Car Shipping from the UK to Nigeria — RORO & Container to Lagos
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £795
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: weekly
Ship Cars Ltd ships cars from the UK to Nigeria via RoRo and container services, with weekly sailings to Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. RoRo transit takes approximately 24 days; container shipping takes 24–28 days. Costs start from £795 via RoRo and from £995 via shared container. We handle UK export documentation and provide Lagos clearing agent coordination.
Efficient Car Shipping From UK to Nigeria
Ship Cars Ltd is your premier and trusted partner for hassle-free vehicle shipping to Nigeria. We understand the complexities of international car shipping and are dedicated to providing a seamless, secure, and cost-effective service. This guide will provide you with comprehensive information to ensure your vehicle arrives safely in Lagos, Nigeria.
What Are the Shipping Methods Available from the UK to Nigeria?
We offer two primary methods for shipping your vehicle to Nigeria:
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Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO): This is a cost-effective method where your vehicle is driven directly onto a specialized vessel. It’s a popular choice for operational vehicles.
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Transit Time: Approximately 24 days.
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Sailing Frequency: Four times a month.
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Important Note: Hybrid and electric vehicles are not allowed via RORO due to maritime safety regulations.
- Link To RORO Shipping.
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Container Shipping: For greater flexibility and security, we offer both shared and dedicated container services.
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Transit Time: Approximately 24 days.
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Sailing Frequency: Four times a month.
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Hybrid & Electric Vehicles: Allowed in containers. Electric vehicles typically incur a hazard surcharge of £295.
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Vehicle Condition: Vehicles do not need to be working for container shipping.
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For more details, visit our international container shipping page.
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What’s Not Allowed or Restricted in Vehicle Shipping Overseas?
Certain items and vehicle types have restrictions or are prohibited for shipping to Nigeria.
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Prohibited Items: Personal belongings, hazardous materials, and any items not declared will not be permitted.
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Vehicle Restrictions:
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Hybrid and electric vehicles are not allowed via RORO.
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Vehicles older than 10 years may have limitations for comprehensive insurance cover.
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- You may also want to read about Prohibited Items on International Freight
Why Do People Ship Cars from the UK to Nigeria?
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, is a major destination for imported vehicles. Many individuals and businesses import cars for various reasons:
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Personal Use: To facilitate transportation within the bustling city and for personal needs.
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Business and Commerce: Vehicles are essential for businesses operating in Nigeria, from logistics to personal transport for employees.
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Resale Market: Nigeria has a strong market for used vehicles, making it a viable option for those looking to import and sell cars.
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Transfer of Residence: Individuals relocating to Nigeria often ship their vehicles to maintain their mobility.
What Are the Import Rules for Shipping a Car to Nigeria?
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) governs the importation of vehicles. Please refer to their official website for detailed regulations.
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Permanent Export (from UK perspective): When exporting a vehicle permanently from the UK, you will need to notify HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
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Transfer of Residence (To Nigeria): Nigeria has specific rules for individuals transferring their residence, which may allow for duty exemptions on personal vehicles under certain conditions. This often requires proof of residency and prior ownership of the vehicle.
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Temporary Import: Temporary importation of vehicles is generally for specific purposes (e.g., tourism, specific events) and usually involves bonds or guarantees to ensure the vehicle is re-exported.
Official Authority Links:
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Nigerian Customs Service (NCS): While a direct link to specific vehicle import rules can be difficult to pinpoint on government websites, the NCS is the primary authority. You may need to navigate their site or contact them directly for the most current directives. [Note: Direct links to specific government pages can change; always verify on the official NCS website.]
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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – UK: For UK export requirements, refer to the HMRC website.
Inspection and Permit Requirements
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Pre-shipment Inspection: Vehicles imported into Nigeria are often subject to inspection. It is essential to be aware of any required pre-shipment inspections that might need to be arranged before the vehicle leaves the UK or upon arrival in Lagos.
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Import Duty and Tariffs: Nigeria has specific import duties and tariffs on vehicles. These vary based on the vehicle’s age, type, and engine size.
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Age Restriction: Vehicles older than a certain age are often prohibited from import. Currently, vehicles older than 15 years are generally not allowed. (It’s vital to verify this with the NCS as regulations can change).
Popular Topic: How to Get Best Quote For Car Shipping
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation is essential for both UK export and Nigerian import.
UK Paperwork:
Accurate UK Documents are needed when shipping vehicles. Read for detailed information on UK documents. Also read about Navigating Vehicle Customs: How to Ensure Smooth Custom Clearance.
Nigerian Port Paperwork:
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Import Duty and Tax Payments: Proof of payment for all applicable duties and taxes.
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Bill of Lading/Sea Waybill: Original copy.
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Import Declaration Form (IDF): This is a mandatory requirement for all imports.
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Nigerian Customs Clearance Certificate (NCCC): Issued after customs verification.
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Vehicle Registration Documents: Original V5C.
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Proof of Ownership: Invoices or purchase agreements.
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Passport and Visa: For personal imports.
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Transfer of Residence Documents: If applicable, to claim any concessions.
How Much Import Duty Will I Pay on a Car Imported into Nigeria?
Import duties and taxes in Nigeria are significant and are calculated based on the vehicle’s value, age, and type. The rates can vary, and it is crucial to get an accurate estimate from the Nigerian Customs Service or a trusted clearing agent in Nigeria. These costs can include:
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Import Duty: A percentage of the vehicle’s CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value.
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Ecowas Levy: A levy applied to goods imported from outside the ECOWAS region.
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Value Added Tax (VAT): Applied to the sum of the CIF value, duty, and other applicable charges.
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Other Port Charges: Terminal handling fees, customs examination fees, etc.
Please note: The exact percentages and applicable charges are subject to change by the Nigerian government. We advise consulting with a local clearing agent in Lagos for the most precise and up-to-date figures.
Pricing Examples | Automobile shipping costs:
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Small Golf-sized Car: £995 (Shared Container)
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Large Car (e.g., Range Rover): £1285 (Dedicated Container)
Note: These prices are indicative and may vary based on specific vehicle dimensions and current market rates.
Our flexible and secured collection services include Trade Plate-Insured driven service as well as transporter or recovery options.
We offer comprehensive insurance options to protect your investment:
Marine Insurance is a strategic necessity for vehicles during transit. Covering your vehicles against Total Loss due to fire and water damage and cosmetic damages.
What Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Nigeria?
The total cost of shipping your vehicle to Nigeria is influenced by several factors:
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Shipping Method: RORO is generally more economical than container shipping.
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Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles incur higher costs.
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Port Fees: Charges levied by the UK port of departure and the Nigerian port of arrival.
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Insurance: The cost depends on the level of cover selected.
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Documentation Fees: Costs associated with preparing and processing necessary paperwork.
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Collection/Delivery: If you opt for our UK collection services.
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Clearing Agent Fees: In Nigeria, a clearing agent will charge fees for customs brokerage and processing.
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Ship Your Car With Ship Cars Ltd
Ship Cars Ltd is committed to providing you with the most reliable and transparent car shipping service to Nigeria. Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.
We also provide an efficient, seamless and smooth car shipping to:
FAQs
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Nigeria?
Shipping a car from the UK to Nigeria costs from £795 via RoRo for standard vehicles, or from £995 via shared container for larger cars, non-runners, and EVs. A dedicated 20ft container starts from £1,285. These prices cover UK port to Tin Can Island Port, Lagos only. Nigerian import duty, VAT, port fees, and clearing agent charges are paid separately in Nigeria.
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Nigeria?
Transit from the UK to Lagos takes approximately 24 days, with weekly sailings from Southampton and Tilbury to Tin Can Island Port and Apapa Port. Allow a further 7–14 working days for Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) clearance after arrival. Including UK collection and port processing, total delivery from booking to Lagos typically completes within 6–8 weeks.
Q: What is the maximum vehicle age for import into Nigeria?
Nigeria prohibits the import of vehicles older than 15 years from the year of manufacture, under Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) policy. A car built in 2010 is therefore ineligible for import from 2026 onwards. Returning residents claiming the Transfer of Residence (TR) concession may have different eligibility — verify with a Lagos clearing agent before booking, as this policy is subject to government revision.
Q: Can I ship a hybrid or electric vehicle from the UK to Nigeria?
Hybrid and electric vehicles cannot travel via RoRo to Nigeria due to international maritime fire-safety regulations covering high-voltage batteries. They must be shipped by container only. Electric vehicles incur a hazard surcharge of approximately £295 and must be loaded below 50% battery charge. Standard non-plug-in hybrids can typically travel in shared containers without a surcharge — confirm your model with Ship Cars Ltd before booking.
Q: What documents do I need to ship a car from the UK to Nigeria?
UK export: original V5C logbook, passport, proof of address, purchase invoice, and DVLA permanent export notification (V5C section 5 posted before departure). Nigerian port: Bill of Lading, Import Declaration Form (IDF), proof of duty payment, NCS clearance certificate, passport, and Transfer of Residence documents if applicable. Ship Cars Ltd handles all UK export documentation on your behalf.
