International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Nigeria
NIGERIA On behalf of UniGroup Relocation, we will be coordinating the shipment of your goods to Nigeria. To simplify the process, we have outlined the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition. This will also review your responsibilities in assisting with this process. In addition to the points below, the following pages will outline the requirements, which will be facilitated by our local representative to complete the clearance. They will assist with each item specific to your shipment so please be assured they will do whatever is necessary to facilitate a quick and efficient clearance. The documentation process, for example, passports, visas, power of attorney, etc., can take one week to 14 days plus the transportation – airfreight – seven to 21 days / weeks and ocean – six to eight weeks, depending on the origin. It is extremely important that you take a few moments to review these important requirements, as they will allow us to process the release of your personal property through foreign customs. Customs and immigration requirements are established by the country of import and not by UniGroup Relocation. This guide has been designed to assist clients understand and comply with country-specific requirements. Substantial effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is current and correct. Such regulations, however, are subject to change without notice by the country of import. UniGroup Relocation assumes no liability for changes in the law or interpretation by enforcement personnel as it exists at the time you and/or your goods enter the country.
Visa Requirements – Details Please advise your local representative or UniGroup Relocation Representative of the “Type” of passport or visa you will be travelling under (working visa, temporary visa, diplomatic, etc.). When moving to Nigeria, some specific documents will be required in order to satisfy local immigration officials. *Contact address and telephone number must be listed on all documents.
Required Documents
Details
Visitors/Tourists Visitor, Tourist and Transit Visas
Effective: Jan. 1, 2010
The requirements for Visitor, Tourist and Transit Visas are: • Valid Passport (at least six months to expiration). • One recent colored passport photograph. • A copy of round-trip ticket/ flight itinerary (applies to all applicants) • Letter of Invitation accepting immigration responsibility, evidence of financial support while in Nigeria from individual Nigerians or Nigerian Organization residing in The Netherlands and photocopy (ies) of passport should be included with a copy of his/her residence permit. • Evidence of sufficient fund for the duration of the visit or proof of other satisfactory arrangements for support while in Nigeria. • Applicants may be requested to come for an Interview as and when necessary. • Completion of visa application form. • SEA MEN must submit a copy of the relevant pages of their seaman’s book. 1
International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Nigeria
• • • • • • • • •
Yellow fever inoculation card. Applicants for transit visas must submit copies of their onward tickets and visas to their final destinations. Children must submit copies of their birth certificates showing names of their both parents Children of Nigerian parents must submit copies of their first 5 pages or information page of one of their parents' passport. Tourist must submit copies of their certified hotel reservation statements. Applicants must provide copies of contract of employment, or recent salary pay slip or recent bank statements. Resident aliens inviting friends must submit copies of their resident permit and the first three pages of their passports. Aliens married to Nigerians or invited by Nigerians must submit copies of their hosts' spouses’ passports and letter accepting responsibility. Euro60 payable to the Embassy's Bank Account number (ABNAMRO) 60.77.24.331
Professionals/Businesspeople Business and Religious Visa
Requirements for Business and Religious Visa: • Valid passport (At least six months to expiration) • One recent color passport-sized Photograph. • A copy of round-trip ticket. • Evidence of sufficient fund for the duration of the visit or proof of other satisfactory arrangements for support while in Nigeria. • Applicants may be requested to come for an Interview as and when necessary. • Applicants must take along their Current Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Card) • Completion of Visa Application form. • SEA MEN must submit a copy of the relevant pages of their seaman’s book. • Letter of invitation from the company or business organization stating the reason must be submitted and also a guarantee letter from the applicants Organization/Company. • In case of religious purpose, approval from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Abuja, Nigeria must be submitted. • Euro95 payable to Embassy's Bank Account, ABN-AMRO number 60.77.24.331.
Employees Temporary Work Permit
Effective: Jan. 1, 2010
Requirements for Temporary Work Permit: • A valid passport (at least six months to expiration) • One recent color Passport Photograph • Approval from Nigeria for Temporary Work Permit (TWP) (Original Copy) 2
International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Nigeria
• • • •
An invitation letter from company or business partner in Nigeria stating reason for the trip. Letter of sponsorship from their employer – Dutch Company Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever Card) Euro115 payable to the Embassy's Bank Account, ABN-AMRO number 60.77.24.331.
Diplomats Diplomatic Passport
Required.
Diplomatic Visa
Official or Diplomatic Visa’s are obtainable from any Nigerian Mission.
Students Student Visa
The requirements for Student Visa: • Valid passport (At least six months to expiration) • One recent colour passport-sized photograph. • Copy of round-trip ticket. • Evidence of sufficient fund for the duration of the visit or proof of other satisfactory arrangements for support while in Nigeria. • Applicants may be requested to come for an Interview as and when necessary. • Completion of Visa application form. • Letter of invitation from the host University or School stating its purpose must be submitted. • Student must submit a copy of identification card, with an accompanying letter from there institution. • Vaccination Certificate (Yellow fever card.) • Euro95 payable to Embassy's Bank Account, ABN-AMRO number 60.77.24.331.
Details: •
Applicants may be requested to come for an Interview as and when necessary.
Documents Requirements – Details When moving to Nigeria, some specific documents will be required in order to satisfy local immigration officials.
PERSONAL & HOUSEHOLD GOODS Duty-free entry is permitted if the items are used and have been in the possession of the shipper for at least six months. The items must be for the shipper’s continued use and are not for resale. Returning Nigerian Citizens must have resided abroad for at least 9 months. Foreigners are required to obtain a Residence Permit or a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that the Residence Permit is in process for Customs Clearance.
Effective: Jan. 1, 2010
3
International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Nigeria
Required Documents
Details
Passport
Original required.
Visa
Required if not Nigerian.
Residence Permit (for foreigners)
Residence Permit (for foreigners) and personal bank account must be obtained in Nigeria to apply for Form “M”. The Residence Permit must be valid for at least two years.
Work Permit
Required, if not Nigerian.
Certificate of Residence Change
Certificate of Residence Change from the Nigerian Consulate near the originating residence.
Passengers Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration Form (P.U.B.D.)
Completed by shipper after arrival in Nigeria.
Completed Customs Declaration Form Sale 48
Required.
Inventory List
Please verify with your local representative.
Clear Report of Finding (CRF)
Please verify with your local representative.
Import Duty Report (IDR)
Please verify with your local representative.
Power of Attorney or Letter of Authorization
Required to our local destination representative to clear shipment
Diplomats Passport
Required.
Exemption Certificate
Exemption Certificate – Form CCI, CCII and CCIII
Inventory List
Inventory of Household Goods in English.
Conditions to import Personal & Household goods are: • • • •
Shipper must ensure that he/she will be issued a Residence Permit prior to moving to Nigeria. Shipper must be in Nigeria prior to the shipment’s arrival. Shipments must arrive in Nigeria within two months of the shipper’s arrival. Shipper must be present at the time of Customs Clearance.
Details: •
• •
A pre-shipment inspection occurs at the port of loading. Upon completion, a Clear Report of Finding (CRF) and Import Duty Report (IDR) will be issued. These documents must be presented to Nigerian Customs at destination for clearance of the shipment. If these documents are missing, the Federal Government of Nigeria may seize the shipment. Diplomats are exempt from paying duty if Form CCII is obtained from the Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja. Effective Jan 11, 2010 every commodity loaded or unloaded (Import/Export) at or with Nigeria as the final destination has to, prior of shipment, obtain a Cargo Tracking Note or International Cargo Tracking document from a Nigerian Ports Authority representative at all ports around the world. All cargo destined for or out of Nigeria (Import/Export) need to be accompanied by a Cargo Tracking Note
Effective: Jan. 1, 2010
4
International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Nigeria
(CTN) and every bill of lading has to be accompanied by a corresponding CTN number.
• • • • • •
A Cargo Tracking Note is in effect from January 11, 2010, part of the documentation required for cargo clearance, consequently, each bill of lading must correspond to a Cargo Tracking Noted issued by an authorized representative. Customer must be present for customs clearance Used personal effects and household goods are generally duty-free, Used personal effects must have been owned and used for a minimum of six months, declared not for resale, and are for the owner's continued use in order to qualify for duty free entry. Returning Nigerians must have been living outside of Nigeria for not less than nine months prior to their arrival in Nigeria for permanent residence to qualify for duty free entry. Shipment must arrive within two months of EE’s arrival. Shipments are 100% inspected. Therefore, items that are new, or fall into the prohibited category must not be sent.
Duties • •
Discovery of prohibited or dutiable items in the shipment that were not declared may result in very severe penalties and fines, possible involuntary re-exportation. The rate of duty to apply and the duty payable are subject to valuation and rate determination by the Valuation Department of the Nigerian Customs office.
Restricted and Prohibited – Imports All countries, Nigeria included, prohibit or restrict the importation of certain dangerous or sensitive items.
Restricted Items:
Duty will be assessed on the following items: • Personal computers • Microwave ovens • Washing machines and dryers • Deep freezers • Appliances are restricted to one of each type. • Alcohol and tobacco incur import duties and therefore must be declared. Generally a permit is not required for alcohol and tobacco, if included as part of a household goods shipment and quantities are reasonable. • Perfume • Jewelry • Films, videotapes, video-discs, DVDs, publications, audio-tapes, gramophone records, computer and compact discs must be declared. These items will be examined by Customs and will incur duties.
Prohibited Items: • •
Firearms, air pistols and explosives are prohibited importation unless a police permit is obtained prior to importation. Furniture is strictly prohibited unless included as part of a household goods shipment and is not for resale.
Effective: Jan. 1, 2010
5
International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Nigeria
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Narcotic drugs. Pornographic materials. Endangered species. Ivory Currency/coins Fruits and vegetables Wine and liquor Poultry Dangerous chemicals Textile fabrics Matches made with white phosphorous Blank invoices
Restricted and Prohibited – Exports •
Not available.
Motor Vehicles – Imports Duty will be assessed on vehicles, according to the value of the vehicle. VAT and a surcharge will also be applicable. The documents required to motor vehicles are:
Required Documents
Details
Certificate of Road Worthiness
Certificate of Road Worthiness, if the vehicle is used.
Logbook or Registration Certificate
Please verify with your local representative.
Passport
Please verify with your local representative.
Proof of Ownership
Please verify with your local representative.
Insurance Papers
Please verify with your local representative.
Purchase Invoice
Please verify with your local representative.
Conditions to import motor vehicles into Nigeria: •
Details: • •
Vehicles must be for the shipper’s continued use and not for resale or other disposal.
It is recommended to containerize vehicles imported into Nigeria for security purposes. Vehicles more than 8 years old are prohibited.
Effective: Jan. 1, 2010
6
International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Nigeria
Motor Vehicles – Exports •
Not available.
Pets The requirements to transport dogs and cats may vary per country. If you wish to ship your pet, please contact the airline or country Consulate/Embassy for specific details concerning your type, breed and documentation for pets.
Effective: Jan. 1, 2010
7
International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Nigeria
IMPORTANT CUSTOMS REMINDER Customs and immigration requirements are established by the country of import, not by UniGroup Relocation and are subject to change without notice by the country of import. All regulations may vary according to the customer’s nationality or immigration status. This guide has been designed to assist clients understand and comply with country-specific requirements. Substantial effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is current and correct. UniGroup Relocation cannot be responsible for changes in the law, or interpretation by immigration or customs enforcement personnel, or non-compliance with the law as it exists at the time you and/or your goods enter the country. Contact with the local Consulate or Embassy for further information concerning your specific visa, residence and entry situation is strongly recommended prior to planning your move.
Effective: Jan. 1, 2010
8
International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Nigeria
WOOD PACKAGING MATERIAL International wood packing requirements are in accordance with ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade*) as of 5 July 2006: *ISPM 15 is produced by the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). ISPM 15 requires certain phytosanitary procedures, in particular heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation, relating to wood packaging material (including dunnage) made of raw wood in use in international trade; the phytosanitary procedures are meant to minimize the risk of introducing and spreading certain pests that live and breed in raw wood.
REQUIREMENTS OF ISPM 15 Wood packaging material in the form of: • • • • • •
Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings Pallets, box pallets, skids, and other load boards Pallet collars actually in use in the transport of objects of all kinds, except: Raw wood of 6mm thickness or less Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or any combination thereof
Effective: Jan. 1, 2010
The wood packaging material shall: • •
Be subject to one of the approved measures as specified in Annex I To FAO ISPM 15 (currently, heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation) Display a mark with: o The two-letter ISO Country Code (in place of XX in the image below) o A code identifying the producer (in place of 000 in the image below) o The code identifying the approved measure applied to the wood packing material in the mark as specified in Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (in place of YY in the image below; examples are HT For “Heat Treatment” and MB for “Methyl Bromide Fumigation”) o Where “debarking” is required, the letters “DB” shall be added to the abbreviation of the approved measure included in the said mark o The logo as specified in Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (this logo is the ippc trademarked graphic symbol shown in the image below on the left side)
9
International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Nigeria
REQUIREMENTS OF ISPM 15 (Continued) Wood packaging material in the form of:
The wood packaging material shall: •
Markings should be: 1. 2.
• •
Permanent and not transferable Legible and visible, preferably on at least two opposite sides of the article being certified
Be marked in accordance with Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (see directly above under "Display a mark with:") If not, at a minimum it should be made from bark-free wood that is free from pests and signs of live pests
DUNNAGE, i.e. wood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo, including that which has not kept its natural round surface except: • •
Raw wood of 6mm thickness or less Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or a combination thereof
Effective: Jan. 1, 2010
10
