How To Get Import License in Nigeria: Requirements 2026

If you are nursing the idea of starting importation in Nigeria in a large scale, this guide will walk you through the requirements to get import license in Nigeria, the cost and other licenses you must apply for.

International trade is one of the key drivers of economic growth and development for any country of the world. Nigeria as the giant of Africa imports more goods and products than it exports. For this reason, there is a large market for import business in Nigeria

According to a recent report by Import Globals, Nigeria imports around $45 billion to $71 billion worth of goods every year.

This tremendous number is driven by high demand for industrial raw materials, capital goods, and consumer items. The trade sector remains highly lucrative, allowing individuals to start small-scale operations or scale up to full commercial shipping

What is an Import License in Nigeria

Import license is a set of documents issued by different government agencies and authorizes granting a company the right and legal backing to import (bring) goods from different countries into Nigeria for the purpose of trading.

Generally, companies operating in highly regulated industries will require a permit or license to operate in such industry. Just as we have export license which is regulated by NEPC for non oil and gas exports, different government agencies also regulate imports.

Why Importers Need an Import License

Without import permits, importers will be limited to import certain products and goods into the country. Below are reasons for import permit

• To stay legally and government compliant
• Import license boosts business credibility and trust
• It fosters international relation and partnership with foreign countries and agencies
• The company will be able to secure loans and enter into contracts and agreements
• License gives companies the freedom to import as many products as they can that they can’t without the license
• Ability to open corporate account and maintain up-to-date records

Who Needs an Import License in Nigeria?

The following companies will require an import permit in Nigeria before they can operate

• E-commerce companies
• Companies into sell of grocery and supermarkets
• Manufacturing Companies
• Automobile dealership
• Tech gadgets dealership companies
• Companies into beauty and cosmetic products
• Trading and Distribution Businesses
• Individuals Importing Commercial Quantities
• Building and construction companies
• FMCG Companies

Agencies That Regulates and Issue Imports Permits in Nigeria

In Nigeria, several agencies and ministries of government regulates both imports and exports. It is very important to understand which ministry regulates the specific products that are being imported into the country.

1. Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

Nigerian Customs Service works as a paramilitary arm of the government saddled with the responsibility of collecting revenue, clearing and issuing permits to importers and regulating import and exports or goods.

Operating under the Ministry of Finance, the Nigerian Customs service serves as a critical first line of defense for border security

The agency ensures that drugs and other illegal substances are not brought into the country. After careful check and clearance, the agency issues a clearance document approving that such goods are acceptable in the country.

2. Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON)

The Standard Organization of Nigeria through its arm SONCAP issues the import permit and license to businesses looking forward to engaging in importation in Nigeria.

The SONCAP Import permit is issued to exempt certain categories of imports of regulated products from offshore certification

3. NAFDAC

NAFDAC as we all know represents the National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control. It is a document issued to importers, manufacturers, producers of daily consumable goods within Nigeria.

For products to be imported into Nigeria and distributed to final consumers, it must be tested and approved by the agency and declared safe for human consumption before it can be allowed to enter the market.

4. Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)

As the name implies, this department of the government regulates and issues permits and clearance for oil and gas products in Nigeria. The department is heavily regulated by the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission

5. Nigerian Electrification Regulatory Commission (NERC)

The NERC is an independent regulatory body that was established and saddled with the responsibility to regulate the Nigeria’s electric power industry

Governed by the Electricity Act 2023, its core mandates include licensing operators, setting cost-reflective tariffs, establishing customer rights, and facilitating investments in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)

The commission regulates imports that are concerned with the power sector in Nigeria and issues license and permits where applicable

6. Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS)

Under the agriculture sector lies the NAQS. This is a department of the government that is responsible for supervising, regulation and control of all import and export of aquatic resources through quality assessment and certification

The department provides Health Inspection of export and import of livestock such as dogs, cattle, cats and also crops to prevent the spread of pest and diseases could be imported into the country.

After this procedure is completed, the NAQS will now issue a permit.

Requirements To Apply For Import Permit (License) in Nigeria

Generally and in no specific order, to apply for any import permit in Nigeria, you should have the following documents handy.

• CAC registration documents
• TIN
• Tax clearance certificate
• Trademark
• SCUML Certificate
• Company profile
• Government compliance documents e.g. NSITF, BPP, PENCOM, ITF
• Business Plan
• DUNS certificate

You need the above documents for importation in Nigeria. However, for some other sectors, you may need some other documents that we didn’t capture above

How To Get Import License in Nigeria

Understanding which regulatory body or agency of government to apply for license from is the first step towards import license application.

Since different Ministries, Department of Government Issues import license and permit, you will have to visit their official portal or office nearby to seek for requirement, cost and document required.

Legacy Benjamin Consult remains one of the most sought after compliance and licensing consultants to help  process your sector licensing. Send us a WhatsApp DM @ 08066108299

Whether it is SONCAP import permit, to NAFDAC to costumes clearance, to DPR to NAQS we got you covered

Cost To Get Import License in Nigeria

The cost to get import license in Nigeria will depend on the sector you are applying to secure the license.

Regardless, this will constitute Statutory and professional fee of processing and securing the permit.

Guide Process to Get an Import License in Nigeria

To process import license online in Nigeria,

• Register with CAC and obtain all the documents we listed above.
• Obtain TIN, TCC and Taxpromax
• Register for government compliance documents
• Trademark your brand
• Draw a business plan

Once you have all preliminary documents handy,

Visit the portal of the MDA you wish to secure a license from our employ the services of a consultant like Legacy Benjamin Consult to walk you through the process from beginning to end.