Importing a Car to Nigeria from the UK: Age Limits, Duty and Apapa Port

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) prohibits the importation of vehicles more than 12 years old, calculated from the year of manufacture. A car built in 2013 or earlier would be barred from import in 2026, so always check the manufacture date on the V5C rather than the registration date, since these can differ by several months. Vehicles that fall foul of the rule are liable to seizure at the port, with no practical route to reclaim duty already paid, so this check should happen before you commit to purchasing a vehicle in the UK.

Most UK-to-Nigeria shipments depart from Southampton or Tilbury via RoRo, arriving at either Apapa Port or Tin Can Island Port in Lagos after 21–28 days at sea. Container shipping is increasingly preferred for higher-value vehicles and for shipments including personal effects, since RoRo cars are more exposed to theft and tampering risk at busy Nigerian terminals.

Nigeria charges 35% import duty on passenger vehicles plus a 35% national automotive levy, meaning combined charges can approach or exceed 70% of the assessed CIF value for larger-engined cars. Smaller vehicles under 1500cc sometimes qualify for reduced levy rates. NCS assesses duty using its own valuation database rather than your invoice, so obtain an independent valuation certificate to support your declared price and avoid disputes at clearance.

Congestion at Apapa Port is notorious, and clearance delays of two to four weeks are common even with correct paperwork. Tin Can Island is often slightly faster for RoRo cargo. Appointing a licensed customs agent in Lagos is strongly recommended; they will handle the Nigeria Single Window Trade Portal (Form M) submission, duty payment, and physical examination scheduling on your behalf.

You will need the original V5C, commercial invoice, a Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) generated through the Single Window Trade Portal, and Form M completed by your Nigerian clearing agent before the vessel departs the UK. SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria) certification may also be required depending on vehicle category.

Budget £1,300–£1,900 for RoRo freight from Southampton to Lagos, or £1,700–£2,400 for a 20ft shared or sole-use container. Add £300–£500 for UK export handling and marine insurance, then factor duty and levy of roughly 70% of CIF value plus port and agent clearance fees of £400–£700 in Lagos.