Shipping from China to Nigeria
Shipping from China to Nigeria plays an important role in international trade. As one of the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria’s demand for Chinese products continues to grow. In 2023, the bilateral trade volume between China and Nigeria reached 22.56 billion US dollars. Chinese electronic products, machinery and equipment, building materials and consumer goods occupy an important position in the Nigerian market. In order to ensure that the goods arrive safely and promptly in major cities in Nigeria, such as Lagos, Abuja and Kano, it is essential to choose the right logistics service.
Ubest Shipping provides comprehensive transportation solutions to help customers easily cope with the logistics challenges from China to Nigeria. Our services include sea and air transportation, and we can develop personalized transportation plans according to customer needs and cargo types. Professional logistics management and customs clearance services ensure that your goods pass through Nigerian customs smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays. We are committed to providing efficient and reliable logistics support to help your business development.
What can we do when shipping from China to Nigeria?
Sea freight FCL from China to Nigeria
- Shipping from China to Lagos and Abuja in Nigeria
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to Nigeria
- Consolidate multiple shipments into one container
- Competitive freight rates based on cubic meters or tons
- Collect shipments from different suppliers in different cities
Air freight from China to Nigeria
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to Nigeria
- Quickly respond to market demand and offer competitive air freight prices
- It takes 2 to 5 days to airfreight from China to Nigeria
Express delivery service from China to Nigeria
- Express delivery from China to any city in Nigeria
- Super fast, 1 to 3 days to Nigeria
- Huge discounts on DHL, UPS, Fedex, TNT, EMS, SF Express
Door to Door Shipping from China to Nigeria
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in the Nigeria
- Including Nigeria customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to Nigeria
- Provide one-stop service from China to Nigeria warehouse
- DDP service, all tariffs and taxes included, reduce cost risks.
- Flexibly choose the mode of transportation to ensure the fast and safe arrival of goods.
Content Guidelines
Guide to Shipping from China to Nigeria
Shipping goods from China to Nigeria involves multiple links, and the key to ensuring smooth transportation lies in choosing the right logistics solution and making the necessary preparations.
First, you need to decide on the mode of transportation based on the type, quantity, and urgency of the goods. Ocean shipping is usually suitable for bulk goods and limited budgets, while air transportation is more suitable for small quantities and time-sensitive goods. In addition, make sure to prepare all necessary customs clearance documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin to speed up customs clearance.
During the transportation process, it is crucial to choose an experienced logistics company who can provide full support and give professional guidance from transportation arrangements to customs clearance procedures. Maintain good communication with suppliers and ensure that they update the status of the goods in a timely manner so that you can keep track of the progress of the transportation in real time. With reasonable planning and coordination, you will be able to ensure that the goods arrive on time and safely in major cities in Nigeria, such as Lagos and Abuja.
Finally, to further simplify the logistics process, it is recommended to use an integrated logistics solution, which can reduce intermediaries, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Ubest Shipping provides comprehensive transportation services to help you successfully complete the transportation task from China to Nigeria.
What are the shipping methods from China to Nigeria?
Choosing the right shipping method from China to Nigeria requires considering the size and weight of your item, how quickly it needs to get to your destination, and your budget. You can choose between air freight, ocean freight, express, and door-to-door (DDP) services, each with their own advantages.
- Air freight: This is the quickest option and is ideal for situations where time is of the essence. It’s particularly suitable for items that need to arrive quickly, such as fresh food or expensive electronics. While it’s more expensive than other methods, it’s chosen for its speed and reliability.
- Ocean freight: Ocean freight is an affordable option if you’re not in a hurry and need to ship a large amount of goods. Ocean freight is slower but can handle large volumes, making it a preferred option for bulk shipments. Delays can occur due to weather or port issues, but ocean freight is a reliable and affordable method of shipping.
- Express delivery: For urgent shipments that aren’t too large, express delivery is a fast and secure way to ship goods. It’s faster than ocean freight and can be tracked in real time, but it costs more and has size and weight restrictions. If you’re sending an important item quickly, this may be your best option.
- Door-to-door (DDP) service: This is the least-worry option. The shipping company takes care of everything from pickup to delivery, including customs formalities. This service gives you peace of mind and convenience, but may cost slightly more.
Each shipping method has its advantages, whether it’s speed, cost or convenience, so choose based on what’s most important to your shipment.
Sea Freight from China to Nigeria
Sea freight is the main way to transport bulk goods from China to Nigeria, especially for customers who are cost-sensitive and not in a hurry for delivery. The main shipping ports include Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen, and the goods are usually transported to major ports in Nigeria such as Lagos Port. The transit time for sea freight is usually between 25 and 45 days, depending on the distance between the departure port and the destination port.
When choosing sea freight, you can choose between full container shipping (FCL) or less than container shipping (LCL). FCL is suitable for customers who need a dedicated container, usually for bulk goods; while LCL is a more economical option for small quantities of goods to share a container with other shippers’ goods. In addition, you can choose to purchase insurance during the transportation of goods to reduce potential risks.
Ubest Shipping provides flexible sea freight solutions to help customers choose the best shipping route and schedule. We work with multiple shipping companies to ensure that your goods are transported to Nigeria in the best way, and provide real-time tracking services to keep you informed of the status of your goods and ensure smooth delivery.
Ocean Freight from China to Nigeria: LCL vs. FCL
LCL Shipping from China to Nigeria
- Definition: Less than Container Load (LCL) is a consolidation service that combines compatible shipments from different shippers into a single container. This method allows you to pay only for the space you use, which is cost-effective for smaller shipments.
- When to use: LCL is the best option if your shipment is less than 15 cubic meters (CBM). This option offers better flexibility as it does not require a full container and can accommodate smaller volumes more efficiently.
- Example: Let’s say 10 cubic meters of construction materials need to be shipped from Shanghai to Lagos. By using LCL freight, you can manage your inventory efficiently without having to wait for enough inventory to fill a container.
- Cost Impact: LCL shipping costs typically include loading, unloading, and a proportional freight charge calculated based on the volume of the LCL shipment. While LCL shipping may cost more per cubic meter compared to Full Container Load (FCL), it is more cost-effective for smaller shipments as you only pay for the space you use.
FCL Shipping from China to Nigeria
- Definition: FCL, short for “Full Container Load”, is a mode of shipping that uses an entire container for a single load. This mode of shipping is mainly used for long-distance ocean shipping.
- When to use: If you have a large volume of cargo, usually more than 15 cubic meters, FCL shipping is the preferred choice. This mode of shipping reduces risk because the container is sealed at origin and remains sealed until it reaches the destination, increasing the safety of your cargo.
- Example: Let’s say you are a Nigerian furniture manufacturer that sources a large volume of raw materials from China. With FCL, you secure a 20-foot or 40-foot container to transport your cargo. This method ensures that your materials are not mixed with other shippers’ cargo and are protected from damage or loss during transportation.
- Cost Impact: Although FCL shipping quotes may be higher than LCL (Less than Container Load), FCL is usually more affordable for bulk cargo because you pay a flat rate for the entire container. In addition, since there is less cargo handling, FCL minimizes costs associated with damage, making it a cost-effective and safe option for bulk shipping.
Major ports in Nigeria
Apapa Port
Location and volume: Located in Lagos, this port is the gateway to many West African countries and has an annual shipping volume of about 1 million TEUs.
Tincan Island Port
Location and throughput: This port is also located in Lagos and has a throughput second only to Apapa Port in Nigeria, with an annual throughput of about 800,000 TEUs.
Calabar Port
Location and volume: Calabar Port is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Due to its shallow waters, it mainly accommodates small vessels and has an annual throughput of about 100,000 TEUs.
Delta Port
Location and volume: Delta Port is located in the southern part of Nigeria and has an annual throughput of about 300,000 TEUs.
Rivers Port
Location and volume: River Port is located in the center of Port Harcourt and has an annual throughput of about 400,000 TEUs.
Onne Port
Location and volume: Ona Port is located in the southern region of Nigeria and mainly engages in oil and gas cargo transportation, with an annual throughput of more than 600,000 TEUs.
How much does it cost to ship from China to Nigeria
The cost of shipping from China to Nigeria. Depending on whether you choose air or sea freight, the freight costs can vary greatly. Air freight costs are usually $5 to $12 per kilogram, while sea freight costs start at $2,200 to $3,500 for a 20-foot container. You can refer to the table below:
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| LCL | $50 – $100 per cubic meter |
| FCL (20-foot container) | $2,250 to $3,500 |
| FCL (40-foot container) | $3,050 to $4,800 |
| Express Shipping (50kg) | $15 per kilogram |
| Air Freight (100kg) | $5 to $12 per kilogram |
Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container From China To Nigeria
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Nigeria) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Apapa | $2550-$3500 | $3500-$4500 |
| Shenzhen | Apapa | $2200-$3300 | $3450-$4350 |
| Qingdao | Apapa | $2650-$3650 | $3350-$4550 |
| Ningbo | Apapa | $2500-$3500 | $3250-$4550 |
| Guangzhou | Apapa | $2750-$3250 | $3450-$4600 |
| Tainjin | Apapa | $3000-$3500 | $3500-$4800 |
Air Freight from China to Nigeria
Air freight is an ideal option for quickly transporting goods from China to Nigeria, especially for high-value goods that require a high time frame. The main departure airports include Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and goods are usually cleared through Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Air freight generally takes between 3 and 7 days to transport, which is more efficient than sea freight.
Although air freight is relatively expensive, it is the most reliable option for urgently needed goods, especially high-value goods such as electronic products and medical equipment. To ensure smooth customs clearance, customers need to prepare relevant documents in advance, including commercial invoices, packing lists, etc. to reduce unnecessary delays. At the same time, providing cargo insurance during air freight is also a good risk management strategy.
Ubest Shipping provides comprehensive air freight services to ensure that your goods can reach Nigeria quickly and safely. We work with multiple airlines to provide flexible flight arrangements and can tailor shipping solutions to meet customer needs. Our professional team will assist you with customs clearance procedures so that your goods can be delivered to their destination in the shortest time possible.
Major International Airports in Nigeria
Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Cargo Volume: Over 170,000 metric tons of cargo are handled annually.
Major Trading Partners: China, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil are major trading partners.
As the busiest airport in Nigeria, it plays a key role in the country’s import and export operations.
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
Cargo Volume: Over 18,000 metric tons of cargo are handled annually.
Major Trading Partners: Major trading partners include the United States, China, and European countries.
Strategic Importance: As the second busiest airport in Nigeria, it is an important gateway to the country’s capital, Abuja.
Malamu Aminu Kano International Airport
Cargo Volume: About 12,000 metric tons of cargo are handled annually.
Major Trading Partners: Mainly Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc., as the airport’s main function is to serve as a hub for pilgrims.
Port Harcourt International Airport
Cargo Volume: About 6,500 metric tons per year.
Major Trading Partners: Mainly West African and European countries.
Akanu Ibiam International Airport
Major trading partners: Trades primarily with West African and European countries.
Strategic importance: Provides a vital gateway to the southeast region of Nigeria.
How long does it take to ship from China to Nigeria?
Shipping time from China to Nigeria varies depending on the method used. Ocean freight has an estimated shipping time of 30 to 45 days. In contrast, air freight is much faster, usually arriving in 3 to 7 days.
| POL | POD | Transit time |
| Shanghai | Lagos (Nigeria) | 30-40 days |
| Shanghai | Port Harcourt (Nigeria) | 32-42 days |
| Shanghai | Calabar (Nigeria) | 31-41 days |
| Shenzhen | Lagos (Nigeria) | 28-38 days |
| Shenzhen | Port Harcourt (Nigeria) | 29-39 days |
| Shenzhen | Calabar (Nigeria) | 30-40 days |
| Qingdao | Lagos (Nigeria) | 33-45 days |
| Qingdao | Port Harcourt (Nigeria) | 33-45 days |
| Qingdao | Calabar (Nigeria) | 30-45 days |
Door to Door Shipping from China to Nigeria
Door to Door service is a comprehensive shipping solution that simplifies the logistics process by handling the entire journey of your goods from the supplier’s location in China to the final destination in Nigeria. This all-inclusive service covers all aspects of the shipping process, including pickup, transportation, customs clearance and final door-to-door delivery.
Door to Door service typically includes:
- Pickup: Collecting the goods from the supplier or manufacturer in China.
- Transportation: Coordinating inland transportation within China and then coordinating international transportation (air or sea) to Nigeria.
- Customs Clearance: Processing all necessary customs documents and formalities at the departure and destination points.
- Delivery: Transporting the goods from the Nigerian port or airport to the consignee’s address.
When choosing a door to door service, businesses can choose between DDU and DDP terms:
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Under DDU terms, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods to the buyer’s location, but the buyer is responsible for paying import duties, taxes, and any additional customs-related fees when the goods arrive.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Under DDP terms, the seller bears all costs and risks of shipping the goods, including import duties, taxes, and customs clearance. This option provides a worry-free experience for buyers.
Different Types of Door-to-Door Shipping from China to Nigeria
- LCL Door to Door (Less than Container Load): This service is ideal for smaller shipments that don’t need to fill a full container. Multiple shipments are combined into one container, saving costs and increasing flexibility.
- FCL Door to Door (Full Container Load): For larger shipments that can fill an entire container, the FCL door to door service ensures that the goods are shipped exclusively in one container, reducing the risk of damage and providing greater control over the shipping process.
- Air Freight Door to Door: This option is suitable for urgent and time-sensitive shipments. Air freight door-to-door service ensures fast and reliable delivery and is ideal for high-value or perishable goods.
Import Taxes and Duties in Nigeria
Do import taxes and duties drastically change the cost of shipping goods from China to Nigeria? It’s not just about the freight, the bigger factor is the taxes and fees imposed at the point of entry. In most cases, import duties and taxes are calculated based on the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of the goods.
| Product Category | HS Code | Customs Duty (%) | VAT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 85xxxx | 5-20 | 7.5 |
| Clothing | 62xxxx | 12-20 | 7.5 |
| Machinery | 84xxxx | 5-10 | 7.5 |
| Agricultural Products | 02xxxx | 0-10 | 7.5 |
| Automotive Parts | 87xxxx | 10-20 | 7.5 |
Types of Duties and Taxes in Nigeria
- Basic Duty (BCD)
Duty rates vary depending on the type of product and generally range from 5% to 35% of the CIF value. The specific rate is determined by the Harmonized System (HS) code classification of the good. Necessities such as raw materials may be subject to lower duty rates, while luxury goods are subject to higher rates. For example, Nigeria imposes an import duty of 15% on cars. - Value Added Tax
In addition to customs duties, goods imported into Nigeria are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). The current VAT rate is 7.5%, but certain goods may be exempt or taxed at different rates depending on government policy. - Excise Duty
Excise taxes apply to certain goods such as tobacco and alcohol. The rates vary widely and are usually based on the quantity or volume of the goods being imported. - Additional Levies
Other charges may include fees under the Integrated Import Surveillance Scheme (CISS) and the Economic Community of West African States Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).
Customs clearance documents for shipping from China to Nigeria
Goods shipped from China to Nigeria must go through customs clearance, which is usually completed within 1-3 days. The customs clearance process requires a series of documents to ensure that the goods pass smoothly through Nigerian customs. The following are the main customs clearance documents:
- Commercial Invoice: A detailed invoice provided by the seller that lists the value of the goods.
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: A proof of shipment provided by the carrier.
- Packing List: A comprehensive list that details the contents of the goods.
- Certificate of Origin: A document that proves the country of origin of the goods.
- Import License: Certain restricted or regulated items require an import license.
Cheapest Shipping Company from China to Nigeria
Finding the cheapest shipping company from China to Nigeria is essential for businesses looking to reduce logistics costs. As international trade continues to expand, more and more companies are facing the challenge of how to reduce transportation costs while ensuring service quality. Among the many options, choosing a logistics company with competitive prices can significantly increase your profit margins.
When choosing the cheapest shipping company, there are many factors to consider. First, sea transportation is usually more economical than air transportation, especially for bulk cargo transportation. Less than container load (LCL) is a good option that allows you to share a container with other shippers to share costs. This method not only reduces the cost of a single shipper, but also allows you to enjoy the price advantage of sea transportation when you don’t need large quantities of goods.
In addition to transportation costs, it is equally important to choose a reputable logistics company. Low prices do not mean poor service. You need to make sure that the company has good customer service, reliable transportation timeliness, and efficient customs clearance capabilities. Working with a professional logistics company can provide full tracking services for your goods to ensure that they arrive safely at their destination. In addition, many companies also provide insurance services to reduce the potential risk of loss.
Ubest Shipping is committed to providing customers with competitive shipping solutions and helping you save costs during shipping from China to Nigeria. We have extensive industry experience and have established close partnerships with many shipping companies to provide customers with flexible shipping options. Our professional team will tailor the best shipping solution according to your needs to ensure that you achieve your logistics goals at the lowest cost.