Are you looking for shipping methods from China to Nigeria? This guide will simplify the process for you! It will break down the shipping process and highlight each shipping method’s unique aspects, costs, and transit times. Armed with this guide, you can make informed decisions and achieve seamless trade between China and Nigeria!
Main modes of transport from China to Nigeria
Express
Express is perfect for those smaller parcels (≤20kg) and situations where getting your things there fast is essential. You can use international express delivery companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS; your things will arrive in 3-5 days. That’s great if you need to get something urgent across. The only thing to remember is that the shipping fee is a bit higher, but it’s worth it when you need to get things there fast.
Air freight
Air freight is suitable for shipments weighing more than 21kg. The transit time is usually 5-7 days, ideal for scenarios with high time requirements. Although air freight is lower than express delivery, it is still more expensive than Ocean Freight. Therefore, it is suitable for transporting urgent or high-value goods that can be delivered to their destination in a relatively short period of time while balancing transportation costs with time requirements.
Sea Freight
Sea Freight is suitable for time-insensitive goods. The transit time is about 30-32 days (port-to-port) or 35-40 days (door-to-door), which suits scenarios with lower time requirements. The cost of Ocean Freight is the weakest of the three shipping methods. It is especially suitable for shipping large quantities of goods, which can significantly reduce logistics costs. It is an ideal choice for shipping non-urgent, large quantities of goods.
China to Nigeria Shipping Process
Below is a step-by-step guide for shipping from China to Nigeria:
1. Confirming the order and arranging collection
- The agency can contact your Chinese supplier to arrange delivery from the factory or provide a door-to-door collection service.
2. Processing customs and transport documents
- The agency helps you prepare all the necessary documents and ensures customs clearance runs smoothly.
3. Transport insurance
- As there is a risk of damage or loss during long-distance transport, it is advisable to take out freight insurance for additional protection.
4. Export customs clearance
- The agency will assist with the export declaration in China to ensure the smooth departure of your goods.
5. Payment and tracking of the goods
- After the goods have been declared, the freight is paid, and you will receive a tracking number to track the shipment online at any time.
- Our team also provides real-time updates to keep you informed of the latest developments.
6. Customs clearance
- Customs clearance is required after the goods arrive in Nigeria. The agency will handle all duties, taxes, and local logistics arrangements.
7. Delivery of goods
- Once the goods have been cleared, they will be delivered to a local warehouse in Nigeria and arranged for delivery to your store or address.
What documents are required to ship from China to Nigeria?
- Commercial Invoice: Used to declare the value of goods and calculate tariffs and taxes. It includes information about the buyer and seller, a description of the goods, quantity, unit price, total price, etc.
- Packing List: Lists the packaging information of the goods in detail to facilitate customs clearance and inspection. It includes the goods’ quantity, weight, volume, and packaging method.
- Bill of Lading (B/L): A title document for Ocean Freight goods used to pick up goods. It is divided into original bills of lading and electronic release bills of lading. It includes the shipper, consignee, description of goods, etc.
- Certificate of Origin: A certificate that proves the origin of goods used to enjoy tariff preferences or comply with trade agreements. The China Council usually issues it for the Promotion of International Trade or customs.
- Insurance Certificate: Provides protection for transporting goods against loss or damage. It includes the insurance coverage and insured amount.
- Export License: For controlled goods (such as chemicals, medical devices, etc.), an export license is required and issued by the relevant Chinese government departments.
- Nigeria import documents: including Form M (essential import declaration document), SONCAP certificate (compliance with Nigerian standards), PAAR (customs clearance document), etc.
- Other documents that may be required: such as inspection certificates, sanitary or phytosanitary certificates, dangerous goods declarations, etc., apply to specific types of goods
Important note: Ensure that the information on the documents is consistent, prepare unique documents (such as Form M and SONCAP certificates) in advance, and use English or bilingual versions to avoid delays in customs clearance.
Freight Shipping Cost from China to Nigeria
Shipping costs are an important factor that companies must consider when choosing a transportation method. Transportation costs are mainly calculated based on the method, the weight and volume of the goods, the destination, and the time requirements for transportation.For specific costs, please refer to the table below.
| Shipping Mode | Price Range | Best For | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL (Less than Container Load) | $30–$60 per cubic meter | Small shipments not filling a full container | 30–40 days |
| FCL (20ft Container) | $4,000–$4,050 | Large shipments requiring a full container | 50–55 days |
| FCL (40ft Container) | $4,400–$4,500 | Very large shipments | 50–55 days |
| Air Freight | $6 per kg | Time-sensitive, high-value goods | 6–8 days |
| Express Shipping | $5–$10 per kg | Urgent, small packages | 3–5 days |
Factors that affect shipping costs
Factors affecting the cost of shipping from China to Nigeria include the following. Shipping costs can be effectively reduced by selecting the appropriate shipping method, optimizing the packaging of goods, preparing customs clearance documents in advance, and avoiding peak shipping seasons. You should work with a professional freight forwarder to develop an optimized shipping plan.
- Shipping method: Ocean freight is cheap but takes a long time, while air freight and express couriers are expensive but fast.
- Cargo weight and volume: Shipping fees are calculated based on weight or volume weight, whichever is higher.
- Type of goods: Special goods (e.g., dangerous, refrigerated goods) and high-value goods may incur additional costs.
- Transport distance and route: The longer the distance and the more direct routes, the higher the cost.
- Fuel surcharge: International oil price fluctuations can affect transport costs.
- Port charges: These include loading and unloading fees, storage fees, etc., at the port of loading and the port of destination.
- Customs duties and taxes: Import duties, value-added tax, and other taxes in Nigeria can increase costs.
- The complexity of customs clearance: Incomplete documentation or inspection of goods may incur additional costs.
- Seasonal factors: Shipping costs may increase during peak seasons (e.g., holidays).
- Additional services: Insurance, door-to-door delivery, and special packaging can increase costs and provide excellent protection and convenience.
Shipping from China to Nigeria Transit Time
Don’t worry about shipping times! They vary depending on the shipping method, but we’ve covered you. Typically, Ocean Freight shipping from China to Nigeria takes 30-45 days. Air Freight usually takes 5-10 days, and Express shipping takes 3-5 days, depending on the destination and shipping method.
| Shipping Mode | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (LCL & FCL) | 30 to 45 days | LCL might be slower due to consolidation and deconsolidation processes. |
| Air Freight | 5 to 10 days | Faster option for urgent shipments. |
| Express Shipping | 3 to 5 days | Ideal for time-sensitive deliveries. |
How to find the best shipping company from China to Nigeria
We know how important it is to find the best carrier to ship your goods from China to Nigeria. We’re here to help you with that! Here are some things to consider:
- Compare shipping companies and rates: When selecting a shipping company, it is advisable to seek out reputable companies that offer reasonable rates.
- Seek specialization: When selecting a shipping company, it is essential to identify one that specializes in handling your specific type of goods. For instance, if your goods necessitate temperature-controlled storage, ensure that the selected shipping company possesses the requisite facilities to ensure their safety and integrity.
- Check the shipping method: Ensure that the shipping provider offers the shipping method that best suits your needs。
- Strong network: Make sure they have shipping agents, brokers, and other relevant logistics entities to ensure the smooth transportation of your goods.
- Transparency of costs: It is advisable to exercise caution when selecting shipping companies, as some have been known to impose unexpected or additional fees at the eleventh hour.
- Responsive customer support: It is imperative to seek out customer service that is both reliable and responsive. Ideally, one should be able to establish communication with the carrier and receive a prompt response from a representative.
