How to Import a Used Excavator to Nigeria: 2026 Complete Guide

Nigeria imports thousands of used excavators every year — primarily from China and Japan. This guide walks through the actual import process based on shipments we’ve handled to Lagos and Port Harcourt over the past 5 years.

Step 1: Find the machine and pre-shipment inspection

Before any documentation, you need the machine identified and its photos, hour reading, serial number, and engine number documented. We provide this as standard with every machine in our stock — including a 150-point inspection report.

For Nigeria specifically, SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) certification is mandatory. SONCAP is issued at origin by an accredited body — SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or Cotecna. The body inspects the machine before shipment and issues the SONCAP Certificate of Conformity.

Typical cost: $400-700 for a 20-ton class machine. We coordinate this at no markup.

Time: Allow 5-10 business days from machine ready to SONCAP issued.

Step 2: Open Form M

Form M is the Nigerian importer’s pre-shipment notification to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), filed through a designated bank. The Form M number must appear on the SONCAP and on shipping documents.

The Nigerian buyer (importer of record) files Form M with their bank. The bank then transmits it to CBN. Once approved (usually 2-5 business days), the Form M number is issued.

Required documents for Form M: proforma invoice from supplier (we provide), product description, HS code (typically 8429.5210 for used excavators), unit price, total value, freight estimate.

Step 3: Payment terms

Most Nigeria imports use one of two structures:

• 30/70 TT: 30% deposit before machine prep starts, 70% balance against Bill of Lading copy
• LC at sight: Letter of Credit through buyer’s bank, payment on documents

For first-time buyers, we can also work through Alibaba Trade Assurance escrow.

Current CBN policy makes USD allocation complicated for Nigerian importers. LC is increasingly preferred over TT for Nigeria because of this.

Step 4: Choose your port and shipping method

Lagos (Apapa or Tin Can Island) handles the bulk of Nigeria’s machinery imports. Lagos is the right choice for buyers in Southwest, North-Central, and most of the country.

Port Harcourt is preferred for Niger Delta and Eastern Nigeria destinations. Slightly higher freight cost but saves significant trucking distance.

Onne port (near Port Harcourt) is sometimes used for oil & gas project equipment.

Shipping methods:

• Container (40HQ): Cheaper ($1,800-2,500), suitable for machines up to about 22 tons with boom removed. Reassembly required at destination.
• RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Easier ($2,500-3,500), suitable for all sizes, no disassembly. Recommended above 22 tons.

Transit time Shanghai → Lagos: 28-32 days. Add 7-14 days for customs clearance.

Step 5: Total landed cost example

For a 2018 Cat 320D, EXW Shanghai price $52,000:

Item	USD
Machine (EXW Shanghai)	52,000
Inland China transport to Shanghai port	800
Container loading and lashing	600
40HQ container ocean freight to Lagos	2,200
Marine insurance (0.5% of CIF)	280
SONCAP certification	550
Total CIF Lagos	56,430
Lagos port handling (THC)	350
Customs duty (5% × CIF)	2,822
VAT (7.5% × CIF + duty)	4,444
ECOWAS levy + Pre-arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)	850
Container demurrage (typical 3-day buffer)	250
Container delivery to buyer site (Lagos metro)	600
Total Landed Cost (Lagos site)	~65,750

Markup over EXW: ~26%. Plan for 25-30% above EXW for any Nigeria delivery.

Step 6: Container vs RoRo cost decision

For the same machine RoRo:

Item	Container	RoRo
Loading	600	0 (drive-on)
Ocean freight	2,200	3,200
Insurance	280	290
Disassembly + reassembly	800 (origin + dest labor)	0
Total shipping	3,880	3,490

RoRo is actually slightly cheaper for the 20-ton class once disassembly labor is counted. For 25+ ton machines, RoRo is the clear choice.

Step 7: Customs clearance and final delivery

With complete documentation (CI, PL, B/L, SONCAP, CO from CCPIT, Form M PAAR), customs clearance at Lagos averages 7-14 days. Without one of these documents, expect 21-45 days and storage fees.

We recommend the buyer engage a Nigerian customs broker familiar with construction machinery. A good broker is worth their fee 10x over.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Buying without SONCAP planning — Nigeria customs will hold the machine indefinitely without SONCAP. Always coordinate this before shipment.
2. Underestimating storage costs — Port storage in Lagos accrues quickly. Clear your machine within the free period (typically 3 days at Apapa).
3. Wrong HS code on Form M — Used construction machinery is HS 8429.5210. Wrong code triggers reassessment and delays.
4. Skipping the customs broker — Lagos customs is complex. A professional broker saves time and money.
5. Buying a machine that’s too old for your needs — Nigeria does not enforce an age limit, but very old machines (15+ years) have limited spare parts even for major brands.

What we provide

For every Nigeria shipment, we coordinate:

• Machine sourcing and inspection (150-point report)
• SONCAP coordination with SGS/Intertek
• Container loading or RoRo dispatch
• Documentation package (CI, PL, B/L, CO)
• Pre-departure photos and weight confirmation
• B/L release upon final payment

We do not handle: Form M filing (buyer’s bank does this), customs clearance in Lagos (buyer’s broker), final delivery to site (buyer’s logistics).

Ready to import? Get a CIF Lagos quote — we typically respond within 24 hours with a fully-loaded landed cost calculation specific to your destination.