If you are planning to ship a car to Nigeria or if your vehicle is already at the port, it’s crucial to have all the necessary documents ready. This guide is especially important if this is your first time importing a car from another country to Nigeria, as it will prepare you ahead of the clearance process at the port.
The clearance stage is arguably the most integral part of your car importation journey to Nigeria. It is the final stage of the importation process and determines your access to the vehicle. If the necessary documents are not in place during this stage, you may be denied access to your car. This article aims to inform you about the clearance stage, preventing any unexpected setbacks.
Since Nigeria is not yet manufacturing affordable cars, neighboring countries with car manufacturing facilities have become a saving grace, catering to our automotive needs. Until Nigeria establishes its own capable automotive industry, we will continue to rely on foreign countries for our vehicular requirements.
In this context, auto-shipping refers to the act and process of transporting a vehicle from one country to another. This involves sound knowledge and understanding of the process to prevent being misled or duped.
Before shipping your car, it’s essential to:
- Do your homework: Research the company you’re considering hiring.
- Ask questions: Inquire about what’s included in the quote you receive.
- Check the shipper’s insurance coverage.
- Book early to secure your preferred shipping schedule.
- Prepare the vehicle for transport.
- Look for red flags that might indicate potential issues.
- Be present on-site for pickup and delivery.
- Understand the payment process.
After considering these points, it’s crucial to partner with a capable and responsive freight forwarder specializing in auto shipping for the successful delivery of your car to Nigeria.
MC KADAN Logistics, a capable and responsive freight forwarder, has proven its reliability and capability over time in auto shipping. By contacting them and providing your details, you can relax while awaiting the timely arrival of your car.
If you are shipping a car through a freight broker or agent, it’s essential to be familiar with the documents required to clear your car from the Tincan or Apapa seaports.
To clear your car at the Lagos seaport, the necessary documents are:
- Bill of Lading
- Means of Identification
The Means of Identification is defined as the act of determining who someone or what something is. It can be a name used alone or in combination with other information to identify a specific individual, such as a government-issued driver’s license or national identification card.
The Bill of Lading is a detailed list of a ship’s cargo in the form of a receipt given by the ship’s master to the person consigning the goods. It is a document issued by a carrier or agent to acknowledge receipt of cargo for shipment. Although the term historically related only to carriage by sea, a bill of lading can be used for any type of cargo transportation.
To obtain the Bill of Lading, the freight forwarder or approved cargo agent will provide a scanned copy for approval at the goods’ (e.g., car) origin city or country. This ensures that the information filled in the blank copy is accurate to avoid issues with clearing agencies at the port of discharge. Once the scanned copy is approved, the auto-freight forwarder will send the hard copy of the Bill of Lading via courier service, as an original copy will be required for clearing by customs and other port operators.
It’s advisable to receive the Bill of Lading a few days before the vessel’s arrival in the country of discharge. When you receive your Bill of Lading, separate the copies and append your signature to the original copy. The Bill of Lading will come as either non-negotiable or original.
Once the original copy is signed, it should be handed over to the agent along with your means of identification. Providing a means of identification to your clearing agent is crucial to claim your goods and confirm the name and address of the consignee on the Bill of Lading.
To ensure a hiccup-free shipping experience, follow these tips:
- Plan ahead and schedule in advance – Once you have procured the vehicle safely and are ready to ship it, schedule the shipping as far in advance as possible to ensure delivery within your desired timeframe. This will give you the flexibility to address any potential challenges during transit without fear.
- Clean out the car – Your vehicle should be free of any personal items during transport. Transport trucks must meet strict weight requirements, and insurance will not cover personal items in the vehicle. Failure to remove all your belongings could result in additional charges or delays in transport.
- Inspect your vehicle and make a checklist – Thoroughly inspect the vehicle and present the findings to the auto transit company for acknowledgment before they take possession. It’s also highly recommended to take photos of the car from all angles, so you have a record of its condition when the driver took possession for transport. This documentation will be helpful if you suspect any cosmetic damage upon delivery.
- Ensure low fuel and remove antennas – Make sure your vehicle has no more than a quarter tank of gas/petrol for transport. More fuel than this can pose an unnecessary safety hazard. Remove any loose parts from the vehicle, such as bed liners that are not bolted down, to prevent them from being blown off during transport. Any non-retractable antennas must also be removed to avoid damage while in transit.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when importing a car to Nigeria.
