If you’re planning to import a car into Nigeria, one of the biggest steps is understanding the custom duty system. It’s not just about landing the vehicle at the port. You need to be ready with the right documents and enough money to settle custom duties. If you skip or delay any part of this, your vehicle might get delayed, seized, or cost you double. Nigeria Customs charges fees based on car value, year, and engine type. This fee is compulsory. It affects everything from getting your car released at the port to getting it registered on the road.
Navigating the clearing process is not something you want to do blindly. This is where Yusuf Babatunde Jimoh comes in. He’s a well-known freight forwarder and clearing expert who makes sure your car gets released smoothly. Yusuf understands all the port systems, customs codes, and vehicle valuation methods. Whether you’re clearing a Tokunbo car or a brand-new SUV, he handles it with ease. His service saves you stress and protects you from scams or overpayment.
You can contact Yusuf Babatunde Jimoh through [email protected], or call +2348052803653 or 09039743395. He offers expert help with car imports, customs clearance, PAAR processing, and delivery anywhere in Nigeria. Let him handle the headache while you focus on enjoying your new car.
How Much Is Customs Duty For Cars In Nigeria?
The cost of customs duty in Nigeria depends on the type, model, year, and engine size of the car. The duty is calculated as a percentage of the car’s value. Most vehicles attract a 35 percent import duty. On top of that, there’s a 35 percent levy for certain cars like SUVs and used cars. That makes it a total of 70 percent of the car’s value in many cases. For brand new cars, the levy may not apply, so you could pay just 35 percent.
Let’s say you import a car worth ₦5 million. If the full 70 percent applies, your total duty will be ₦3.5 million. But the valuation is not based on your purchase receipt. Nigeria Customs uses a fixed guide known as the Customs Valuation Database. This means even if you bought the car cheaper abroad, Customs will use their approved value to calculate your duty. That’s why it’s hard to estimate costs without checking the Customs database.
Also note that electric vehicles and some hybrid cars enjoy reduced duty rates, sometimes as low as 10 percent. Trucks and vans may also attract different duty percentages depending on size and use. The key thing to remember is: don’t guess the cost. You need a clearing agent or access to official Customs valuation data to know exactly what you’ll pay.
How To Calculate Custom Duty In Nigeria?
Calculating custom duty starts with finding the standard value assigned by Nigeria Customs. This value is usually different from what you paid abroad. Customs uses its own system to decide how much your car is worth. Once you know the value, you apply the right percentages to calculate duty and levy.
Here’s how the calculation works:
- Import Duty: 35% of the car’s value
- Levy (on used cars): 35%
- VAT: 7.5% of the total
- ETLS: 0.5%
- CISS and Port Charges: small fixed amounts
For example, let’s say Customs values your car at ₦4 million. The duty is 35% of that, which is ₦1.4 million. The levy is another ₦1.4 million, making it ₦2.8 million so far. VAT is 7.5% of ₦2.8 million, which adds ₦210,000. Add ETLS and port charges, and the total goes up to over ₦3 million.
You don’t have to do the math yourself. A trusted agent can check Customs’ latest valuation, do the full breakdown, and give you the exact total. Always budget more than your rough estimate in case the assigned value is higher than expected. Many people get shocked at the port because they only calculated using the purchase invoice. That method doesn’t work in Nigeria.
How Much Is The Custom Clearance Fee In Nigeria?
Custom clearance fee includes more than just the duty. It covers all charges required to release the car from the port. The key components are: import duty, levy, VAT, shipping fee, terminal charges, and agent service fee. Combined, these make up the total clearance cost.
For a standard Tokunbo car like a Toyota Corolla or Camry, clearance fees typically range from ₦1.8 million to ₦3.5 million, depending on the year and model. For SUVs and newer models, you could pay ₦4 million or more. Port charges and terminal handling fees also vary based on the port. Clearing a car at Apapa port may cost more than Tincan or PTML due to congestion and port policies.
You’ll also need to pay your clearing agent. Their fee depends on how complex the job is, but a fair agent will tell you the total cost upfront. Be careful with agents who promise cheap clearance. If the price sounds too low, they may cut corners or avoid full duty payments, which puts your car at risk. A proper agent gives you receipts and proof of payment for everything.
How To Check If A Car Has Custom Duty In Nigeria?
If you’re buying a car in Nigeria and want to know if customs duty was paid, you must ask for the customs papers. The key document is the custom duty certificate, also called valuation slip. This shows the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), value, and the duty paid.
Always ask for this document before buying a foreign used car. If the seller cannot provide it, walk away or do more checks. You can also look at the tinted glass permit, where applicable, or request a printout from Nigeria Customs. Some cars have fake papers or incomplete payments, which can get your car seized later.
Another way to check is to verify the Customs release document (Single Goods Declaration or SGD form). This shows the shipping and clearing details, including the amount paid to Customs. Be sure the VIN number matches the car you are buying. If you’re not sure how to read the document, show it to a clearing agent or visit a customs office.
How Can I Check My Custom Duty Online In Nigeria?
Nigeria Customs has made it possible to check custom duty online through its official portal. This helps you confirm whether a car has been cleared properly. The platform is called Nigeria Customs VIN Valuation System.
To use it, follow these steps:
- Visit https://www.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng
- Click on “VIN Valuation”
- Enter your car’s VIN number
- Submit to get the car’s duty details
The site will show the standard value Customs assigns to that car. You will also see how much duty and levy applies. However, it won’t show whether duty has already been paid. To check that, you’ll need a clearing agent or go to the nearest customs office with the car’s details.
Some vehicle importers also use SMS verification services run by customs for checking clearance status. But not all ports are fully integrated with the online tools. If your car was cleared before VIN valuation started in 2022, online checks may not give full results. That’s why expert help still matters.
How Long Does It Take To Import A Car To Nigeria?
Importing a car to Nigeria takes about 3 to 5 weeks on average. The first part is shipping, which can take 2 to 3 weeks depending on where the car is coming from. For example, shipping from the US or Canada to Lagos usually takes 18 to 25 days. If the car comes from Europe, it may take 10 to 14 days.
Once the ship lands, the next step is clearing the car at the port. This can take another 5 to 10 working days if all documents are ready. If you have issues with valuation, duty payment, or wrong documents, clearing may stretch to two or three weeks. That’s why it’s smart to use a trusted clearing agent.
Delays often come from incomplete paperwork, unpaid fees, or customs system hiccups. With the right clearing expert, your car can move from ship to road in under 10 days after arrival. The key is preparing all documents early, paying all fees, and following customs rules closely.
Who Collect Custom Duty In Nigeria?
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is the agency that collects custom duty. They are the only government body with the legal power to assess, collect, and enforce customs payments. Customs officers work at all sea ports, airports, and land borders.
Every car coming into Nigeria goes through their system. They use the NICIS II platform to record payments, track goods, and issue valuation. No matter who helps you with clearing, only Customs officers can give final approval. If you don’t pay duty or pay too little, they have the right to seize the vehicle.
Customs works with clearing agents and banks. When you pay your duty, the money goes into the federal account, not into any agent’s pocket. After payment, Customs issues an official duty payment receipt and valuation slip. Keep these documents safe. They are proof that your car passed through the system legally.
How Do I Register A Foreign Used Car In Nigeria?
After clearing your car at the port, you need to register it before driving on public roads. First, go to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) or State Vehicle Licensing Office. You’ll need the car’s customs papers, including the SGD, duty payment receipt, and valuation slip.
Next, get your vehicle inspection certificate. The car will be checked for roadworthiness. Once passed, you can move to get your plate number and registration papers. You’ll also be issued a proof of ownership, insurance certificate, and roadworthiness certificate.
Registration takes 2 to 5 working days, depending on the state. Lagos, for example, is often slower due to high demand. Be ready to pay fees for registration, inspection, and insurance. It’s best to use a licensed agent if you’re new to the process. Once done, your car is legal to drive anywhere in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Paying car customs duty in Nigeria is not something you want to get wrong. If you fail to follow the correct steps, you may lose time, money, or even your vehicle. Knowing how to calculate the duty, check clearance status, and complete the process is key. You should never assume duty has been paid without checking. Every step from import to registration matters.
That’s why working with a trusted clearing agent like Yusuf Babatunde Jimoh is your smartest move. He knows how the system works and ensures your car goes through the right channels. From Apapa to PTML, Yusuf helps people clear and register cars without problems. No hidden fees. No fake papers. No stress.
Reach out to Yusuf Babatunde Jimoh at [email protected], or call +2348052803653 or 09039743395 today. Get expert clearing help that saves you time and keeps you on the road legally.
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