How to Import Motorcycle & 3-Wheeler Spare Parts from India to Nigeria

Source from a Verified Indian Exporter

Identify an Indian exporter with IEC (Importer Exporter Code), GST registration, and a track record of shipping to Africa. Request samples or references before placing a large order. CrestMAX exports from Ludhiana — India's spare parts manufacturing capital — and can provide all verification documents on request. Confirm the exact part numbers, OEM compatibility, and packaging standards before finalising your order.

Identify Parts and Confirm HS Codes

Before ordering, confirm the HS codes for your parts. Most 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler spare parts fall under Chapter 87 (HS 8714.10 for motorcycle accessories and parts; HS 8714.99 for other cycle parts). Brake parts may fall under HS 8708.30. Your supplier should provide HS codes on the commercial invoice — incorrect HS codes cause delays at Apapa and potential penalties. CrestMAX provides correct HS codes on all export documentation.

Open a Form M with Your Nigerian Bank

Form M is Nigeria's mandatory pre-import declaration system. You must open a Form M with a CBN-licensed bank (GTBank, Access, Zenith, UBA etc.) before the goods leave India. Provide your supplier's proforma invoice, your RC number, and TIN to your bank. Your bank will issue a Form M number — this must be included on all shipping documents. Form M processing takes 2–5 business days.

Agree on Incoterms and Confirm Payment

Decide whether to buy FOB (you arrange freight from Mumbai) or CIF Lagos (your supplier arranges freight and insurance to Apapa). For first-time buyers, CIF is simpler — your supplier delivers to Apapa and you only deal with customs clearance. CrestMAX offers both FOB Mumbai and CIF Apapa terms. Standard payment is 30% advance + 70% against Bill of Lading copy, or 100% advance via T/T wire transfer for smaller orders.

Shipping from India to Nigeria

Ocean freight from Mumbai (JNPT) to Apapa Lagos takes 18–22 days. We work with shipping lines including MSC, CMA-CGM, and Maersk on this corridor. You can choose FCL (20ft or 40ft container) for larger orders or LCL (groupage/consolidation) for smaller shipments. CrestMAX provides: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, CCVO certificate of origin, and phytosanitary certificate where required. All documents include your Form M number.

Customs Clearance at Apapa

Engage a licensed customs agent (CAC-registered) at Apapa to handle NCS clearance. Your agent uploads documents to the NCS e-customs portal (NICIS II), generates the PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report), and files the SGD (Single Goods Declaration). Expect customs examination of first-time shipments. Typical port clearance time at Apapa: 5–14 days depending on examination queue. Your agent pays duty on your behalf and you reimburse. Budget for additional terminal handling charges (THC) at Apapa Terminal.

Form M

Mandatory pre-import declaration filed with CBN-licensed bank before shipment. Your Nigerian bank processes this. The Form M number must appear on all shipping documents.

Commercial Invoice

Issued by CrestMAX. Shows part names, quantities, HS codes, unit prices, total CIF value, and Form M number.

Packing List

Detailed breakdown of carton contents, gross weight, net weight, and packing dimensions per shipment.

Bill of Lading

Issued by the shipping line at origin port (Mumbai/JNPT). Original BL or Telex Release required for cargo collection at Apapa.

Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO)

Required for NCS clearance. Certifies the goods are of Indian origin and confirms the declared customs value.

SGD (Single Goods Declaration)

Filed by your customs agent at Apapa using NAFDAC/NCS HS codes. Your clearing agent handles this.

Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)

Generated after your clearing agent uploads documents to Nigeria Customs' e-customs portal. Required before cargo is examined.