Shipping from China to Nigeria: Cost & Steps

In today’s global market, China stands as a manufacturing powerhouse, housing major industries and serving as the headquarters for global e-commerce giant Alibaba. This makes the country a prime source for valuable commercial shipments into Nigeria. In this post, we’ll walk you through the essential procedures for smooth cargo/freight shipping from China to Nigeria.

Choosing the Right Transport Route

When it comes to shipping to Nigeria from China, the primary considerations include cost and transit time. Courier companies and cargo shipping services are your best options, and the transport route plays a crucial role in this decision.

• Air Transport: Faster but costlier, air freight takes less than a week, while sea freight typically takes around 45 days. Air freight companies often have regular shipping schedules to Lagos/Apapa every week.
• China or Hong Kong Post Service: The most economical option, but it takes 2 to 5 weeks for delivery. Ideal for small shipments, though tracking can be slow, and there’s a risk of packages getting lost.
• Express Post with Courier Companies: DHL, UPS, and FedEx offer faster delivery (2 to 5 business days) but at a higher cost compared to China Post. DHL and FedEx are particularly reliable in Africa.
• Air Freight: Suitable for shipments over 250kg, taking 2 to 10 days. However, you may need to handle documentation and customs clearance yourself or with the help of a customs broker.
• Sea Freight: Ideal for large packages but has a longer transit time (up to 2 months). Planning ahead is crucial for timely shipments.

Receiving Your Shipment

You can either handle customs clearance and documentation to receive the shipment at the port or use a cargo company, paying freight charges and letting them manage the process. Alternatively, instructing your Chinese supplier to ship directly to your location can save you the hassle.

Working with Forwarders on Both Ends

For speed and savings, working with forwarders on both the Chinese and Nigerian sides can be beneficial. This involves shipping to the company’s facility in China, then delivering the shipment to your address in Nigeria.

Cost of Shipping

The cost of shipping from China to Nigeria varies based on weight and services. For cargo consolidation, costs range from $15 for 1-2kg to $5.2 per kg for 1000-3000kg.

Popular Cargo Company: Value Handlers International

Nigerian businesses often choose Value Handlers International for its direct shipment option, providing urgent delivery services.

Shipping Steps Recap:

1. Note the warehouse shipping address in China.
2. Upon arrival at the facility, the courier company reweighs and ships the cargo via consolidation to Nigeria.
3. Expect your package in Lagos within a week.
4. Cargo clearance out of Lagos Port typically takes 24 to 48 hours.

Conclusion

efficient shipping from China to Nigeria involves careful consideration of transport routes, timely planning, and choosing the right service providers. Whether you opt for air, sea, or a combination, understanding the logistics ensures a smoother shipping experience.