How to Import Phone Accessories from China to Nigeria (2026 Guide)

To import phone accessories from China to Nigeria, you need a valid Form M before the goods ship, a SONCAP certificate for regulated electrical goods such as chargers and power banks, NCC type approval for Bluetooth products, and a clearing agent or door-to-door line that handles the PAAR and customs clearance in Lagos. This guide explains each step for wholesalers, market traders and shop owners buying chargers, cables, power banks, earbuds and car accessories.

We receive inquiries from Nigerian wholesalers and shop owners, and the first question is usually how importing works. The rules below come from official and specialist sources (Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Communications Commission, inspection companies and the U.S. Commercial Service) linked in each section. Nigerian import procedures changed often in 2025 and 2026, so always confirm the details with your clearing agent or bank before you pay a deposit.

1. Own name or door-to-door?

Short answer: many traders in Nigeria use a China–Lagos door-to-door line (often called "cargo" or "clearing and delivery") that charges per cubic metre by sea or per kilo by air and handles clearance. Larger importers clear goods in their own company's name through a licensed clearing agent.

• In your own name: you need a Tax Identification Number (TIN), an account on the Customs B'Odogwu platform, a Form M through your bank, a SONCAP certificate for regulated goods and a licensed clearing agent. You control the documents and costs, and you can pay the supplier through official bank channels.
• Door-to-door line: you buy from the supplier, the line collects the goods at its warehouse in Guangzhou, ships them and delivers them to you in Lagos (or other cities) for an all-in price. This is simpler for small and mixed orders. Ask exactly what the price includes (duty, SONCAP, port charges, delivery), how long it takes, and whether the line accepts power banks and Bluetooth products.

Earldom sells on EXW Foshan/Guangzhou terms: we deliver the goods to your forwarder's warehouse in China, or recommend a forwarder if you do not have one. Our wholesale terms explain payment and lead times.

2. Form M and PAAR

Short answer: the Form M is the import declaration you open through your bank before the goods ship. Customs then uses it to issue the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), which assesses the duty for clearance.

• Form M: your bank opens it with our PI (product list, quantities, prices, HS codes). A valid, bank-validated Form M is required before Customs can issue the PAAR (Nigeria Customs Service).
• B'Odogwu: in 2025 Customs moved Form M and PAAR processing from the old NICIS II system to its B'Odogwu platform. Traders create an account with a valid TIN, and Customs says no fee is charged for migrating a Form M (Nairametrics).
• PAAR: Customs generates it from the Form M, the commercial invoice and the other agency documents (such as the SONCAP certificate). Incomplete applications are not processed until all documents arrive.

We issue a PI as soon as you confirm the product list, and a commercial invoice and packing list when the goods are ready. Tell us if your bank needs specific wording or HS codes on the PI.

3. SONCAP for electrical goods

Short answer: SONCAP is the Standards Organisation of Nigeria's conformity programme. Regulated products, including electrical and electronic goods such as chargers, need a SONCAP certificate for each shipment to clear customs.

The certificate is issued through accredited inspection companies such as Bureau Veritas and Intertek. Electrical and electronic products are among the regulated groups, and the certificates are mandatory for importing and clearing them (Bureau Veritas). There are two steps: a Product Certificate for the product, then a SONCAP Certificate (SC) for each shipment. Door-to-door lines usually arrange this for their customers; if you import in your own name, your clearing agent or the inspection company will guide you.

Earldom's main product lines are CE tested, and we can provide test reports and product information for your SONCAP application. Ask us before you order, so we can check which models have the documents you need.

4. Bluetooth products and NCC

Short answer: NCC type approval is mandatory for all communications equipment imported for sale in Nigeria, and a SONCAP certificate cannot replace it (Nigerian Communications Commission). This covers Bluetooth earbuds, speakers and smartwatches.

• The application is made on the NCC's standard form with a Declaration of Conformity and test reports from accredited laboratories. A local representative is not mandatory, and the certificate does not expire.
• Fees depend on the device. Ask the NCC or a compliance agent for the current amount before you plan a Bluetooth order.
• If you are new to importing, start with products that have no radio, such as wired chargers, cables, power banks and phone holders, and add Bluetooth products once you know your route.

5. Power banks and batteries

Short answer: power banks contain lithium-ion batteries and are shipped as dangerous goods. Sea freight is the usual route; many air and express services refuse them or charge extra.

Power banks sell well in Nigeria, where power cuts are common, so many buyers want them in the first order. Tell your forwarder that the shipment contains power banks before you book, and ask whether the line accepts them. Earldom packs power banks by the full carton (33–65 pieces per carton depending on the model), and you can mix different power bank models.

6. What to buy for the Nigerian market

Short answer: start with fast-moving products without Bluetooth: high-capacity power banks, UK-plug chargers, charging cables and car accessories. Add earbuds and speakers once your route handles NCC approval.

At Earldom every piece comes in its own retail box, so you can order flexible quantities per model and mix categories in one order (power banks by the full carton). We suggest a first order from about US$2,000.

7. Customs duty and VAT

Short answer: Nigeria charges customs duty by HS code under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, typically from 5% to 35%, plus VAT at 7.5% (PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries). Several supplemental levies also apply to imports (U.S. International Trade Administration). Ask your clearing agent for the landed cost of each product before you order.

These are typical classifications; some products can fall under other codes. Your agent adds the Nigerian digits and confirms the duty. If you use a door-to-door line, duty is usually included in the price per cubic metre or kilo.

8. Timeline

Ask your forwarder for current transit times; port congestion in Lagos can add delays.

FAQ