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August 4, 2025

5 Documents You Absolutely Need to Clear Air Cargo in Nigeria

If you’re importing goods into Nigeria via air freight, you might think that once your shipment lands, the hard part is over. Think again.

The real challenge begins at the airport—navigating customs clearance. And the difference between a smooth, quick release and a painful, expensive delay often comes down to one thing:

👉 Your documents.

At Unstoppable Cargo, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses avoid delays, fines, and losses simply by getting their paperwork right from day one. In this guide, we break down the 5 essential documents you absolutely need to clear your air cargo in Nigeria—and explain what each one does, why it matters, and how to get it right.

Whether you’re a first-time importer or a seasoned logistics manager, this is your go-to checklist for hassle-free cargo clearance.

1. Air Waybill (AWB)

What it is:
The Air Waybill is your shipment’s birth certificate. Issued by the airline or freight forwarder, this document details your cargo’s journey—what’s being shipped, where it’s from, where it’s going, and who’s responsible.

Why it matters:
The AWB is the first document airport handlers and customs officials will ask for. It:

  • Confirms ownership of the goods
  • Helps identify your cargo at the terminal
  • Is used to calculate cargo handling charges

Pro Tip from Unstoppable Cargo:
Always check that your AWB has:

  • Correct consignee name
  • Accurate weight and dimensions
  • Matching invoice values

Any discrepancy can trigger a customs query or delay.

2. Final Commercial Invoice

What it is:
This invoice shows the true commercial value of your goods—it includes item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total amount paid.

Why it matters:
Nigerian Customs uses your invoice to:

  • Determine duties and taxes
  • Verify the declared value of your shipment
  • Cross-check with the PAAR and other documents

A vague or incorrect invoice can lead to under- or over-valuation—and that means trouble. At best, you’ll pay too much. At worst, your cargo could be flagged, delayed, or even seized.

Unstoppable Cargo Tip:
Use a detailed invoice with:

  • Product names (not just “goods” or “items”)
  • Harmonized System (HS) codes, if possible
  • Currency clearly stated (USD, EUR, etc.)

3. Packing List

What it is:
The packing list outlines the contents of your shipment in detail—how many cartons, what’s inside each one, weights, dimensions, and packaging type.

Why it matters:
It helps:

  • Ground handlers locate and verify your cargo
  • Customs officials match physical goods with paperwork
  • Prevents accidental classification errors

A good packing list builds trust and speed. A bad one leads to inspection and delay.

Pro Tip:
Avoid using vague descriptions like “mixed items.” Be specific. For example:

  • ✅ “10 cartons of men’s T-shirts, cotton, assorted sizes”
  • ❌ “Clothes”

4. PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report)

What it is:
PAAR is a mandatory document issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), based on information submitted through your bank. It provides an official estimate of your shipment’s customs value and duty.

Why it matters:
Without a valid PAAR, your cargo cannot be processed by customs. It ensures:

  • Proper duty assessment
  • Accurate product classification
  • Government revenue compliance

You’ll typically need:

  • A Form M (applied through your bank)
  • A Final Invoice
  • Your insurance certificate (if applicable)

Unstoppable Cargo Advantage:
We assist clients from the Form M to PAAR stage, ensuring all declarations are compliant and that no time is wasted once cargo arrives.

5. Import Permits and Regulatory Certificates (If Applicable)

What it is:
Some goods require additional approvals from Nigerian regulatory agencies. These may include:

  • NAFDAC (for food, drugs, cosmetics)
  • SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Certificate of Conformity)
  • NESREA (environmental goods)
  • Phytosanitary Certificates (for plant products)

Why it matters:
Missing or incorrect permits lead to:

  • Delays in release
  • Goods being detained or rejected
  • Possible legal action

Pro Tip:
Before placing your international order, find out:

  • Is your item regulated?
  • Which agency is responsible?
  • How long will approval take?

At Unstoppable Cargo, we provide regulatory advisory support to ensure you’re not caught off-guard by Nigeria’s complex import rules.

Bonus: Other Useful Documents (Depending on the Case)

While the five documents above are essential, you may also need:

  • Certificate of Origin (for preferential trade agreements)
  • Bill of Entry (prepared by your clearing agent)
  • Bank Payment Confirmation (for duties paid)
  • Insurance Certificate

We recommend preparing a document checklist customized to your product category. If you’re unsure, our team can guide you.

How Unstoppable Cargo Helps You Stay Compliant

At Unstoppable Cargo, we do more than process paperwork—we audit, verify, and guide you through every step before your cargo even ships.

Here’s how we protect you:

  • ✅ Pre-arrival document checks
  • ✅ Duty estimation & tariff classification
  • ✅ Help with Form M and PAAR processing
  • ✅ Regulatory compliance (NAFDAC, SON, etc.)
  • ✅ Real-time updates from arrival to delivery

We believe that logistics should be transparent, stress-free, and scam-free.

Final Thoughts: Paperwork is Power

In Nigeria’s complex cargo environment, your documents are more than just forms—they’re your protection against delays, penalties, and losses.

The more prepared you are, the smoother your clearance process will be.

At Unstoppable Cargo, we’re not just here to move goods. We’re here to empower businesses with clarity and control.

Need help getting your documents right before your next shipment?

Contact us today and let our team clear the chaos—for good.