Lagos clearance is the step where most shipments lose time and money. Not because the system is broken, but because shippers and consignees frequently arrive at the terminal without documents, without a TIN, without their broker briefed, and without the duty cash ready. The terminal will hold the car. Demurrage starts on day three or seven.
The agencies you'll deal with
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
Calculates and collects duty, surcharge, and VAT on the imported vehicle or cargo. Issues the SGD (Single Goods Declaration) and the release.
Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
Required for new vehicles via SONCAP. Used vehicles typically exempt.
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
Operates the port and charges port-related fees. Demurrage starts after free time.
Terminal operator (PTML, Five Star, Tin Can RORO)
Handles physical discharge, storage, and gate-out. Demurrage from this party stacks on top of NPA.
NIMASA, Quarantine, etc.
Other agencies may inspect depending on cargo type.
Documents the consignee must bring
Personal documents
Valid ID (national ID, driver's license, or international passport). TIN (Tax Identification Number). For corporate consignees: CAC certificate and corporate TIN.
Shipment documents
Original Bill of Lading (or telex release confirmation), commercial invoice, packing list, AES/ITN reference, and the broker's PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report).
The free-time clock
Lagos terminals give a free-time window before demurrage starts. After it expires, charges accrue per day per cargo unit, and a stuck car racks up several hundred dollars in a week.
The clock is the consignee's enemy and the broker's main job. We confirm the vessel arrival date as soon as it's set — we expect ID, TIN, duty cash, and broker engaged before the ship docks, not after.
Apapa (PTML / Five Star) vs. Tin Can RORO
| Factor | Apapa (PTML / Five Star) | Tin Can RORO |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel calls | More frequent | Fewer, but consistent |
| Discharge speed | Fast at peak, slow when congested | Generally steady |
| Gate-out roads | Apapa congestion can delay exit | Often cleaner exit |
| Free time | 3 days typical | 3-5 days typical |
| Suitable for | Cars, mixed cargo | Cars, trucks, heavier RoRo |
The terminal is set by the vessel's rotation, not by preference. We tell you which terminal your shipment will arrive at on booking confirmation.
Typical clearance timeline (consignee-side)
Day-by-day view from vessel arrival to gate-out. This is the well-run case — a missing document or absent broker easily adds a week, and a failed customs assessment can add two.
- 01
Day 0
Vessel arrives, notice issued
We notify the consignee as soon as the vessel berths. Free-time clock starts.
- 02
Days 0-2
Broker engaged, PAAR issued
Broker submits PAAR and Form M (or single-window equivalent) and gets pre-clearance.
- 03
Days 2-4
Duty assessment & payment
NCS issues the SGD. Consignee pays duty, VAT, and surcharge at a designated bank.
- 04
Days 4-6
Physical examination & release
Customs may physically examine the car. Once cleared, the terminal release is issued.
- 05
Days 6-8
Gate-out and delivery
Consignee drives the car off, or we arrange inland delivery to a final address.
Missing documents or an absent broker easily add a week. A disputed customs valuation can add two.
What the consignee should do before vessel arrival
Get TIN early. Even individuals shipping a personal car need a TIN at NCS. Apply through the FIRS website ahead of the vessel.
Brief your clearing agent. Send your agent the BL, invoice, and AES reference as soon as the vessel sails. Don't wait until it docks.
Have duty cash ready. Duty is paid in naira at a designated bank. Plan the FX conversion ahead of time so the funds are sitting at the bank on assessment day.
Need a clearance partner in Lagos?
We work with vetted brokers at Apapa, Tin Can, and PTML. Tell us your vessel and we'll line up the team.