Customs Clearance in Nigeria: How to Avoid Demurrage and Delays

Importing goods into Nigeria can be a profitable business venture or a simple way to send items to loved ones. However, many importers face a common roadblock when their shipments arrive. Navigating customs clearance at airports and seaports is often slow and unpredictable.

What is customs clearance and demurrage?

Customs clearance in Nigeria is the process of declaring imported cargo to government authorities to obtain official release. Delays during this procedure lead to demurrage, which is a daily storage fee charged by port terminals or air cargo warehouses for cargo left uncleared past a specific free period.

Demurrage fees can build up quickly. If a package is held for two weeks due to a simple paperwork error, the storage fees can easily exceed the original value of the goods. Knowing how to prevent these delays is the best way to protect your budget.

Why customs delays happen in Nigeria

Customs officials must inspect cargo to ensure imports comply with national laws. According to the Nigeria Customs Service guidelines, cargo must have accurate descriptions and correct valuations. Delays and subsequent storage penalties generally occur for a few specific reasons:

• Inaccurate documentation: Mismatches between the packing list, invoice, and actual contents will trigger an audit.
• Incorrect HS code classification: Every item has a specific Harmonized System code that determines its import duty rate. Classifying an item incorrectly can lead to fines for duty evasion.
• Under-valuation: If customs inspectors believe the declared value on your invoice is too low, they will reassess the items, which halts the clearance process.

How to prevent demurrage and delays

Avoiding warehouse penalties requires preparation before your goods leave the origin country. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth clearing process:

1. Provide detailed commercial invoices: Make sure every item in your shipment is listed with its quantity, unit price, and description. Avoid generic descriptions like “gifts” or “merchandise.”
2. Check for restricted items: Do not import forbidden goods. For example, we do not ship frozen food, fresh meat, or products requiring cold storage. We only clear stable dry goods, electronics, and general retail cargo.
3. Submit paperwork early: Send your shipping documents to your clearing agent before the plane lands in Nigeria.
4. Choose a door-to-door cargo service: The most reliable way to avoid delays is to use a shipping provider that handles the entire clearance process on your behalf.

Hassle-free shipping with Haulam Value Import

You do not have to hire your own clearing agent or visit the airport warehouse to clear your cargo. The Haulam Value Import service manages the entire process from start to finish.

When you use our service for shipping from the US or the UK, we take care of the customs clearance. We offer a zero customs fee guarantee, meaning the price we quote you upfront covers all shipping and clearing costs. There are no surprise fees, and you do not risk paying demurrage because we handle the clearance immediately upon arrival.

Your shipments are flown via air freight and delivered directly to your door in Nigeria in 5 to 10 working days. You can learn more on our dedicated shipping from USA to Nigeria and shipping from UK to Nigeria pages.

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