For Nigerian businesses reaching across borders, customs clearance is more than a checkpoint , it’s where your shipment’s journey can stall or soar.
One overlooked document, a wrong HS code, or an unpaid fee can leave goods stuck at Tin Can Port, straining customer relationships and putting profits at risk. MyDHL Express turns this challenge into an opportunity, equipping Nigerian traders with practical tools tailored to local realities, streamlining compliance, and minimizing delays.
Understanding Nigeria’s Customs Challenges
Customs in Nigeria can be a maze, with most issues falling into a handful of common traps:
Documentation Shortfalls
Missing Form M, SONCAP certificates, or commercial invoices are a major source of shipment delays. For new exporters, keeping track of these requirements can feel overwhelming, and even seasoned shippers sometimes miss a step.
HS Code Mistakes
Misclassifying your products leads to unnecessary inspections and inaccurate duties. Getting HS codes right from the outset is essential for smooth passage.
Duty Payment Hold-Ups
Unpaid tariffs are a recipe for stuck shipments especially for high-value imports, which often come with extra scrutiny and cost.
Overlooked Restrictions
Some goods, like electronics, pharmaceuticals, or textiles, need NAFDAC or SON permits. It’s easy to miss these the first time around, but customs officials won’t.
Valuation Disputes
Under-declaring goods can trigger audits and demands for proof like payment receipts or bank statements, causing further holdups.
Who Handles Customs Brokerage?
Whether the shipper or receiver handles customs brokerage in Nigeria depends on the chosen Incoterms. Sometimes, both responsibilities land with one party. Clarity upfront can prevent confusion and delays later on.
Unlocking DHL’s Customs Support: What’s Available
With DHL Express, every customer gets access to industry-leading customs expertise and support tools, including:
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is the backbone of international shipping. It captures every detail customs needs who’s shipping, what’s inside, how much it’s worth, where it’s going, and under which Incoterms. Customs officials rely on it to ensure safety, legality, and correct duties, so accuracy and completeness are non-negotiable.
Air Waybill
Think of the Air Waybill as your shipment’s passport. It travels with your goods and includes all critical information: sender and receiver details, a description of the goods, their value and weight, and a tracking number. It allows both handlers and customs to quickly access shipment details and follow its journey in real time.
Certificate of Origin
This document certifies where your goods are made crucial for certain shipments, especially when trade agreements or specific import rules apply. Not every shipment needs one, but when required, local chambers of commerce issue validated certificates to prove origin.
Export Licenses
Shipping restricted goods? You’ll need an export license sometimes from both origin and destination countries. These licenses are mandatory for specific goods, such as chemicals or pharmaceuticals. Requirements vary, so reach out to your DHL Express specialist for guidance tailored to your shipment.
Introducing DHL MyGTS: Your Customs Compliance Hub
DHL’s My Global Trade Services (MyGTS) platform is your one-stop resource for customs clearance.
Free to use and easy to navigate, MyGTS helps you:
- Identify and organize the documents needed for your shipment
Accurately classify goods with AI-powered HS code support
Understand country-specific import and export requirements before you ship
Plan your shipments with a pre-shipment checklist, reducing surprises at the border
Register for MyGTS and take the guesswork out of customs. Start shipping confidently, knowing you’re covered every step of the way.
What Happens Next
Customs clearance in Nigeria will always require diligence. But with MyDHL Express and MyGTS, you take charge turning what was once a bottleneck into a competitive advantage. Automated document checks, precise HS code guidance, and payment transparency speed up clearance and cut down on costly delays.
The difference is clear: quicker market access, fewer demurrage fees, and a dramatic drop in duty disputes. MyDHL Express delivers not just efficiency, but peace of mind, letting you focus on growing your business, not fighting red tape.
Share
