Questions, answered straight.
The things importers and exporters actually ask us about documents, timelines, tracking and how working with IRCL works.
Customs & documentation
01 What documents do I need to import into Nigeria?
For a commercial import you will typically need a Form M (opened before shipment), the commercial invoice and packing list, the Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, a PAAR, and any product certificates your goods require (for example SONCAP for regulated products or NAFDAC approval for food, drugs and cosmetics). First-time importers also need their CAC company documents and Tax ID. Send us your pro-forma invoice and we will tell you exactly what applies to your shipment.
02 What is a Form M and when should I open it?
The Form M is the import declaration you open with your bank on the Nigerian trade platform before your goods ship. It must be approved before the supplier ships, and its details must match your final shipping documents exactly: mismatches are the most common cause of clearance delays. We review your documents against the Form M before anything moves.
03 What is a PAAR?
The Pre-Arrival Assessment Report is issued by the Nigeria Customs Service based on your final shipping documents. It sets the customs value and duty for your consignment and is required for clearance. We apply for it as soon as the supplier ships so it is ready before your cargo arrives.
04 What does your AEO certification mean for my cargo?
Authorised Economic Operator status is granted by the Nigeria Customs Service to agents with audited, trusted compliance processes. In practice it means declarations we lodge face fewer physical interventions and faster processing, so your cargo spends less time in the port.
05 My goods are SON or NAFDAC regulated. Can you still clear them?
Yes. We confirm which certificates your product category needs, make sure they are active before shipment, and manage the agency inspections during clearance. The key is to involve us before the goods ship, because retrofitting compliance after arrival is slow and expensive.
Shipping & timelines
01 How long does clearance take at the Lagos ports?
With complete, consistent documents, air cargo at MMIA typically clears within days of arrival, and sea cargo at Apapa or Tin Can within about a week. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is the main cause of longer timelines, which is why our process starts with a document review before your shipment moves.
02 Should I ship by sea or by air?
Sea freight is significantly cheaper per kilo and right for most commercial volumes; air freight is for urgent, high-value or perishable cargo where days matter. If you are unsure, tell us the cargo, weight and deadline and we will recommend honestly, including when the answer is the cheaper option.
03 Can you handle cargo that is smaller than a full container?
Yes, through LCL (groupage) shipping as part of our sea freight service: your consignment shares container space with other vetted cargo and you pay for the space you use.
04 Do you deliver outside Lagos?
Yes. Our haulage and transportation covers destinations across Nigeria, cross-border routes and anywhere in the world, for containers and general cargo, and we manage empty-container return to the shipping line afterwards.
05 Do you handle exports as well as imports?
Yes: export documentation, bookings, stuffing supervision and clearance for both sea and air shipments out of Nigeria.
Tracking & working with us
01 How do I track my shipment?
Use the Track Shipment page on this site: enter your Bill of Lading number (sea) or Air Waybill number (air) and you will see your shipment’s clearance milestones, current stage and ETA. You can also message us on WhatsApp for a status update at any time.
02 How do I get a quote?
Fill the Get a Quote form with your cargo details, or send them to us on WhatsApp. We respond with a clear plan and pricing, and if anything about your documents could cause a problem, we flag it in the same reply.
03 What information should I have ready before contacting you?
The basics: what the cargo is, where it is coming from or going to, roughly how big it is (weight, pieces or container size), and when you need it. A pro-forma invoice is the ideal starting point, but a simple description is enough to begin.
Ready when you are
Have cargo?
Let's move it properly.
Duties · documents · timeline · transport: one clear plan, before anything moves.