China is undoubtedly Nigeria’s largest import country. Affordability and wide product selection are key reasons many Nigerian companies patronise Chinese suppliers. It also provides the enterprises with the opportunity for expansion.
However, importing from China presents logistical challenges, especially for first-time importers. They must handle complex processes and bear huge risks. Therefore, importers must understand the intricacies of importing from China.
This guide comprehensively explores all you need to know about importing from China in 2025.
Is Importing from China to Nigeria Worth It in 2025?
Importing from China to Nigeria is worth it if you manage it properly. This includes using the correct shipping method, hiring the right freight forwarder, and following regulatory requirements. The relatively stable value of the Naira also makes importing from China to Nigeria favourable.
The volume, variety, affordability and quality of Chinese goods make many Nigerian businesses prefer to export from the country over others, such as the US/UK. Due to the large volume of trade between China and Nigeria, numerous shipping and freight forwarding companies offer customised services.
Step-by-Step Process of Importing from China to Nigeria
This is a step-by-step process for importing from China to Nigeria.
1. Decide What You Want to Import
Start with small but high-demand items such as fashion items, electronics, kitchen gadgets, and small home goods. They are easy and affordable to ship. They also minimise your risk, aren’t subject to complex regulations, and have high profit margins, typically 30% to 50%. If your business deals with bulky goods, hire experienced trade and forwarding agents.
Use social media trends to identify in-demand products. Be active on TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Jiji.
2. Find a Reliable Supplier
Consider platforms such as Alibaba, 1688, and Made-in-China.com. Alibaba is an online marketplace for international marketers to sell their goods in bulk. 1688 connects buyers and suppliers with Chinese manufacturers. Made-in-China.com connects global buyers with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers.
Request a video or live inspection of your goods to avoid scams. Ensure that you are buying from a licensed company or supplier. Advisably, start with small orders to build trust.
Use an escrow if possible. This is an agent who holds the payment for products until the supplier fulfils their contractual obligations.
3. Choose a Shipping Method
Air freight is best for urgent shipments or lightweight goods such as electronics, medical supplies, clothing, or food products. Sea freight is suitable for large and heavy goods such as furniture, industrial machinery, grains, and metals. Use courier services if you want your goods to arrive faster and with less hassle.
Freight forwarders offer door-to-door and port-to-port delivery. In a door-to-door delivery, they facilitate the delivery of your consignment to your actual location. However, a port-to-port delivery means transporting the shipment from one port to another.
4. Work With a Freight Forwarder or Agent
A freight forwarder will handle logistical aspects such as warehousing and storage, customs clearance, cargo consolidation, tracking, and insurance. Vet your freight forwarder to ensure you are making the right choice. Ask them about their services, experience, cost, timelines, licenses, compliance & security, and support infrastructure. Only choose a trusted company that has positive reviews among users, such as D2D Cargo.
5. Understand Nigerian Import Regulations
Form M is a mandatory statutory document you must complete for all imports into Nigeria. An authorised dealer bank must complete it and submit it to the Central Bank of Nigeria. Certain goods, such as diplomatic cargo and low-value shipments, may be exempt. However, you will still need to submit other documents, such as the bill of lading/waybill, packing list, and invoice.
Ensure that relevant goods, such as foods and cosmetics, get NAFDAC Certification. Additionally, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program (SONCAP) is a mandatory document for almost all Chinese imports to Nigeria.
You must declare your goods to the customs and pay their associated fees. Customs duty is calculated by adding the goods Import Duty, Surcharge, Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme, ELTS (Ecowas Trade Liberalisation Scheme), and VAT.
6. Pay for Your Goods Safely
Avoid using Western Union or cryptocurrency as a first-time importer due to the difficulty in tracking their payments in case of a scam. More reliable payment platforms include Alibaba Trade Assurance, Payoneer, bank transfer agents, and Letter of Credit (LC). You may pay bank charges and foreign exchange rates, which vary depending on the financial institution.
7. Track and Receive Your Shipment
Most agents will give you a 17track.net or Cainiao link to track your shipment. Shipping from China to Nigeria typically takes 30-50 days for sea freight and 3-7 days for air freight. You can receive your goods after settling applicable duties and following the required customs clearance processes.
How Much Will It Cost to Import from China to Nigeria?
Many variables influence the cost of importing from China to Nigeria. They include shipping cost, customs/duties, clearing fees, and agent fees. Shipping costs depend on the volume of your shipment (if you ship by sea) and weight (if you ship by air).
- Good Value: ₦1,000,000
- Shipping: $5 (₦7670) -$12 (₦18,400) per kilogram for air freight. $100 (₦153,000)-$200 (₦306,940) per cubic metre for sea freight (LCL) or $2,500 (₦3,836,846+)-$5,500 (₦8,441,061) for a 40-foot container.
- Customs Duty: 5% to 35% of the goods’ cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value.
- Agent Fees: Typically 1% to 1.5% of the total goods value.
Importing a ₦1 million worth of goods from China to Nigeria may require you to pay extra ₦500,000 or more in additional charges.
How to Avoid Scams When Importing from China
Here are tips to help you avoid scams when importing from China.
- Avoid fake suppliers. These include those who offer ridiculously cheap products, have poor or no reviews, and are reluctant to show proof
- Use an agent when shopping on 1688 and other platforms for the first time
- Avoid paying into personal accounts when you import from China. Sign a basic agreement to give you legal leverage, or ask for an invoice
- Google the supplier’s name + “scam” to see if they have a history of shady practices
- Be active on Alibaba, 1688, or Made-in-China forums to get useful insights from other importers
Tips for First-Time Importers in Nigeria
These are tips for first-time importers in Nigeria.
1. Start Small, Test Demand
Begin with small-volume imports and gradually expand. Smaller shipments equate to fewer risks if anything goes wrong. Additionally, it allows you to test the demands of your customers, enabling you to make more optimised decisions on subsequent imports.
2. Join Nigerian importer Telegram/WhatsApp groups for updates
Joining Nigerian importer Telegram/WhatsApp groups can provide you with updates on trending goods, reliable suppliers, freight forwarders, and payment platforms.
3. Follow Clearing Trends
Following the clearing trends at major Nigerian ports (Apapa, Tincan, etc.) can help you adjust appropriately to them. For example, there might be an increase in costs, stricter regulatory requirements, or a sudden surge in the volume of goods handled at the port.
4. Build a Long-Term Relationship with your Supplier and Forwarder
Suppliers and freight forwarders can offer better rates and flexible payment terms to long-term partners. They will prioritise you during congestion or peak shipping seasons. The professionals will be familiar with your business, making them provide tailored solutions.
Best Freight Forwarders for China to Nigeria Importers (2025)
1. D2D Cargo
- Provides reliable door-to-door shipping from China to Nigeria
- Offer freight customs clearance, tracking, warehousing and storage, and cargo consolidation solutions.
- It is a great option for new importers and SMEs
2. Fortune Global
- Great for handling bulk shipping and project logistics
- Has strong links with Nigerian customs and a reputable global presence
- Licensed by top national and international organisations
3. Local 1688 Agents
- They act as intermediaries between you and Chinese suppliers by helping you procure products and ship from Chinese wholesale platforms
- Perfect for small businesses and first-time importers without Chinese contacts
- Saves time and money, and mitigates risks
FAQs – Importing from China to Nigeria in 2025
How long does it take to import from China to Nigeria?
Air freight from China to Nigeria takes 3-10 days, while sea freight takes 30-50 days. Express delivery services by companies like DHL and FedEx are faster. Factors such as product type, carrier, season, and port congestion influence delivery time.
What documents do I need?
Documents you need when shipping from China to Nigeria include:
- Form M
- Bill of lading or waybill for air freight
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate or origin
- Insurance certificate
- Bill of entry
- Expert license
What is the cheapest way to import from China?
The cheapest way to import from China depends on the product type. Bulky goods are more economical when shipped by sea. However, it may be most cost-effective to ship lightweight but expensive goods via air freight.
Can I import without a company or business name?
You cannot import to Nigeria without a company or business name. The Nigerian authorities require you to formally register a company and obtain a Certificate of Incorporation or Registration. You must also register the company with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
How do I clear my goods at the port?
Here are the steps to clearing goods at a Nigerian port.
- Organise supporting document
- Calculate the duties and taxes on your goods
- Submit the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) form
- Coordinate and oversee the physical inspection of your shipments
- Secure release and arrange for your cargo’s delivery
Advisably, you can hire a clearing agent to handle these processes on your behalf.
Ready to Start Importing?
You can simplify the complex process of importing from China to Nigeria with the right partner. We will work helpfully to ensure you achieve your business goals.
Ready to take the leap? Consider D2D Cargo as your reliable shipping and forwarding partner. We invest in understanding your business needs and provide personalised end-to-end shipping services. Contact us today to get started.
