The deposit and balance schedule is set out in your proforma invoice.
- Pre-shipment inspectionPhotographs and video of the actual units before they are loaded, sent to you for approval.
- Balance, loading and sailingDocuments are couriered to you so your bank can complete Form M and clear to PAAR.
Order sizes. Volume wholesale terms apply for dealers and distributors, and single-unit orders can be quoted FOB on request. Tell us your model mix and destination port and we will confirm terms for your specific order.
Nigeria Import FAQ
What certificate is required to import a car into Nigeria?
Can the inspection be done after the ship sails?
Is left-hand drive required in Nigeria?
What is Form M and do I need it?
How long does shipping from China to Lagos take?
How much is import duty on cars in Nigeria?
How many cars fit in one container?
What is the minimum order quantity?
Do you also supply used vehicles to Nigeria?
How do I start an order?
Request a Nigeria FOB Quote
Send your model list, quantities and destination port. Our export team replies within one business day with pricing, a container plan and lead time.