IMPORT FORMALITIES

Guideline
All persons intending to import physical goods into Nigeria are required in the first instance to process their Form 'M' through any bank irrespective of the value and whether payment is involved or not.

All the supportin documents shall be clearly marked "Valid for Forex" or "Not Valid for Forex", depending on whether or not foreign exchange remmitance would be involved.

Consignments shall bear name of products, country of origin, specifications, date of manufacture, batch or lot number, standard(s) to which they where produced and in case of items such as food and drinks and such related products, they should carry Expiry Date or the shelf life as well as active ingredient(s) where applicable.

All imports into the country must be accompanied by the following documents:
1. Final invoice/CCVO(duly embossed) which must contain the following details in addition to those on the proforma invoice:

a. Form "M" No.;
b. Proper discription of goods;
c. Port of Entry.(The actual port must be specified);
d. Shipment identification, date of shipment;
e. Country of origin;
f. Country of supply.

2. Packing list
3. Bill of lading/airway bill/way bill.
4. Carrier certificate.
5. Insurance certificate.
6. Manufacturers certificate which must state the standards.
7. Laboratory tests certificate for chemicals,food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, electrical appliances and other regulated products, where applicable.

All goods to be imported into the country must be labelled in English in addition to any other language or translation, otherwise the goods would be confiscated.

Click on your area of interest below for more information:
1. INCORPORATING A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
2. FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
3. BANKING AND FINANCE
4. FOREIGN EXCHANGE
5. PRIORITY AREAS
6. OIL AND GAS
7. INVESTMENT INCENTIVES
8. SOLID MINERALS
9. TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY
10. IMPORT FORMALITIES
11. LABOUR, HEALTH, AND TRADE
12. TAXATION
13. RESOLUTION OF COMMERCIAL DISPUTES