Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
- Advertising literature
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Business cards and blank forms
- Cash letters, cheques and credit cards
- Charts and drawings
- Diplomas
- Envelopes (blank), stamps, and postage
- Examination papers
- Gift cards
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Labels
- Manuscripts and technical manuals
- Maps
- Negotiable bonds and drafts
- Passports
- Photographs
- Price lists
- Sepia drawings
- Specifications sheets
- Traveller's cheques
- Visa applications
Certain categories of documents have restrictions as shown in the
table below.
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Airline Tickets | Validated only |
| Brochures | Maximum of 3 kg |
| Calendars | Maximum of 10 kg |
| Catalogues | Maximum of 3 kg |
| Intercompany mail | Has no commercial value and is being shipped for no commercial
purpose |
| Magazines | Maximum of 3 kg; magazines for sale require an invoice |
| Newsletters (company) | Maximum of 3 kg |
| Newspapers | Maximum of 3 kg |
| Pamphlets | Maximum of 3 kg |
| Periodicals | Maximum of 3 kg |
| Publications | Maximum of 3 kg |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_RU
Shipping Gifts
All gift shipments to Nigeria from Canada will incur duty charges.
There are no exemptions.
NOTE: Parcels with miscellaneous gift items
shipped to welfare institutions, such as mission hospitals, will be assessed
on their declared value plus shipping cost. However, customs officers will
be suspicious of shipments that appear to be under-declared.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
There are no duty exemptions for gifts shipped to an individual in
Nigeria.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A parcel from a business in Canada to one in Nigeria cannot be
declared a gift. The shipment will incur duties and taxes; this
includes a parcel sent to an individual care of a business, regardless
of the value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A Canadian business cannot send a gift to an individual in Nigeria
without duties and taxes being charged.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Chinua Achebe
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Onitsha Rd.
Nsukka
Nigeria
Phone: +234 806 306 7400 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
Wrap and tag each gift individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Chinua Achebe
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Onitsha Rd.
Nsukka
Nigeria
Phone: +234 806 306 7400 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_RU
http://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/facilitation/activities-and-programmes/ecommerce/case-study/nigeria_case-study-on-cross_border-ecommerce.pdf?db=web
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal and household effects may be shipped to Nigeria from Canada
duty-free if the conditions below are followed.
- The value of new and unused items is NGN 50,000 (about $180 CDN) or
less (with the exception of jewellery and other luxury goods,
photographic equipment, and electronics)
- The owner of the goods arrives in Nigeria within 2 months of the
arrival of the shipment
- If the owner is a Nigerian citizen, then he or she must have been a
resident of Canada for a minimum of 9 months
Moving Temporarily
A reasonable number of items are allowed into Nigeria for a temporary
move from Canada. Typical items include:
- Clothing and footwear
- Children's strollers, bicycles, and tricycles
- Linen for tables, beds, and bathrooms
- Kitchen cookware, utensils, and cutlery
- Furniture and household appliances
- Tools and instruments relevant to the trade or profession of the
shipper's occupation
Also allowed in a shipment are the following consumables:
- Spirits (1 L)
- Wine (1 L)
- Tobacco and tobacco products (200 g)
Moving Permanently
If you are a Nigerian national returning to live in Nigeria, you may
qualify for a duty and tax free Personal Unaccompanied Baggage
Declaration (PUBD) for your personal effects.
You must abide by the following terms:
- You have lived outside of Nigeria uninterrupted for the last 9
months
- Your shipment will arrive in Nigeria within 3 months of your arrival
- All the goods in the shipment have been used for 6 months or more;
if not, customs may declare them as dutiable luxury items
NOTE: New furniture may not be shipped to
Nigeria as part of personal effects.
Personal Effects Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate "Personal Effects" on the
Commercial Invoice (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- Any above listed items
Sources:
https://web2.customs.gov.ng/?page_id=3073
https://www.santaferelo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/M_Svcs_Customsregulation_Nigeria.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Chinua Achebe
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Onitsha Rd.
Nsukka
Nigeria
Phone: +234 806 306 7400 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Limited information regarding shipping food, chocolate, and candies to
Nigeria is available at this time.
You May Ship
- Linseed, castor, and olive oils
- Energy and health drinks such as dietary supplements
Do Not Ship
- Birds' eggs
- Frozen poultry
- Pork and beef
- Refined vegetable oils and fats
- Cane and beet sugar
- Pure sucrose that contains flavouring or colouring materials
- Pasta like spaghetti and noodles
- Cocoa butter in the form of powder and cakes
- Fruit juices in retail packages, any water with added sugar or other
sweeteners
- Beers and stouts
- Tomato paste or concentrate intended for retail sale
Sources:
https://customs.gov.ng/?page_id=3075
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Chinua Achebe
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Onitsha Rd.
Nsukka
Nigeria
Phone: +234 806 306 7400 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Samples
Samples are shipped to promote products and encourage sales. Samples
may be shipped from Canada to Nigeria free of duties providing they
have been rendered unusable. This may occur by:
- Marking with indelible ink
- Tearing
- Perforating
If a sample is imported without being marked or damaged, a deposit
will be charged as though the item has been imported. This will be
refunded when the item is returned to Canada.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
http://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/facilitation/activities-and-programmes/ecommerce/case-study/nigeria_case-study-on-cross_border-ecommerce.pdf?db=web
https://import-export.societegenerale.fr/en/country/nigeria/regulations-customs
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Chinua Achebe
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Onitsha Rd.
Nsukka
Nigeria
Phone: +234 806 306 7400 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising Material
Advertising material shipped to Nigeria from Canada is to be made
unusable so that they are exempt from duties.
Tearing, marking, and perforation can be used to render material
unusable.
Advertising Material Checklist
- The items are declared as "Promotional Material - Not for Resale" on
the commercial invoice (see sample)
- Items must be made unusable
Sources:
http://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/facilitation/activities-and-programmes/ecommerce/case-study/nigeria_case-study-on-cross_border-ecommerce.pdf?db=web
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Chinua Achebe
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Onitsha Rd.
Nsukka
Nigeria
Phone: +234 806 306 7400 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Repairs
Equipment repaired outside of Nigeria and being returned there will be
charged duties calculated on the value added to the equipment.
Items Under Warranty
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are
repaired in Nigeria and returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
For an item no longer under warranty that is returned to Canada from
Nigeria after repair, GST will be charged.
GST will be applied to the value of the repair work plus any parts
added for the repair, and on any duties charged.
Sending Product for Repair to Nigeria
No information is available regarding sending equipment to Nigeria for
repairs.
Returning Repaired Product to Nigeria
If your product has been repaired in Canada and is being returned back
to Nigeria, duties and taxes will still be charged on your shipment.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial Invoice must clearly state 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the
General Description or Remarks section; include the estimated time
of return (see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated
under the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when
the item was first exported to Nigeria or exported to Canada
(depending on which case applies)
Sources:
https://web2.customs.gov.ng/?page_id=3073
http://www.journalngonline.com/2016/08/18/nigeria-customs-service-act-2013-explanatory-memorandum/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Chinua Achebe
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Onitsha Rd.
Nsukka
Nigeria
Phone: +234 806 306 7400 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary Imports
Little information regarding temporary imports to Nigeria is available
at this time. It is believed that no special treatment is provided to
this type of shipment.
ATA Carnets
Nigeria does not recognise ATA Carnets for the importation of
temporary goods however, using an ATA carnet will help you return your
goods to Canada.
While ATA Carnets and are beyond the scope of this article,
information can be obtained at your local Chamber of Commerce. More
information is available here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Chinua Achebe
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Onitsha Rd.
Nsukka
Nigeria
Phone: +234 806 306 7400 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
Shipping products or goods that will stay permanently in Nigeria are
pretty straightforward (provided you are not shipping anything
restricted or prohibited). You will need to complete a commercial
invoice showing the value of each item shipped and then
duties and taxes
will be charged based on the information provided.
If you are a frequent shipper of sold goods to Nigeria, we recommend
using the services of a registered Nigerian Customs Broker.
Sources:
https://import-export.societegenerale.fr/en/country/nigeria/regulations-customs
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Chinua Achebe
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Onitsha Rd.
Nsukka
Nigeria
Phone: +234 806 306 7400 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Questions
about Shipping to Nigeria
Can I ship to Nigeria?
Shipping to Nigeria from Canada can take between 3-8 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to
complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Nigeria by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Nigeria?
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