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How to Import Chinese Trucks to Nigeria: Complete 2026 Guide

March 18, 2026 16 min read by Kings Truck Team

Learning how to import Chinese trucks to Nigeria is essential for transporters looking to serve West Africa’s largest economy. With the ports of Apapa and Tin Can Island handling massive volumes, Nigeria has specific regulations that every importer must follow. This comprehensive guide covers Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) requirements, duty calculation, LHD specifications, and the step-by-step clearance process for 2026.

Nigeria Import Regulations at a Glance

Steering side: Left-hand drive (LHD) mandatory – RHD trucks require special permit (rarely granted for new imports)
Age limit: Used trucks must be ≤10 years old from year of manufacture
Emissions: Euro 2/3 accepted, Euro 5 for newer models
Inspection: Pre-shipment inspection by authorized agents (Cotecna, SGS, etc.)
HS Codes: 8704.23 (dump trucks), 8701.20 (tractors)
Form M: Required for all imports

Step 1: Choose the Right Truck for Nigeria

Popular Chinese trucks in Nigeria include:

HOWO A7 6×4 Tractor (LHD): For container haulage and general freight
HOWO T7H 6×4 Tractor (LHD): Premium long-haul with better fuel economy
HOWO 6×4 Dump Truck (LHD): For construction and mining projects
HOWO 8×4 Dump Truck (LHD): Heavy-duty for quarry and large infrastructure
Shacman X3000 6×4 Tractor (LHD): Popular in Nigerian fleets
FOTON Auman 6×4 Tractor (LHD): Growing presence

Step 2: Shipping to Nigerian Ports

Shipping methods and costs from China to Lagos (2026):

Method	Cost (USD)	Transit Time	Notes
RORO	$4,500 – $6,000	30-45 days	Common for tractors, but congestion adds waiting time
Container (40ft)	$5,000 – $7,000	35-50 days	Better protection, less congestion risk
Flat Rack	$6,000 – $8,500	35-50 days	For 8×4 dump trucks

Port congestion: Lagos ports (Apapa and Tin Can Island) are notorious for congestion. Add 2-4 weeks potential waiting time to your schedule.

Step 3: Required Documents for Nigeria Customs

Bill of Lading (original)
Commercial Invoice (showing FOB value, freight, insurance)
Packing List
Certificate of Origin (Form M)
Form M (obtained before shipment)
Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate (Clean Report of Inspection)
Insurance Certificate
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) declaration
Importer’s Tax Clearance Certificate

Step 4: Import Duty Calculation for Trucks in Nigeria

Nigeria uses the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET). For trucks (HS Code 8704.23):

Component	Rate	Calculated On
Import Duty (New trucks)	10-20%	CIF Value (varies by type)
Import Duty (Used trucks)	25-35%	CIF Value (age dependent)
VAT	7.5%	CIF + Duty
Surcharge	1%	CIF Value
Levy (if applicable)	Variable	Some models have additional levies

Sample Calculation: New HOWO 6×4 Tractor (CIF $50,000)

Import Duty (15% average): $7,500
Surcharge (1%): $500
Subtotal for VAT: $50,000 + $7,500 + $500 = $58,000
VAT (7.5%): $4,350
Total Taxes Payable: $12,350
Plus port charges: approx. $1,500-2,500
Total Landed Cost: $50,000 + $12,350 + $2,000 = $64,350

Step 5: Engage a Licensed Clearing Agent

You must use a licensed clearing agent registered with Nigeria Customs. They will:

Process Form M and all customs declarations
Arrange for physical inspection
Pay duties on your behalf
Arrange transport from port

Clearing agent fees: ₦300,000-500,000 ($400-700) depending on truck value.

Step 6: Customs Inspection Process

Nigeria Customs uses a risk-based assessment. Your shipment may be:

Green lane: No physical inspection – cleared quickly
Yellow lane: Document review only
Red lane: Physical inspection required – common for used vehicles

Inspection involves verifying chassis number, engine number, and specifications against documents.

Step 7: Vehicle Registration and Number Plates

After customs clearance, register with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and State Licensing Authority:

Visit FRSC office with customs clearance, invoice, Form M
Pay registration fees (₦50,000-100,000 depending on state)
Obtain number plates and vehicle license
Complete road worthiness test
Obtain hackney permit (if for commercial use)

Step 8: Popular Routes for Imported Trucks in Nigeria

Lagos-Ibadan: Major freight corridor (120km)
Lagos-Onitsha: Eastern route (500km)
Lagos-Kano: Northern route (1,100km)
Port Harcourt-Enugu: Eastern corridor
Lagos-Abeokuta: Western route

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Importing RHD truck – will face major restrictions
Not obtaining Form M before shipment – can cause severe delays
Under-declaring value – Nigeria Customs has valuation database
Using unlicensed clearing agent – common cause of problems
Ignoring port storage charges – can accumulate quickly

Nigeria Importer Tip: Consider using the Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in Ibadan or Kano to clear your truck, avoiding Lagos congestion. Trucks can be shipped via RORO and driven to the ICD under bond.

                ✅ Ready to import to Nigeria? Contact us for LHD trucks that meet Nigeria Customs requirements. We can recommend trusted clearing agents in Apapa.
            