Frequently Asked Questions

The core documents required are: (1) Commercial Invoice, (2) Packing List, (3) Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, (4) Form M (obtained from your bank before the goods ship), and (5) Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO). Depending on your cargo type, you may also need a NAFDAC registration number, SON/SONCAP certificate, or a PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report). We guide you through every document requirement — just contact us when your goods are ready to ship.

Clearance time varies by port and cargo type. At Apapa and Tin Can Island, straightforward consignments with correct documentation typically clear in 5–10 working days after vessel arrival. Goods requiring NAFDAC, SON, or examination can take 10–21 days. Air cargo at MMIA is usually faster — 2–5 days. Delays most commonly result from incomplete documentation, incorrect duty payment, or physical examination by customs. With Cargoburg handling the process, we work to keep your goods moving as fast as legally possible.

Yes. We can take over clearance even if your goods are already at the terminal — whether you're starting fresh or taking over from a previous agent. Note that demurrage (storage charges) begins accumulating after a free period of typically 7–14 days depending on the terminal, so it's important to engage us as early as possible to minimise costs.

Nigerian customs duty is calculated on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) of your goods, converted to Naira at the current CBN exchange rate. The applicable duty rate depends on the HS code (tariff classification) of your goods — rates range from 0% for essential goods to 35% or more for luxury and restricted items. On top of import duty, there may be VAT (7.5%), CISS levy (1%), and ETLS (ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme) charges. We provide a detailed duty estimate in every quote we send.

PAAR stands for Pre-Arrival Assessment Report. It is a mandatory customs document generated by the importer or their licensed agent through the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) e-customs system (NICIS II) before the goods arrive in Nigeria. The PAAR contains the duty assessment for your shipment. Without a valid PAAR, your goods cannot be officially assessed or released. Cargoburg processes PAARs for all our clients as part of our standard clearance service.

Form M is a mandatory import document required by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for all imports above $1,000. It is opened by the importer at their commercial bank before goods are shipped from the country of origin. The Form M authorises the foreign exchange payment for the import and is a prerequisite for PAAR processing. Your bank will guide you through the Form M process — and we can advise you on the information required to fill it correctly.

Demurrage is a daily charge levied by the shipping line or terminal when your container is not collected within the free period (typically 7–14 days after vessel arrival, depending on the terminal). Rates can be $50–$200+ per container per day. To avoid or minimise demurrage: (1) ensure your documents are ready before the vessel arrives, (2) engage your clearing agent before departure, and (3) respond quickly to any queries from your agent. Cargoburg monitors vessel ETAs and begins the PAAR and documentation process before your goods arrive.

Yes. We are experienced in clearing NAFDAC-regulated goods including food products, beverages, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and chemicals. Your product must have a valid NAFDAC registration number (for products sold in Nigeria) or a NAFDAC import permit. We liaise directly with NAFDAC officials to facilitate inspection and release. Contact us before your goods ship to confirm NAFDAC requirements for your specific product.

SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) is a pre-shipment certification required for regulated products exported to Nigeria. Products covered include electrical equipment, electronics, toys, building materials, tyres, and many consumer goods. A SONCAP Certificate must be obtained before the goods ship — it cannot be obtained after arrival. We can advise you on whether your product requires SONCAP and connect you with approved certification bodies.

Yes, we clear both new and used vehicles. Nigeria's import policy permits used vehicles that are a maximum of 15 years old (from the year of manufacture). Vehicles attract duty based on their CIF value plus additional levies. Required documents include the vehicle's title/registration, commercial invoice, and Bill of Lading. We also handle the FRSC registration process after clearance if required.

Yes, but dangerous goods clearance requires additional documentation including MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), proper IMDG/IATA classification, and in some cases NESREA (environmental agency) approval. We have experience clearing chemicals, industrial solvents, lab reagents, and similar goods. Contact us early in the process — DG shipments require careful pre-planning.

Simply fill in our quote form or send us a WhatsApp message with details of your shipment — what you're importing, the port of entry, and when the goods are expected to arrive. We'll respond within 2 hours (during business hours) with a cost estimate and a list of documents we'll need from you. From there, we handle everything.

Yes. Cargoburg Logistics Limited is a licensed customs agent accredited by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). We are also registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Our CAC registration number is 8292637. We operate fully within the law and have direct working relationships with customs officers, terminal operators, NAFDAC, SON, and NESREA officials at every major port.

Yes. We have a fleet of trucks and container carriers available for haulage from the port to any destination in Lagos and across Nigeria. We can deliver your cleared goods to your warehouse, factory, or distribution point. Haulage is quoted separately based on container size, route, and any additional requirements.

We cover every major Nigerian port — Apapa (Lagos), Tin Can Island (Lagos), Lekki Port, MMIA Airport (Lagos), Port Harcourt Port, Onne Port, Calabar Port, and Warri Port. Our head office is in Apapa, Lagos, giving us the fastest turnaround time at the busiest Nigerian port.