Facebook Page View NoScript

Logo Background

Imported a UK car to Nigeria? Check its service history

Verify the full UK service history for imported cars in Nigeria. Protect your money, boost resale value, and avoid hidden repairs. Quick results.

Commenters
Emma Dorsey
Tom Cook
Lindsay Walton
Benjamin Russel
Hector Gibbons

Join 1000's of other drivers

Excellent

Review Green Star Review Green Star Review Green Star Review Green Star Review Green Star

4,572+ reviews

Your Email Address

Simply enter your registration and we'll handle the rest

Experts Working for You

Our dedicated investigation team works tirelessly to locate your missing service history as quickly and efficiently as possible!

9,000+ Service Centers

We utilise a network of over 9,000 service centers and private garages to track down your car’s missing service history.

Digital Service Logbook

Download your complete digital service logbook, a convenient way to keep your vehicle’s service history at your fingertips.

Any Manufacturer

No matter the manufacturer or model, our service works seamlessly to retrieve missing service records for any vehicle.

Popular UK Brands Exported to Nigeria

Abarth service history for UK-imported cars
Abarth
AC service history for UK-imported cars
AC
Acura service history for UK-imported cars
Acura
Aixam service history for UK-imported cars
Aixam
Alfa Romeo service history for UK-imported cars
Alfa Romeo
Alpine service history for UK-imported cars
Alpine

Excellent

Green Review Star Green Review Star Green Review Star 7/10 Green Review Star Green Review Star

Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 4,572+ Verified Reviews

Open Form M with your Nigerian bank and secure the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) before the vehicle ships.

Choose RoRo or container sailings from UK ports such as Tilbury or Southampton to Lagos (Apapa or Tin Can Island).

Budget for import duty, levy, VAT and port charges, then complete customs clearance within the free storage period.

1. Pre-export paperwork and compliance

Confirm the vehicle meets the current age limit (15 years from the year of manufacture for used cars). Gather the V5C, purchase invoice and service history to support valuation and mileage checks.

Register the transaction with a Nigerian commercial bank, open Form M on the Trade Monitoring System (TRMS) and upload the vehicle documents. The bank submits these to customs to generate your Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).

  • Ensure the exporter issues a bill of lading that matches the Form M details.
  • Use the UK service history to evidence maintenance and support insurance underwriting in Nigeria.
  • Confirm the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is clear of theft records before shipment.

2. Shipping routes from the UK to Nigeria

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels sail regularly from Southampton, Tilbury and Sheerness to Lagos ports. Transit times average 18–24 days depending on vessel rotation.

Container shipping is common for high-value SUVs. Work with your freight forwarder to arrange stuffing, photos and marine insurance before departure.

  • Primary discharge ports: Lagos (Apapa), Tin Can Island and occasionally Onne for container cargo.
  • Clean the vehicle thoroughly to meet Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) inspections.
  • Keep two sets of keys accessible for port officials.

3. Customs clearance and taxes on arrival

Appoint a licensed customs agent to process clearing. They will validate the PAAR, submit the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) and arrange physical inspection with Nigeria Customs Service.

Expect to pay 35% import duty plus 35% levy on many passenger vehicles, in addition to 7.5% VAT, port storage, terminal handling charges and shipping line fees.

  • Use Form C30 to make duty payments via your bank.
  • Clear the vehicle within the free days (typically 5) to avoid demurrage.
  • Keep copies of the valuation and duty receipts for registration.

4. Registration and road readiness in Nigeria

After customs release, complete the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) vehicle registration by presenting customs papers, roadworthiness certificate and valid insurance.

Most states require vehicle inspection and emission tests before issuing new number plates. Retain the UK service history and inspection documents to demonstrate mileage authenticity and support resale value.

What is the current age limit for used vehicle imports into Nigeria?

Nigeria allows importation of used vehicles that are no more than 15 years from the date of manufacture. Anything older is restricted unless it qualifies as classic or collectible under special permits.

How much duty will I pay when the car arrives?

Most passenger vehicles attract 35% import duty plus a 35% levy, along with 7.5% VAT, terminal handling charges, ECOWAS trade levy and shipping line fees. Confirm the tariff heading with your customs agent for precise costing.

Do I need a Nigerian customs agent?

Yes. Only licensed customs agents can process PAAR validation, physical inspection and duty assessment at the port. They will manage documentation, arrange payments and release the vehicle once all charges are settled.