₦airaland Forum

Ordinarily, clearing a car from the PORTS should be an easy and largely automated task as it's usually done in other advanced part of the world. However, it is plagued with bureaucracies, system downtime, crowd of people to struggle against and dangerous traffic on Apapa roads to contend with when clearing in Lagos.

Individuals are usually restricted from handling their clearing jobs themselves. Only licensed clearing agencies get online access and access cards to do the job. This does not mean it is not possible for an individual to clear a car personally. However, they will still need the assistance of a licensed clearing agency at one point or the other.

Today, I will be sharing an interesting article I got from autojosh, and will be taking us through the steps involved in clearing a car at the port.

As you read, don’t forget to tell us your port experience. Also drop some tips we can all learn from in the comment section.

1. Get the vehicle’s Bill of Lading:

It will be sent to you by your foreign shipping agent. They can send the original bill of lading through courier services (DHL, FedEx, etc). Alternatively you can opt for it to be sent to you via email if you want to do “Telex Release” or “Print at Destination” in which a copy of the bill of lading can be printed here in Nigeria.

Please know that, without this document, it is impossible to do anything in respect of clearing your vehicle. The bill of lading contains the information of the vehicle you want to clear e.g the name, the year, VIN/chassis number, weight, name of vessel, port of origin, port of discharge as well as the details of the shipping agent abroad and the consignee who will receive the vehicle in Nigeria.

2. Apply for import duty valuation:

The application must be on the letter head paper of a Registered and Licensed Custom Clearing Agency. A copy of the bill of lading will be attached to the application letter which will be addressed to the Nigeria Custom office e.g TINCAN, PTML Command etc. Unfortunately, individuals cannot apply for this valuation directly, so you have to apply for it through a clearing agency.

In response to the application letter which will be submitted physically, the custom officials will write the dollar value of the vehicle and this dollar value is what is used to calculate surface duty which is 35%. Additional 35% levy is charged on brand new cars which makes it 70%. This is how to calculate the surface duty assuming the dollar rate of a car is $4000.

$4000 X 35% (import duty rate) X #326(Custom official Dollar exchange rate) = #456,400

Note that this value is just the surface duty and you’ll still have to pay for tax, terminal, shipping and other charges.


3. Input the valuation into the custom server:

After getting the valuation from the custom command, the details will have to be inputted into the custom server. This is officially called “Direct Trader Input (DTI)”. However, it is popularly referred to as[b] “Punching”[/b]. It is the unique procedure for submitting electronic manifest to Nigeria Custom Service and it can only be done through the same registered agency whose letter head paper was used to apply for the valuation. The Tax Identification Number of the consignee will also be needed at this stage.

Upon completion, print the DTI also called “Assessment Notice” as well as SGD (Single Goods Declaration Form). The SGD gives a description of the transaction e.g type of vehicle, the terminal it is located, duty amount and content of the car if anything is loaded in it.

4. Pay import duty:

The import duty has to be paid to the bank that was stated while punching. The document needed by the bank for import duty payment is the assessment notice.

After the payment is made, the bank will issue a bank receipt. Some banks now accept online payment but evidence of payment will still be picked up from their branch.


5. Physical inspection and releasing from customs:

Collate all the documents and submit them to the custom office. The required documents are: bank receipt, assessment notice, SGD, valuation copy and bill of lading. Upon submission, the documents are registered then they’ll schedule the vehicle for physical examination. This will enable them sight the car and confirm that it tallies with the submitted documents.

They confirm the make, year and VIN/chassis number of the vehicle. They will also check the amount paid for duty and confirm if there is any load in the vehicle after which a report will be submitted to the releasing officer. At this point, the vehicle may not be released if the amount paid is less than the required import duty as an[b] “Alert[/b]” may have been placed on that vehicle until the outstanding is paid.


6. Print exit at the Terminal:

After releasing, proceed to the Terminal with the SGD to print exit copy, you can print this with the C-Number on the custom document if you like. This is the simplest of all the processes.


7. Release from Shipping Company:

Collate all your ocuments to get the car released from the shipping company. The required documents include signed original bill of lading, SGD, exit copy and signed copy of the consignee’s identity (e.g Drivers Licence, International Passport, National ID and duly stamped/singed Certificate of Incorporation for companies). You also need a copy of the Form C30 (Custom document that permits clearing agencies to operate) and an authority letter from the agency whose details was used to apply for valuation. The shipping company will check all these documents then give an assessment to pay for shipping and terminal charges which can be paid as cash, through POS or online transfer.

8. Sign Gate at Custom Office:

Proceed to register and sign at the gate office. The custom release document and the exit copy from the shipping company will be needed. They will check the duty paid and verify it on the system. After which, the officer in charge will stamp and sign-off your document.

9. Collect TDO (Terminal Delivery Order):

To collect the TDO, the shipping company’s payment receipt and copy of the signed gate document are required.

10. Receive delivery of the vehicle at the floor:

Documents can now be submitted for the vehicle to be delivered to the open floor ready to cross the final exit gate.

11. Final custom check:

At the floor, a custom officer and a shipping company official will do their final checks before the car drives out of the port.

12. Final fees:

Before the vehicle is driven out of the gate, final fees will be paid to custom officers on duty, clearing agent’s association, omo-onile fees etc.

Don’t forget to like, rate and share.

Note:These steps are subject to change without notice and may vary from one shipping line or terminal to another. We used cars shipped through Grimaldi and Sallaum RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) as case study for this write up.

If you have anything to clear from the Port don't hesitate to contact me, I can do it for you at an affordable price, and very fast, thank you.

You can Call/Whatsapp FIDEX VENTURES for more info: 08103884330

Cost of Clearing Cars in Nigeria 2019

Its no longer news that Nigeria still does not manufacture cars (except for a few cases where we hear of cars being assembled in Nigeria).

This post will explain the method of charging duties and will list out the current cost of clearing some cars in Nigeria Tin can port, Cotonou (Seme Border), Apapa Port and other ports to deliver them to a client in Nigeria.

To clear a car from the port, Charges such as Nigeria Customs duty charge on imported cars, port charges and clearing agent charges will also need to be paid for this to be successfully carried out.

As of last year, the system by which the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) charges for clearing cars changed. Instead of charging according to year of manufacture, they now charge according to the cost of the car not the year of manufacture.

For USED CARS, the charge is 35% of whatever you paid for the vehicle as Duty and an additional payment for Tax (Surcharge, ETLS and VAT), while for NEW CARS, the charge is 35% of whatever you paid for the vehicle as Duty and additional levy of 35% making 70% of what you purchase.

So assuming you bought a used car for N2 million, you will pay Customs duty of N879,000, i.e 35% of #2,000,000 x (1.28 for tax) = #879,000.

NB: You will still have to pay for shipping company, terminal and other charges.

These price can be brought down if you can find a good clearing agent. Check below for some estimated cost of clearing some cars manufactured in the following year:

Estimated Cost of Clearing Cars in Nigeria.

Nissan Pathfinder 2001 – ₦450,000

Nissan Primera 2003 – ₦415,000

Toyota Rav4 2004 – ₦435,000

Kia Sorento 2004 – ₦460,000

Lexus RX 330 2004 – ₦470,000

Nissan Pathfinder 2005 – ₦500,000

Toyota Highlander 2005 – ₦550,000

Toyota Corolla 2005 – ₦400,000

Toyota Tundra 2005 – ₦500,000

Toyota Corolla 2006 – ₦400,000

Toyota 4Runner 2006 – ₦550,000

Lexus RX 350 2007 – ₦700,000

Lexus RX 350 2008 – ₦800,000

Toyota Highlander 2008 – ₦600,000

Lexus RX 350 2009 – #900,000

Lexus RX 350 2010 – ₦1,050,000

Toyota 4Runner 2011 – ₦1,000,000

Mercerdes-Benz ML350 2012 – ₦1,615,000

Toyota Venza 2013 – ₦1,500,000

Toyota Camry 2013 – ₦1,440,000

Toyota Camry 2015 – ₦1,600,000.

Zonal Offices Where to Clear Your Cars.

The popular ports in Nigeria through which cars are brought in are Tin Can port and Apapa port. You will only clear at Seme border if you’re importing your car from Cotonou. The various fees to pay at this border includes the custom duty, the port charge and the clearing agent fee.

Verification of car status can be done at any of the four zonal centres of the Nigerian Customs Service. It is at this place you pay the fees for your car’s uncleared status. The four zonal offices includes:

Zone A Headquarters, No. 1 Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos;
Zone B Headquarters, Kabala Doki, Kaduna;
Zone C Headquarters, Nigeria Ports Authority, Port Harcourt and;
Zone D Headquarters, Yelwa Tudu Road, Bauchi State.

Another method of verification is to call or send an SMS to the following NCS numbers along side you C-number, the year you paid your duty and the port or location through which your car was brought into the country. The numbers to call are: 094621597, 094621598 and 094621599. You should receive a custom clearance after some few minutes.

N/B: Even though the process of ascertaining the status of your car can be tedious at-times, it is better to do so as the law states that any car that hasn’t been duly cleared shall be tagged “a smuggled car” and can lead to fines or arrest of car owner or dealer by the law enforcement agencies that clear vehicles in Nigeria.

Believe this article was interesting, if yes, don’t hesitate using our share button.

For the best experience to clear your cars contact FIDEX VENTURES:
CALL/WHATSAPP: 08103884330

Ordinarily, clearing a car from the PORT should be an easy and largely automated task as it's usually done in other advanced part of the world. However, it is plagued with bureaucracies, system downtime, crowd of people to struggle against and dangerous traffic on the Apapa roads to contend with when clearing a vehicle in Lagos.

I will be breaking down the steps involved.

Below are 12 Steps you have to pass through before clearing a Vehicle at the NIGERIA PORT �:

1. Get the vehicle’s Bill of Lading

2. Apply for import duty valuation

3. Input the valuation into the custom server (DTI)

4. Pay import duty

5. Physical inspection and releasing from customs

6. Print exit at the Terminal

7. Release from Shipping Company

8. Sign Gate at Custom Office

9. Collect TDO (Terminal Delivery Order)

10. Receive delivery of the vehicle at the floor

11. Final custom check

12. Final fees

Have you ever cleared a car at the port yourself? Tell us your experience in the comment section so we can all learn together.

Don't forget to like and share.

Note: These steps are subject to change without notice and may vary from one shipping line or terminal to another. We used cars shipped through Grimaldi and Sallaum RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) as case study for this write up.

If you have any vehicle at the Port, I can help clear it at an affordable price.
Don't hesitate to contact FIDEX VENTURES:
�CALL/WHATSAPP: 08103884330

Ordinarily, clearing a car from the PORT should be an easy and largely automated task as it's usually done in other advanced part of the world. However, it is plagued with bureaucracies, system downtime, crowd of people to struggle against and dangerous traffic on the Apapa roads to contend with when clearing a vehicle in Lagos.

I will be breaking down the steps involved.

Below are 12 Steps you have to pass through before clearing a Vehicle at the NIGERIA PORT �:

1. Get the vehicle’s Bill of Lading

2. Apply for import duty valuation

3. Input the valuation into the custom server (DTI)

4. Pay import duty

5. Physical inspection and releasing from customs

6. Print exit at the Terminal

7. Release from Shipping Company

8. Sign Gate at Custom Office

9. Collect TDO (Terminal Delivery Order)

10. Receive delivery of the vehicle at the floor

11. Final custom check

12. Final fees

Have you ever cleared a car at the port yourself? Tell us your experience in the comment section so we can all learn together.

Don't forget to like and share.

Note: These steps are subject to change without notice and may vary from one shipping line or terminal to another. We used cars shipped through Grimaldi and Sallaum RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) as case study for this write up.

If you have any vehicle at the Port, I can help clear it at an affordable price.

Don't hesitate to contact FIDEX VENTURES:
�CALL/WHATSAPP: 08103884330

Jeremymiles46:
Please how many days does it take to clear a car at the Lagos port?

2-3 days

Ordinarily, clearing a car from the PORTS should be an easy and largely automated task as it's usually done in other advanced part of the world. However, it is plagued with bureaucracies, system downtime, crowd of people to struggle against and dangerous traffic on Apapa roads to contend with when clearing in Lagos.

Individuals are usually restricted from handling their clearing jobs themselves. Only licensed clearing agencies get online access and access cards to do the job. This does not mean it is not possible for an individual to clear a car personally. However, they will still need the assistance of a licensed clearing agency at one point or the other.

Today, I will be sharing an interesting article I got from autojosh, and will be taking us through the steps involved in clearing a car at the port.

As you read, don’t forget to tell us your port experience. Also drop some tips we can all learn from in the comment section.

1. Get the vehicle’s Bill of Lading:

It will be sent to you by your foreign shipping agent. They can send the original bill of lading through courier services (DHL, FedEx, etc). Alternatively you can opt for it to be sent to you via email if you want to do “Telex Release” or “Print at Destination” in which a copy of the bill of lading can be printed here in Nigeria.

Please know that, without this document, it is impossible to do anything in respect of clearing your vehicle. The bill of lading contains the information of the vehicle you want to clear e.g the name, the year, VIN/chassis number, weight, name of vessel, port of origin, port of discharge as well as the details of the shipping agent abroad and the consignee who will receive the vehicle in Nigeria.

2. Apply for import duty valuation:

The application must be on the letter head paper of a Registered and Licensed Custom Clearing Agency. A copy of the bill of lading will be attached to the application letter which will be addressed to the Nigeria Custom office e.g TINCAN, PTML Command etc. Unfortunately, individuals cannot apply for this valuation directly, so you have to apply for it through a clearing agency.

In response to the application letter which will be submitted physically, the custom officials will write the dollar value of the vehicle and this dollar value is what is used to calculate surface duty which is 35%. Additional 35% levy is charged on brand new cars which makes it 70%. This is how to calculate the surface duty assuming the dollar rate of a car is $4000.

$4000 X 35% (import duty rate) X #326(Custom official Dollar exchange rate) = #456,400

Note that this value is just the surface duty and you’ll still have to pay for tax, terminal, shipping and other charges.


3. Input the valuation into the custom server:

After getting the valuation from the custom command, the details will have to be inputted into the custom server. This is officially called “Direct Trader Input (DTI)”. However, it is popularly referred to as[b] “Punching”[/b]. It is the unique procedure for submitting electronic manifest to Nigeria Custom Service and it can only be done through the same registered agency whose letter head paper was used to apply for the valuation. The Tax Identification Number of the consignee will also be needed at this stage.

Upon completion, print the DTI also called “Assessment Notice” as well as SGD (Single Goods Declaration Form). The SGD gives a description of the transaction e.g type of vehicle, the terminal it is located, duty amount and content of the car if anything is loaded in it.

4. Pay import duty:

The import duty has to be paid to the bank that was stated while punching. The document needed by the bank for import duty payment is the assessment notice.

After the payment is made, the bank will issue a bank receipt. Some banks now accept online payment but evidence of payment will still be picked up from their branch.


5. Physical inspection and releasing from customs:

Collate all the documents and submit them to the custom office. The required documents are: bank receipt, assessment notice, SGD, valuation copy and bill of lading. Upon submission, the documents are registered then they’ll schedule the vehicle for physical examination. This will enable them sight the car and confirm that it tallies with the submitted documents.

They confirm the make, year and VIN/chassis number of the vehicle. They will also check the amount paid for duty and confirm if there is any load in the vehicle after which a report will be submitted to the releasing officer. At this point, the vehicle may not be released if the amount paid is less than the required import duty as an[b] “Alert[/b]” may have been placed on that vehicle until the outstanding is paid.


6. Print exit at the Terminal:

After releasing, proceed to the Terminal with the SGD to print exit copy, you can print this with the C-Number on the custom document if you like. This is the simplest of all the processes.


7. Release from Shipping Company:

Collate all your ocuments to get the car released from the shipping company. The required documents include signed original bill of lading, SGD, exit copy and signed copy of the consignee’s identity (e.g Drivers Licence, International Passport, National ID and duly stamped/singed Certificate of Incorporation for companies). You also need a copy of the Form C30 (Custom document that permits clearing agencies to operate) and an authority letter from the agency whose details was used to apply for valuation. The shipping company will check all these documents then give an assessment to pay for shipping and terminal charges which can be paid as cash, through POS or online transfer.

8. Sign Gate at Custom Office:

Proceed to register and sign at the gate office. The custom release document and the exit copy from the shipping company will be needed. They will check the duty paid and verify it on the system. After which, the officer in charge will stamp and sign-off your document.

9. Collect TDO (Terminal Delivery Order):

To collect the TDO, the shipping company’s payment receipt and copy of the signed gate document are required.

10. Receive delivery of the vehicle at the floor:

Documents can now be submitted for the vehicle to be delivered to the open floor ready to cross the final exit gate.

11. Final custom check:

At the floor, a custom officer and a shipping company official will do their final checks before the car drives out of the port.

12. Final fees:

Before the vehicle is driven out of the gate, final fees will be paid to custom officers on duty, clearing agent’s association, omo-onile fees etc.

Have you ever cleared a car at the port yourself? Tell us your experience in the comment section so we can all learn together.

Don’t forget to like, rate and share.

Note:These steps are subject to change without notice and may vary from one shipping line or terminal to another. We used cars shipped through Grimaldi and Sallaum RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) as case study for this write up.

If you have anything to clear from the Port don't hesitate to contact me, I can do it for you at an affordable price, and very fast, thank you.

You can Call/Whatsapp for more info: 08103884330

Ordinarily, clearing a car from the PORT should be an easy and largely automated task as it's usually done in other advanced part of the world. However, it is plagued with bureaucracies, system downtime, crowd of people to struggle against and dangerous traffic on Apapa roads to contend with when clearing a vehicle in Lagos.

Individuals are usually restricted from handling their clearing jobs themselves. Only licensed clearing agencies get online access and access cards to do the job. This does not mean it is impossible for an individual to clear a car personally. However, they will still need the assistance of a licensed clearing agency at one point or the other.

Below are 12 Steps you have to pass through before clearing a Vehicle at the port.

1. Get the vehicle’s Bill of Lading

2. Apply for import duty valuation

3. Input the valuation into the custom server

4. Pay import duty

5. Physical inspection and releasing from customs

6. Print exit at the Terminal

7. Release from Shipping Company

8. Sign Gate at Custom Office

9. Collect TDO (Terminal Delivery Order)

10. Receive delivery of the vehicle at the floor

11. Final custom check

12. Final fees


Have you ever cleared a car at the port yourself? Tell us your experience in the comment section so we can all learn together.

Don't forget to like, rate and share.


Note: These steps are subject to change without notice and may vary from one shipping line or terminal to another. We used cars shipped through Grimaldi and Sallaum RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) as case study for this write up.

If you have any vehicle at the Port, I can clear it for you at an affordable price, don't hesitate to contact me:

You can Call/Whatsapp for more info: 08103884330

Ordinarily, clearing a car from the PORTS should be an easy and largely automated task as it's usually done in other advanced part of the world. However, it is plagued with bureaucracies, system downtime, crowd of people to struggle against and dangerous traffic on Apapa roads to contend with when clearing in Lagos.

Individuals are usually restricted from handling their clearing jobs themselves. Only licensed clearing agencies get online access and access cards to do the job. This does not mean it is not possible for an individual to clear a car personally. However, they will still need the assistance of a licensed clearing agency at one point or the other.

Today, I will be sharing an interesting article I got from autojosh, and will be taking us through the steps involved in clearing a car at the port.

As you read, don’t forget to tell us your port experience. Also drop some tips we can all learn from in the comment section.

1. Get the vehicle’s Bill of Lading:

It will be sent to you by your foreign shipping agent. They can send the original bill of lading through courier services (DHL, FedEx, etc). Alternatively you can opt for it to be sent to you via email if you want to do “Telex Release” or “Print at Destination” in which a copy of the bill of lading can be printed here in Nigeria.

Please know that, without this document, it is impossible to do anything in respect of clearing your vehicle. The bill of lading contains the information of the vehicle you want to clear e.g the name, the year, VIN/chassis number, weight, name of vessel, port of origin, port of discharge as well as the details of the shipping agent abroad and the consignee who will receive the vehicle in Nigeria.

2. Apply for import duty valuation:

The application must be on the letter head paper of a Registered and Licensed Custom Clearing Agency. A copy of the bill of lading will be attached to the application letter which will be addressed to the Nigeria Custom office e.g TINCAN, PTML Command etc. Unfortunately, individuals cannot apply for this valuation directly, so you have to apply for it through a clearing agency.

In response to the application letter which will be submitted physically, the custom officials will write the dollar value of the vehicle and this dollar value is what is used to calculate surface duty which is 35%. Additional 35% levy is charged on brand new cars which makes it 70%. This is how to calculate the surface duty assuming the dollar rate of a car is $4000.

$4000 X 35% (import duty rate) X #326(Custom official Dollar exchange rate) = #456,400

Note that this value is just the surface duty and you’ll still have to pay for tax, terminal, shipping and other charges.


3. Input the valuation into the custom server:

After getting the valuation from the custom command, the details will have to be inputted into the custom server. This is officially called “Direct Trader Input (DTI)”. However, it is popularly referred to as[b] “Punching”[/b]. It is the unique procedure for submitting electronic manifest to Nigeria Custom Service and it can only be done through the same registered agency whose letter head paper was used to apply for the valuation. The Tax Identification Number of the consignee will also be needed at this stage.

Upon completion, print the DTI also called “Assessment Notice” as well as SGD (Single Goods Declaration Form). The SGD gives a description of the transaction e.g type of vehicle, the terminal it is located, duty amount and content of the car if anything is loaded in it.

4. Pay import duty:

The import duty has to be paid to the bank that was stated while punching. The document needed by the bank for import duty payment is the assessment notice.

After the payment is made, the bank will issue a bank receipt. Some banks now accept online payment but evidence of payment will still be picked up from their branch.


5. Physical inspection and releasing from customs:

Collate all the documents and submit them to the custom office. The required documents are: bank receipt, assessment notice, SGD, valuation copy and bill of lading. Upon submission, the documents are registered then they’ll schedule the vehicle for physical examination. This will enable them sight the car and confirm that it tallies with the submitted documents.

They confirm the make, year and VIN/chassis number of the vehicle. They will also check the amount paid for duty and confirm if there is any load in the vehicle after which a report will be submitted to the releasing officer. At this point, the vehicle may not be released if the amount paid is less than the required import duty as an[b] “Alert[/b]” may have been placed on that vehicle until the outstanding is paid.


6. Print exit at the Terminal:

After releasing, proceed to the Terminal with the SGD to print exit copy, you can print this with the C-Number on the custom document if you like. This is the simplest of all the processes.


7. Release from Shipping Company:

Collate all your ocuments to get the car released from the shipping company. The required documents include signed original bill of lading, SGD, exit copy and signed copy of the consignee’s identity (e.g Drivers Licence, International Passport, National ID and duly stamped/singed Certificate of Incorporation for companies). You also need a copy of the Form C30 (Custom document that permits clearing agencies to operate) and an authority letter from the agency whose details was used to apply for valuation. The shipping company will check all these documents then give an assessment to pay for shipping and terminal charges which can be paid as cash, through POS or online transfer.

8. Sign Gate at Custom Office:

Proceed to register and sign at the gate office. The custom release document and the exit copy from the shipping company will be needed. They will check the duty paid and verify it on the system. After which, the officer in charge will stamp and sign-off your document.

9. Collect TDO (Terminal Delivery Order):

To collect the TDO, the shipping company’s payment receipt and copy of the signed gate document are required.

10. Receive delivery of the vehicle at the floor:

Documents can now be submitted for the vehicle to be delivered to the open floor ready to cross the final exit gate.

11. Final custom check:

At the floor, a custom officer and a shipping company official will do their final checks before the car drives out of the port.

12. Final fees:

Before the vehicle is driven out of the gate, final fees will be paid to custom officers on duty, clearing agent’s association, omo-onile fees etc.

Have you ever cleared a car at the port yourself? Tell us your experience in the comment section so we can all learn together.

Don’t forget to like, rate and share.

Note:These steps are subject to change without notice and may vary from one shipping line or terminal to another. We used cars shipped through Grimaldi and Sallaum RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) as case study for this write up.

You can Call/Whatsapp for more info: 08103884330