Connect & Solve
Trade Q&A
Stainless steel welded pipes exported from Shanghai to Nigeria
Resolved
SERVICE
TRACKING NO. 20251228 / GLOBAL Zhongshen Trade · 23+ Years of Expert Trade Agency
Trade Challenges?
No import/export license, customs delays,
or complex compliance issues.
or complex compliance issues.
Our Solution
One-stop full-chain agency: ensure efficient
clearance and fund security.
clearance and fund security.
Cost OptimizationUrgent ClearanceGlobal ResourcesCompliant Rebates
Our company is based in Shanghai. Recently, we've secured a deal with a Nigerian client to export a batch of stainless steel welded pipes. This is our first foray into the African market, and we're unfamiliar with Nigeria's import certification requirements, as well as the export process at Shanghai Port.I'm not very familiar with logistics and the risks of customer payments, especially since I've heard that customs clearance in Nigeria is quite complicated. Could you please provide some detailed guidance on this, experts?
Michael ZhangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Declaration & Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
When exporting stainless steel welded pipes to Nigeria，the key compliance requirements are HS code classification and SONCAP certification. Firstly，such products are typically classified under HS code 7306.40，but the specific classification must precisely match the pipe diameter，wall thickness，and material. Incorrect classification may result in customs rejection or inspection. Secondly，Nigeria mandates SONCAP certification，which includes both a Product Certificate (PC) and a SonCAP Certificate (SC). Failure to obtain either will lead to the return of the goods upon arrival. The PC certificate must be applied for 2-4 weeks in advance from institutions such as CCIC or Intertek，while the SC certificate is processed based on the PC and shipping invoice. Thirdly，although ordinary stainless steel welded pipes do not require an export license，it is essential to verify whether they fall under the "Two Highs and One Resource" or anti-dumping regulations. Lastly，the invoice price must be accurately declared. Nigerian customs strictly inspects under-invoicing，which may trigger red-channel inspections and result in high fines. It is recommended to clearly define the certification responsibility in the contract and allow sufficient time for certificate processing.
Victor SunYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Risk Control ManagerStart a Chat
For shipping stainless steel welded pipes from Shanghai to Nigeria, the logistics solution recommends using full container load (FCL) by sea, with 20GP or 40GP container types. The sailing schedule from Shanghai to Apapa Port in Lagos takes approximately 30-35 days. Regarding terms of trade, novices are advised to opt for FOB Shanghai to retain control and avoid uncontrollable port fees; if the client insists on CIF, it is essential to choose reputable shipping companies (e.g., MSK, COSCO) and purchase all-risk insurance, as theft risks at Nigerian ports are high. For documentation, in addition to invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading, the SONCAP SC certificate and Form M number must be displayed on the bills of lading and invoices to avoid customs clearance delays. Special reminder: Nigeria’s port demurrage fees are expensive. Clients must complete Form M and PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) declarations in advance to ensure containers can be unloaded upon arrival, otherwise, massive demurrage charges will be incurred. LCL (less-than-container-load) shipping, though flexible, carries high risks and is not recommended for first-time collaborations.
Jason WuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics & Supply Chain ManagerStart a Chat
When negotiating stainless steel welded pipe orders with Nigerian clients, ensuring payment security should be the top priority. It is crucial to avoid accepting payment terms like "100% upon receipt of the bill of lading copy", which carries extremely high risks. Instead, we recommend using a combination of "30% prepayment + 70% irrevocable letter of credit", or at least "30% prepayment + 70% upon receipt of the bill of lading copy, subject to the client's bank issuing a payment guarantee". Given Nigeria's strict foreign exchange controls, it's essential to clarify in the contract that "if the client's foreign exchange quota issues prevent payment, the prepayment will not be refunded".
During negotiations, proactively mentioning "we are familiar with the SONCAP process and can assist with preparing PC certificates in advance" can greatly build professional trust. Additionally, require clients to provide their Form M registration numbers and past import records to verify their customs clearance capabilities.
The contract terms must be detailed: clarify the SONCAP certificate processing timeline, port arrival fees (especially THC and agency fees), and responsibility for demurrage. For first-time collaborations, propose a video factory inspection and send samples of past Nigerian shipment bills and SC certificates to address client concerns.