Most customs delays we see have nothing to do with the cargo itself — they come down to one missing or mismatched document. Here is what you need ready before your shipment lands.
1. Commercial Invoice
This is the seller's bill for the goods, showing value, quantity and description. Customs uses it to assess duty, so it must match your other paperwork exactly.
2. Packing List
A detailed breakdown of what is in each package — weights, dimensions and contents. Inconsistencies between the packing list and the invoice are a common trigger for physical examination.
3. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Your transport document, issued by the shipping line or airline, proving the cargo was shipped and naming the consignee.
4. Form M
Required for most imports into Nigeria, Form M should be processed before your cargo even leaves origin. Starting this early can shave days off your clearance time.
5. SONCAP or NAFDAC Certificate (where applicable)
Regulated products — electronics, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals — need the relevant certificate before they can be released, regardless of how complete the rest of your paperwork is.
As a licensed customs agent, our team checks all of this before your cargo arrives, not after — which is how we keep most shipments moving within 24–72 hours of arrival.