Car Shipping Lagos
Lagos, the capital of Nigeria, is a modern city. As the financial and commercial center of Nigeria, the condition of the roads here has improved through the years. While the country is still grappling with political and religious tensions, the demand for vehicle imports is increasing. One reason may be an overreliance on public transport, especially the waterways and the railways. This does not give people the moving and commuting flexibility they require. So here, owning a private vehicle no longer remains a luxury or status symbol; instead, having a car for commuting quickly is essential. Whether you have come to Nigeria on an extended visit or plan to be a permanent resident here, importing your vehicle should become a priority.
Estimated Shipping Costs
The cost to ship a car from the USA to Lagos varies based on the shipping method, vehicle size, and departure port. On average, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping ranges from $1,200 to $1,650, while container shipping can start at $1,100 and go higher depending on the specifics.
Required Documentation
To import a car into Nigeria, the following documents are typically required:
- Original Vehicle Title
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Form M
- Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)
- Valid Identification (e.g., International Passport)
Ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete is crucial to avoid delays during customs clearance.
Cost & Time Examples For Dispatching a Car to Lagos
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos to (New York port) to New York, NY | $275 | $3000 | 5+31 days |
| Local Delivery to (California port) to Los Angeles | $350 | $3800 | 5+38 days |
| City Limits to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $400 | $3000 | 5+31 days |
| Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to the Area | $450 | $3800 | 5+38 days |
| Lagos to (California port) to Seattle, WA | $550 | $3800 | 6+38 days |
| Local Delivery to (New York port) to Detroit, MI | $575 | $3000 | 6+31 days |
| Chicago, IL to (New York port) to the Area | $675 | $3000 | 6+31 days |
| Denver, CO to (California port) to the City | $775 | $3800 | 7+38 days |
| Memphis, TN to (New York port) to the Area | $800 | $3000 | 6+31 days |
| Dallas, TX to (California port) to Lagos | $1,025 | $3800 | 7+38 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional ten days to process the documents.
*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
What does importing Autos entail in Lagos?
Despite the bulk of documentation required during the import process, it is straightforward and hassle-free. Your vehicle will enter the country at the port here. When you are involved in the services of an established international vehicle carrier company like our A1 Auto Transport Services, we will take care of all the finer points so that you do not need to worry about it. We know what is involved since we have successfully imported numerous vehicles to Nigeria. You can be sure that we will get the customs cleared in time for the delivery of the car to your doorstep.
The documents that you will need to provide include:
- Car title, insurance documents.
- Passport/ownership proof.
- Lading bill.
- There are no loans on the car.
- Emission checks, a certificate for roadworthiness.
- Chassis number, manufacturer, and model details.
However, your vehicle must be under eight years old; otherwise, the Nigerian Customs Service laws prevent its import.
Transport and vehicle delivery
Once you have paid the customs duty at the US port and at Lagos, your vehicle might be tested for emissions here. For safe shipping, we offer two different methods for shipping your cars:
- Enclosed are 20- to 40-foot containers. Make your choice, and you can include various vehicle accessories and even household goods in the container for transit. This makes it a complete value-for-money proposition.
- Roll on/off method: Your car will be driven over ramps onto the ship and harnessed for safety. When it reaches its destination, it will be driven down, and after you clear the paperwork and pay the duties, it will be handed over to you.
If you need to know more about shipping personal vehicles to Lagos or for customs duty details, please explore the Embassy of Nigeria.
Customs Duties and Taxes
Importing a vehicle into Nigeria incurs several charges:
- Import Duty: 20% of the vehicle's value
- Levy: 15%
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 7.5%
- Surcharge: 7%
- ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Levy: 0.5%
These percentages are applied to the vehicle's assessed value, and it's important to budget accordingly.
Vehicle Age Restrictions
Nigeria enforces age restrictions on imported vehicles. Generally, cars older than 15 years from the date of manufacture are prohibited from importation. Ensuring your vehicle meets this criterion is essential to comply with Nigerian import regulations.
Final Thoughts
Successfully shipping a car to Lagos requires careful planning and adherence to Nigerian import regulations. Understanding the associated costs, preparing the necessary documentation, and complying with customs duties and vehicle age restrictions can facilitate a smooth import process. Engaging with experienced shipping and customs professionals can further streamline the experience, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and legally in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from the U.S. to Lagos?
Shipping a car to Lagos typically costs between $1,500 and $7,000, depending on factors like vehicle size, shipping method (RoRo or container), and the U.S. port of departure. For instance, transporting a sedan from New York may start at $1,700, while shipping an SUV from Houston could begin around $1,900.
What is the average transit time for shipping a car to Lagos?
Transit times vary based on the shipping method and origin port. Generally, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to ship a car from U.S. ports to Lagos, Nigeria. Factors like route and seasonal port congestion can affect the timeline.
What taxes and duties will I need to pay when importing a car into Nigeria?
Importing a car into Nigeria involves several fees:
Import Duty: Typically 20% of the vehicle's CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value.
Levy: 15% applied to the CIF value.
Value Added Tax (VAT): 7.5% applied to the sum of the CIF value, import duty, and levy.
Surcharge: 7% of the import duty.
ECOWAS Levy: 0.5% of the CIF value.
Can I ship a non-running car to Lagos?
Yes, non-operational vehicles can be shipped to Lagos, but they require special equipment like winches for loading and unloading. This may incur additional fees, so it's crucial to inform the shipping company about the vehicle's condition upfront.
What documents are required to ship a car to Lagos?
To ship a car to Lagos, you'll need the following documents:
Original vehicle title.
Bill of sale.
Valid driver's license or passport.
Proof of insurance.
Import permit (if applicable).
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