GUIDELINES FOR IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF GOODS TO NIGERIA

This section outlines the formalities to be observed by importers and other parties in Nigeria wishing to import and/or pay for goods into the country.

1. All persons intending to import physical goods into Nigeria are required in the first instance to process their Form "M" through any bank irrespective of the value and whether payment is involved or not.

NIGERIA FREE TRADE AND EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE SCHEME

Export Processing or Free Trade Zones are clearly delineated and fenced industrial estates within a nation’s customs and trade regime. They are normally set up for manufacturing concerns producing mainly for the export market. The Nigerian concept is no difference. Since 1989 when the foundations for the first Free Trade Zone (Calabar Free Trade Zone)

LIST OF IMPORT PROHIBITED PRODUCTS IN NIGERIA

Government has placed ban on importation of the following under listed items:

1.   Textile fabrics of all types and articles thereof, chapter’s 50 – 60, but excluding:-

EXPORT MARKET ENTRY SUPPORT SERVICES OF NEPC

The Market Development Department is one of the operational departments in the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The Department is saddled with the responsibility of promoting and enhancing the volume and value of Nigeria’s non-oil export in the international market. The functions of market development department are collectively referred to as ‘Export Market Entry Support Services. The Department performs the following functions:

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FOR EXPORT THE ROLE OF EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL

The Product Development Department is one of the core Departments in the Council.  The focus is to diversify the basket of exportable products from Nigeria.  Its functions include the following:

(i) Identify potential products for development for export
(ii) Advising manufacturers on packaging, product designs and adaptation
(iii) Advising companies on quality standards
(iv) Advising companies on costing and pricing for export
(v) Conducting supply base studies with a view to identifying exportable  products
(vi) Identify and synergize with key players in selected product sectors to set and achieve yearly export targets

Cotecna Integrates With Elite Inspection And Technical Services

Cotecna, one of the world’s leading inspection, testing and certification companies, is pleased to announce the integration of Elite Inspection & Technical Services, Inc. (EITSI), Philippines, a respected local company in the field of inspection with expertise in various commodities including coal/mineral ores, petroleum products, steel/steel products, agri commodities, chemicals and other products.

Comprehensive Data Sheet Requirements for Exporters

for the attention of importers:

this document is intended for exporters in order to explain how to comply with Nigeria and approved international/ national standards. it is the responsibility of importers to inform exporters of the existence of the present procedure. verifications are executed at origin on seller or

exporter’s initiative; therefore importers are not required to initiate any process in Nigeria

Export and import for beginners; know the ABC

First of all, do your homework and know yourself. Realize that it is a commitment for a long term. Know your strengths and go for it. Outlined below is a guide to export trade:

  Export Trade overview

How To Apply Incoterms to sales and purchase contracts; Understanding the meanings

The meanings of  Incoterms, a set of international rules for the interpretation of the most commonly used trade terms. Applying Incoterms to sale and purchase contracts makes global trade easier and helps partners in different countries understand one another.

Ex Works The buyer bears all costs and risks involved in taking the goods from the seller's premises to the desired destination. The seller's obligation is to make the goods available at his premises (works, factory, warehouse). This term represents minimum obligation for the seller. This term can be used across all modes of transport.

EXPORT GUIDELINES IN NIGERIA A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINE FROM NIGERIA EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL

 1.    All goods (including oil/its derivatives and non oil goods) exported from Nigeria shall be subject to inspection by Inspection Agent(s) appointed for that purpose by Government.

       2.    All exports exempt from inspection by the Inspection Agent(s) are listed in SCHEDULE "A" appended.

      3.    For the avoidance of doubt, goods prohibited for exportation from Nigeria as contained in the annual Fiscal Policy guidelines shall not be processed by the Inspection Agents. Goods on the current Export Prohibition list are detailed in SCHEDULE "B" appended.

NIGERIA AGRO-COMMODITIES MARKED FOR EXPORT

Palm kernel oil
Palm kernel shell
Palm kernel nut
sesame seed oil
Ginger oil
soya beans oil (crude & refined)
Soya beans cake
Copra oil

THE ROLE OF DOCUMENTATIONS IN EXPORT AND IMPORT BUSINESS IN NIGERIA

Export documentation is the important records of an international transaction.  It includes Using the correct trade terminology, right certifications from appropriate authority (agreed by both party), clearly defining the transfer of interest and liability, selecting the right method of payment and sending the best quotation possible forms part of effective exporting. After concluding sale, proper and timely selection, preparation and distribution of documents are equally essential.

NIGERIA EXPORT DEVELOPMENT PRE-SHIPMENT INCENTIVES A WELCOME DEVELOPMENT

Small and Medium Enterprises  involved in non-oil exports now have a cause to cheer as plans are underway to forge the repackaging of export incentives to center on  Pre-shipment benefits that would stimulate activities in the sector and therefore boost the nation’s non-oil exports.

COSTING AND PRICING OF GOODS OR SERVICES FOR EXPORT OR IMPORT, FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Costing is concerned with collecting and providing historical information about expenditures incurred in or attributable to a whole range of activities and products of enterprises.  

The computation of the actual cost of producing a product and bringing it to market or providing a service is the core element in determining whether exporting is financially viable.

HOW TO CROSS LANGUAGE BARRIERS IN EXPORTING BUSINESS REVIEWED

     English is the principal language of world trade. Knowledge  

of more than one language is helpful in exporting, but it is

not a prerequisite. in international business, knowing how to speak and write in English is a necessity. However, proficiency in English or any languages is not a guarantee of export success. Being able to speak and write in the buyer's language will be advantageous in countries where the use of the native

tongue is of national pride. Learning a language other than

English in order to export is not absolutely required, as

COMPREHENSIVE LIST AND CONTACTS OF NIGERIAN EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL ZONAL OFFICES NATIONWIDE.

HEADQUARTERS

Nigeria export promotion

Council 40, Blantye Street

Wuse II P.M.B, 133 Garki,

Abuja Tel:234-952230980

ENUGU ZONAL

OFFICE

NICON House 2nd floor

S/14 Caanedra drive,

Independent layout,P.M.B.

1611, Enugu, Tel: 042-

457857, 452344