How to Import From China to Nigeria: A Buyer's Guide (Suppliers, Shipping and Customs)

To import from China to Nigeria, you find and verify a supplier, agree a sample and specifications, settle the shipping terms, pay through a method that protects you, arrange freight with a forwarder, and clear the goods through Nigerian customs. Each step has traps, especially for first-time buyers, and this guide explains them in order. It covers the buyer side of the process. If you are a Chinese manufacturer looking to sell into Nigeria, our other guides cover the seller side.

This is general information, not legal or customs advice. Nigeria import requirements, duties and product rules change and depend on the product, so confirm them with a licensed customs agent and the relevant Nigerian authorities before you pay for goods.

Step 1: Decide what to import and check it is allowed

If you are asking how to import from China to Nigeria for the first time, begin here, because the product decides almost everything that follows.

Before you search for suppliers, decide on a product and check three things:

• Is the product restricted or regulated in Nigeria? Some goods need certificates or permits, for example from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) or NAFDAC for foods, drugs, cosmetics and certain chemicals. Others may be restricted or prohibited. Ask a licensed customs agent before you order.
• Will it sell? Test demand with the people you plan to sell to, in your market or online.
• Does the margin survive all costs? Include product cost, shipping, duties, port charges, transport in Nigeria, and your own time.

If you are still deciding between buying a small quantity or a full container, read our guide on starting a mini importation business in Nigeria.

Step 2: Find suppliers and verify them

You can find Chinese suppliers through online marketplaces, trade fairs, sourcing agents and referrals. The channel matters less than your checks. Our guide on how to verify a supplier before you pay covers this in detail, and the core checks are:

1. Ask for the company's full registered name and address, and check that they match the documents and bank account you are given.
2. Ask for a business licence and for evidence of the factory or trading status.
3. Request photos or a live video call from the factory or warehouse.
4. Ask for references or past export experience, ideally to Africa.
5. Compare several suppliers. Be suspicious of a price far below all the others.
6. Check that the person you are speaking to is who they say they are, and that the bank account is in the company's name.

Whether you use a large marketplace or a direct contact, be fair in your judgement. Honest suppliers exist at every level, and so do scams. Check, do not assume.

Step 3: Get samples and agree specifications

Never place a large order on photos alone. Ask for samples of the exact item and have them shipped to you, accepting that sample costs and shipping are usually yours to pay. Once you approve the sample:

• Write a specification sheet: dimensions, materials, colours, voltage or plug type for electrical goods, packaging, labelling and quantity.
• Agree acceptable defect levels and what happens if goods do not match the sample.
• Confirm any labelling or markings required for Nigeria.
• Keep the approved sample safe, so you can compare it with the delivered goods.

Step 4: Understand the shipping terms

Quotes from Chinese suppliers often use Incoterms, which are standard trade terms that say who pays for and carries the risk of each stage. Common ones you will see are EXW, FOB and CIF.

• EXW (Ex Works): You collect the goods at the supplier's door and handle almost everything after that.
• FOB (Free On Board): The supplier delivers the goods onto the ship at the Chinese port. You pay for the main sea freight and onward costs.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): The supplier pays freight and insurance to the Nigerian port, but you still handle clearing and local delivery.

Whichever term you pick, ask exactly what is included and get it written into the invoice. Our step-by-step guide to importing from China gives more on terms and documents.

Step 5: Pay in a way that protects you

Payment is where many first-time importers lose money. Principles that apply whatever method you use:

• Pay only to a bank account in the supplier's registered company name.
• Avoid paying the full amount upfront to a new supplier you cannot verify. Where a deposit is normal, keep it as small as you can negotiate and pay the balance against documents or inspection.
• Consider an independent inspection before final payment, especially for larger orders.
• Keep copies of every invoice, message and receipt.
• Use payment methods that give some recourse where possible, and ask your bank about international transfer rules and any documentation needed in Nigeria.

Foreign exchange rules and bank requirements for payment can change. Confirm with your bank before you send money.

Step 6: China to Nigeria shipping

For China to Nigeria shipping, you generally choose between sea freight and air freight, and between shared containers and a full container.

• Sea freight: Usually cheaper per unit for heavy or bulky goods, but slower.
• Air freight: Faster, and more expensive per kilogram, so it suits lighter, higher-value goods or urgent orders.
• Less than container load (LCL): You share a container with other importers and pay for the space you use. This suits smaller orders.
• Full container load (FCL): You rent the whole container, which suits larger volumes.

We do not quote rates or transit times because they change with the season, route and carrier. Get written quotes from at least two or three freight forwarders, and ask them what is included: pickup, port charges, documents, insurance and delivery. Our freight to Africa guide explains the options in more depth.

Step 7: Clear the goods in Nigeria

Once the goods are on the way, the Nigerian side begins, ideally even earlier. In broad terms you need a Form M opened through a bank, any product certificates or permits, a Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, payment of assessed duties, and examination and release at the port, usually with a licensed customs agent. Read our full walkthrough in how to clear goods at Nigerian ports, and ask your agent for a written estimate of duties and charges before you ship.

Do not leave clearing to the last week. Delays at the port can create storage and demurrage charges.

Step 8: Delivery to Lagos and beyond

Many shipments arrive through Lagos ports. After release, you need transport to your warehouse or shop, and you should plan this before the container lands. Agree the vehicle, the route, the cost and who is responsible for damage. For goods going beyond Lagos, ask your agent or haulier about options. Inspect and count the goods on arrival, compare them with the approved sample and your specification, and report any shortage or defect to your supplier and forwarder at once with photos.

Buy from China and sell in Nigeria: a simple checklist

1. Confirm that the product can be imported and what approvals it needs.
2. Shortlist several suppliers and verify them.
3. Order and approve samples.
4. Agree specifications, Incoterms and payment terms in writing.
5. Pay only to a verified company account.
6. Hire a freight forwarder and a licensed customs agent.
7. Start the Form M and approvals early.
8. Inspect goods on arrival and keep all records.

An illustrative example: if you plan to import a small batch of a simple household item, your total cost is not the factory price. It is the factory price plus freight, duties, clearing charges, local transport and losses. Only when you add all of these can you set a resale price that leaves a margin.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import from China to Nigeria without a company? Rules and bank requirements for importers can change, and many importers use a registered business. Confirm current requirements with your bank and a licensed customs agent.

What are the Nigeria import requirements for a first shipment? In general you need a way to open a Form M through a bank, the shipping documents, any product certificates or permits for regulated goods, and payment of duties. Requirements depend on the product.

Is it safe to buy from Chinese suppliers online? It can be, if you verify the supplier, test with samples, pay carefully and keep records. Be cautious of prices far below the market and of requests to pay a personal account.

Should I use a freight forwarder? Most importers do, because forwarders handle booking, documents and coordination. Compare quotes and ask what each includes.

How long does it take to import goods from China to Nigeria? It depends on production time, the shipping method, port conditions and clearing. We do not give a figure, so ask your forwarder and agent for current estimates.

Getting started

Start with one product and a small trial order. If you want to compare offers from verified sellers across Africa as well, you can post a sourcing request on Comilmart. Comilmart connects buyers with verified sellers, and sellers have no listing fees to get started. For any import, confirm customs and product requirements with a licensed customs agent.