Customs Clearing Agents in Nigeria| Airport clearance SAHCOL and NAHCO
OUR LOCATION : NO 31 OLAIYA STREET, MAFOLUKU, LAGOS NIGERIA. You can also contact us directly on 07049450575 or 09046181274.
You want to start a business, scale it and then enjoy the results of all your hard work; and who can blame you. The problem is that running an export and import business involves a variety of moving parts, all of which need to be working in perfect harmony if you’re to get the results your hard work deserves.
To make sure you’re moving in the right direction from day one we’re going to take a look at the various different things you need to consider. We’ll discuss what to look for, what to look out for, and guide you through the process every step of the way. That way you’ll be able to sleep with the peace of mind you can only get when you have the right strategy in place. Let’s dive right in…
What does a customs clearing agent do?
Once you get your goods from A to B, you need them to pass through the local customs control. Shipping into or out of Nigeria requires you to have a qualified customs clearing agent in place so that things run smoothly and all the fine details are taken care of.
While it may be tempting to think that you can cut corners and save money by doing this solo, those types of decisions always come back to haunt you. What you need is a qualified, experienced, and highly regarded customs clearing agent who will take care of all the fine details and complex paperwork so you don’t have to.
What do you need to look for?
Many people will feel best about the hiring process when they have a referral from a friend or a colleague, but what do you do if you don’t have that luxury? We always recommend following the same hiring strategy when it comes to clearing agents, so we’re going to talk you through the key things you need to consider while you’re evaluating your options.
Do they have a verified customs license?
To be a customs agent in Nigeria you have to be fully licensed and able to prove it. This is because the authorities want to make sure everyone is working to the same standards and fulfilling their legal obligations in full.
If you see offers from people without licenses, put them to one side and move on. All these people will be doing is approaching licensed professionals and then billing you extra for having done so. You will always get a smoother, faster, and more cost-effective experience when you go direct to the person with the expertise you need.
Are they members of the key professional bodies?
The problem here is that you’re going to be inundated with all sorts of acronyms and names of organizations and governing bodies that you’ve never heard of. The key thing to remember is that if a clearing agency appears to have no connections with any form of the national body then it’s a clear red flag about their experience and reputation. While association membership alone is never a guarantee of exemplary service, lack of membership is always a warning that you need to move on in your search.
How well do the staff handle your questions?
This one may sound a little personal or fussy, but the key is to find a team of people you feel comfortable working with on a repeat basis. The last thing you want to do is jump at the first offer you get, ignore the warning signs, and then be tied into a relationship that proves to be nothing but hard work.
You’re looking for people who know what they’re talking about, leave the industry jargon on the sidelines when you ask them to and are efficient and courteous when it comes to providing follow-up information. If you find someone who can do these three things then you’re certainly on the right track.
Where are they located?
If you want to wait for your shipments to be cleared then ignore this section; but if you want them moving fast, find someone based near the port. This will give you the peace of mind that they’re on the case and getting things moving on the ground without delay. Ideal if you want to build a business that stands out for all the right reasons when it comes to fast delivery and fulfillment times.
Do they have a good relationship with Nigerian customs?
Your clearing agent will be working with the customs officials on a daily basis if they’re as successful as they say they are, so a good working relationship is a great indicator of their ability. Take the time to do your background research and don’t be afraid to reach out if you feel you need to.
What do you need to make sure you avoid?
Anyone asking for payment upfront, working in ways that don’t sound like the rest of the market, or keen to use complex language rather than answering simple questions is best avoided. You’ll also want to ask for key metrics like their average processing and waiting times so that you get an idea of just how efficiently they’re likely to be able to progress the workload you give them. And if you come across anyone with a track record of making false declarations or getting into disputes, this is a clear red flag and you need to stay well clear of them.
What happens next?
Now you know what to look for, you can start your search whenever you’re ready. Not sure how to kick things off? Tried and trusted shipping companies like our team at cargonaija.com will be able to get things moving faster than anyone. All you have to do is reach out and connect at a time to suit you and we’ll take care of the rest from the moment you get in touch.
When you’re ready to get things moving and scale your business like a pro, we’re ready to help make it happen.
About Us
Cargonaija is one of the leading companies that connect importers and Exporters in Nigeria to the rest of the world. Let us make your shipping experience a great one.
Do you require the service of a customs clearance for your cargo in Nahco or Sahcol warehouse in Lagos?
You can reach our helpful team on
07049450575
09046181274
Out of Hour
09046808823
Email: info@cargonaija.com
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