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How to Import Sewing Machines to Nigeria

A step-by-step guide to importing industrial sewing machines into Nigeria — documents, duty and clearance.

Importing machines into Nigeria is straightforward when you have the right documents and a reliable supplier. Here is the process.

1. The document set

You will need a Form M (opened through your bank), a proforma invoice, a commercial invoice, a packing list and a bill of lading. We provide the complete set for every order.

2. Shipping

Most machines ship by sea to Lagos (Apapa or Tin Can Island). Transit typically takes a few weeks from China — see shipping times.

3. Customs and duty

Import duty and VAT apply to sewing machinery. Your clearing agent handles the assessment against the declared value. Keep documents consistent to avoid delays.

4. Getting started

For machine recommendations tailored to Nigeria, see our Nigeria country page and the garment factory guide.