What does it cost to clear a container in Lagos?
Updated October 2026. Rates reviewed 18 October 2026.
The customs part of clearing a container depends on the value of the goods and their tariff band, not the size of the box. Here are worked examples at today's exchange rate.
Worked at ₦1,332 to the US dollar (today's market rate) and the rates customs applies since 1 July 2026. Customs uses its own official rate, so your assessment will differ slightly.
| Container | CIF value | Tariff band | Total customs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft of raw materials | $20,000 | 5% | ₦4,740,169 |
| 20ft of spare parts | $25,000 | 10% | ₦7,840,880 |
| 40ft of finished goods | $45,000 | 20% | ₦21,009,994 |
| 40ft of protected goods | $50,000 | 35% | ₦34,838,454 |
Includes import duty, 7% surcharge on duty, 0.5% ETLS, 4% FOB charge (FOB taken as equal to CIF) and 7.5% VAT. Some goods carry extra levies or VAT exemptions.
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Get my clearing quotesOther charges to budget for
- Terminal handling: set by the terminal and higher for 40ft boxes.
- Shipping line: delivery order, container deposit or insurance, and local charges.
- Examination: costs for physical or scanner examination if your box is selected.
- Haulage: trucking from the port to your warehouse, which varies a lot by port and distance.
- Agent's fee: the licensed agent's charge for the declaration and release.
Common questions
What is the tariff band for my goods?
Your goods' HS code sets the band, from 0% for some essentials up to 35% or more for protected goods. An agent confirms the code before you ship.
Is a 40ft container twice the duty of a 20ft?
No. Duty follows the value and tariff band of the goods inside, not the box size. Port and shipping-line charges do rise with size.
What is demurrage?
A daily charge from the shipping line or terminal once your free days end. Starting paperwork before arrival is the best protection.
Get competing quotes from licensed clearing agents
Tell us about your shipment once. Up to three NCS-licensed customs agents at your port compete for the job and quote you directly on WhatsApp. Free for importers, no obligation.