Frequently Asked Questions – Importing Chinese Vehicles to Nigeria
Got questions about importing vehicles from China to Nigeria? We have compiled answers to the 50 most-asked questions covering shipping to Nigerian ports, import duties, SON compliance, NCS documentation, vehicle inspection, warranty, and after-sales support. Contact sales@evsnigeria.com for personalised guidance.
Shipping & Logistics to Nigeria
Standard transit from Shanghai to Apapa Port, Lagos is 25–35 days by RoRo vessel. Container shipping runs 30–42 days depending on routing and vessel schedule. We provide real-time vessel tracking from loading in China to Nigerian port arrival.
We ship to all major Nigerian entry ports: Apapa Port (Lagos), Tin Can Island Port (Lagos), Port Harcourt Port (Rivers State), and Onne Port (Rivers State). Apapa and Tin Can Island handle the highest volume and offer the most frequent sailings from China.
We offer RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping for standard vehicles — the most cost-effective method — and container shipping for luxury, high-value, or sensitive vehicles requiring maximum protection during the Nigeria transit.
Yes. All shipments include comprehensive all-risk cargo insurance from loading in China to arrival at your Nigerian port. Coverage includes theft, weather damage, and transit accidents. Full insurance documentation is provided before departure.
Yes. You receive a vessel name, sailing date, and container or vehicle tracking number at booking confirmation. We send weekly transit updates by email, plus a port arrival notification and estimated NCS customs release date.
We coordinate with our port agents at Apapa and Tin Can Island to resolve delays quickly. Port demurrage fees up to 15 days are covered in your quote. We handle all communication with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on your behalf.
A standard 40-foot container holds 2–3 vehicles depending on size. Compact cars and sedans typically fit 3; large SUVs and pickups typically 2. We optimize container loading to minimize your per-vehicle shipping cost to Nigeria.
Yes. We coordinate final delivery from the port to your location anywhere in Nigeria — Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and beyond. All inland transport costs are quoted upfront with no hidden charges.
Our primary export port is Shanghai, China’s largest and busiest port, offering the most frequent sailings to Nigeria and the most competitive freight rates. Vehicles located in other production regions may ship from Ningbo or Shekou.
Yes. All Nigerian states are reachable via port arrival plus road transport. We quote full door-to-door delivery including inland freight to Kano, Kaduna, Abuja (FCT), Enugu, and other inland destinations. Timeline and cost are disclosed upfront.
Pricing & Payment
Every quote includes: factory vehicle price, pre-shipment inspection, export documentation, port handling in China, ocean freight, and cargo insurance. Nigerian import duties — Customs Duty, VAT (7.5%), and CISS levy (1%) — are calculated separately and disclosed in full before you commit.
Nigerian vehicle imports are subject to: Import Duty (5–35% depending on vehicle type and age), VAT at 7.5%, CISS levy at 1% of CIF value, and Port Development Levy. We provide a full landed cost breakdown — in USD and NGN equivalent — before your order is confirmed.
Yes. Volume discounts apply from 5 vehicles upward: 5–10 units receive 2–4% off, 10–20 units 4–6%, 20–50 units 6–10%, and 50+ units qualify for custom wholesale pricing with a dedicated account manager and priority shipping.
We accept international bank transfer (T/T) as our preferred method, letter of credit (L/C) for larger orders, and installment plans for qualified dealers. All pricing is in USD. NGN-equivalent estimates are provided on request and are indicative only.
The standard deposit is 30% of the total vehicle order value. This secures your unit and begins the inspection and Form M documentation process. The remaining 70% is due before shipment, or upon port arrival for established accounts.
No. Every quotation is fully itemized: vehicle cost, inspection, documentation, freight, insurance, and port handling are separate line items. Nigerian import duties — Customs Duty, VAT, and CISS — are calculated and disclosed before you commit. No surprises at Apapa.
Landed cost = factory vehicle price + inspection fee + export documentation + ocean freight + cargo insurance + Nigerian Customs Duty + VAT (7.5%) + CISS levy (1%) + NCS processing + inland transport to your location. We provide a complete landed cost sheet with every quote.
Yes. Fleet orders of 50+ vehicles receive custom pricing, a dedicated account manager, flexible payment terms, and priority scheduling. Contact sales@evsnigeria.com with your fleet specifications for a tailored commercial proposal.
Quotes are issued in USD and locked at order confirmation. We absorb minor exchange rate movements on orders confirmed within 48 hours of quotation. For large orders, T/T payment within the quote validity window locks your rate and protects against Naira volatility.
Yes. We partner with trade finance providers offering credit facilities for qualified Nigerian dealers and fleet operators. A minimum order of 10 vehicles is typically required. Discuss financing options directly with your account manager at sales@evsnigeria.com.
Vehicle Inspection & Quality
Yes. Every vehicle undergoes a comprehensive pre-shipment inspection by a certified independent third-party inspector. You receive a full report including 30+ photographs, a video walkthrough, and a signed roadworthy declaration before we load your vehicle for Nigeria.
Inspections are conducted by independent third-party firms — not Chinese Car in Nigeria employees. This ensures an unbiased condition assessment. We work with internationally recognized inspection companies including SGS and TÜV-certified technicians operating in China.
Inspection covers: engine diagnostics, transmission testing, brake and suspension systems, EV battery health, electrical systems, body and paintwork condition, interior assessment, odometer verification, title authenticity, and accident history check.
We verify that all exported vehicles meet Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) requirements before shipment. Our documentation team prepares the required technical conformity files to support your SON certification and FRSC vehicle registration process upon arrival in Nigeria.
Yes. You may engage your own inspector to evaluate the vehicle at our Shanghai facility. We cooperate fully and provide complete vehicle access. An independent inspection adds approximately 2–3 days and is recommended for high-value purchases above $50,000.
Every vehicle we ship is guaranteed mechanically roadworthy at time of loading. If a vehicle develops a major mechanical fault within 30 days of delivery that was undisclosed in the inspection report, we cover repair costs or provide a replacement vehicle at no additional charge.
Reports are 10–15 pages covering every major system, with a condition rating per component, 30+ professional photographs, a 3–5 minute video walkthrough, and a summary of any pre-shipment repairs completed. Available in English, the official working language of Nigeria.
If a vehicle fails inspection we repair the identified issues at our cost before shipment. For major faults we replace the unit with an equivalent alternative. You are not charged for the failed inspection and face no delivery delay penalty.
Yes. EV battery packs receive a dedicated inspection: state of health (SoH) assessment, cell balance testing, thermal management system check, and BMS diagnostic scan. Battery health percentage is stated clearly in your inspection report for your records and SON documentation.
Yes. Nigeria restricts the importation of used vehicles older than 12 years from the year of manufacture. Chinese Car in Nigeria ensures all used vehicles we export meet the Nigerian Customs Service age eligibility requirement. New vehicles have no age restriction.
Nigeria Import Regulations & Documentation
Required documents include: Form M (approved by your Nigerian bank through CBN), commercial invoice, bill of lading (B/L), combined certificate of value and origin, pre-shipment inspection report, PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report), and SON conformity documentation. Chinese Car in Nigeria prepares all China-side export documents.
Form M is a mandatory Nigerian import document issued by your commercial bank and approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It must be obtained before shipment and covers the vehicle’s CIF value. Chinese Car in Nigeria provides all supporting export documents required for your bank to process Form M approval.
A Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) is generated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through their Asycuda World system after you submit your import documents. It determines the customs duty payable on your vehicle. Chinese Car in Nigeria provides all documents needed for accurate PAAR generation, minimizing duty disputes at Apapa.
Duties are calculated on the CIF value (vehicle price + insurance + freight). Import Duty rates for vehicles typically range from 5–35% depending on engine size and vehicle category under the Nigeria Customs Tariff. VAT is 7.5% and CISS levy is 1%. We calculate your full duty liability and include it in your landed cost sheet before shipment.
Yes. Nigeria restricts the importation of used vehicles that are more than 12 years old from the year of manufacture. This is enforced strictly by the Nigeria Customs Service at Apapa and Tin Can Island. All used vehicles we export are verified against this requirement before purchase confirmation.
The Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) levy is 1% of the vehicle’s CIF value, payable by the importer to the Nigeria Customs Service. It covers pre-shipment inspection and quality supervision. Chinese Car in Nigeria factors this into your landed cost estimate so you know the exact amount before committing.
After NCS customs clearance at Apapa, vehicle registration is handled through the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in your state. You will need: NCS duty payment receipt, SON conformity certificate, bill of lading, and commercial invoice. Chinese Car in Nigeria provides all export-side documentation for your FRSC application.
We prepare all China-side export documentation required for your Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Single Goods Declaration (SGD). We also recommend experienced licensed customs agents (LCAs) at Apapa and Tin Can Island for your final NCS clearance, and can make introductions on request.
Yes. Nigeria does not ban Chinese electric vehicle imports. EVs are subject to standard Nigerian import duties. The Nigerian government has signaled intent to incentivize EV adoption, and duty rates on EVs may change. We advise on the current applicable rates confirmed at the time of your order.
Nigerian customs clearance at Apapa or Tin Can Island typically takes 10–30 business days depending on NCS examination channel and documentation completeness. Port congestion at Apapa can extend this. Complete and accurate documentation — which our team prepares thoroughly — is the single biggest factor in faster clearance.
After-Sales & Warranty Support
Yes. All vehicles include a standard 12-month mechanical warranty covering major powertrain components. Extended warranties of 24 or 36 months are available at additional cost. Warranty claims are processed through Chinese Car in Nigeria at sales@evsnigeria.com.
Email sales@evsnigeria.com with your vehicle details, inspection report reference, and a description of the fault. Our after-sales team responds within 48 hours. For valid claims, we arrange repair reimbursement or replacement part supply direct from China to Nigeria.
Yes. Chinese Car in Nigeria supplies genuine OEM spare parts factory-direct for all models we export. We ship to Nigeria by air freight (7–14 days) or sea freight (30–45 days) to Apapa. Parts pricing is factory-direct with no dealer markups.
CFAO Motors handles some Chinese brands in Nigeria, and independent workshops experienced with Chinese vehicles are growing across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Chinese Car in Nigeria provides full technical documentation and service manuals in English to support any qualified mechanic. Our team assists remotely with technical questions.
We provide: warranty claim processing, factory-direct spare parts supply, technical documentation in English, remote diagnostic guidance, EV software update support, and a dedicated after-sales contact at sales@evsnigeria.com throughout your ownership period.
Yes. EV battery packs are covered for manufacturing defects for 12 months as standard. Extended battery warranty up to 36 months or 100,000 km (whichever comes first) is available. Warranty does not cover degradation from improper charging or physical damage.
Yes. If a delivered vehicle has undisclosed faults absent from the pre-shipment inspection report, you have 30 days from delivery to file a return or repair claim. We cover the cost of repair or provide a replacement unit at no additional charge.
Yes. Owner’s manuals and service documentation in English are provided for all major models we export. For models where only Chinese manuals are available, we arrange professional translation into English. Digital copies are emailed at the time of delivery confirmation.
Fleet buyers receive a dedicated account manager, priority after-sales response within 24 hours, bulk spare parts pricing, extended fleet warranty options, and annual fleet review support. Contact sales@evsnigeria.com to set up your fleet support agreement.
Email: sales@evsnigeria.com. Our after-sales team is available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM West Africa Time (WAT / UTC+1). For urgent warranty matters, mark URGENT in your email subject line for same-day response.