Customs clearance for alcoholic beverage imports Nigeria

Customs Clearance for Alcoholic Beverage Imports Nigeria

Importing alcoholic beverages into Nigeria requires not just logistics expertise but also a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, licensing, and customs procedures. At Cargoburg Logistics Limited, we specialize in customs clearance for alcoholic beverage imports into Nigeria, providing importers with a seamless, transparent, and compliant logistics experience. Whether you’re bringing in wine, beer, whiskey, gin, rum, or vodka, we handle every aspect of clearance—from documentation to duty payment and final delivery.

As a licensed customs clearing and forwarding agent, freight forwarder, freight broker, warehouse operator, and drayage carrier, Cargoburg Logistics Limited brings unmatched experience and professionalism to the Nigerian alcoholic beverage import sector. Our tailored services help international and domestic importers meet Nigerian Customs, NAFDAC, and SON regulations while ensuring the timely and safe delivery of their premium shipments.

Nationwide Port Operations Across Nigeria

Cargoburg’s alcohol import customs clearance services are available in all major seaports and airports across Nigeria, including:

Apapa Port, Lagos

Tin Can Island Port, Lagos

Port Harcourt Port

Onne Port

Calabar Port

Warri Port

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

Whether your beverages are imported via containerized sea freight or urgent air cargo shipments, our operational presence across these ports ensures fast clearance, reduced demurrage, and streamlined logistics.

Specialized Customs Clearance for Alcoholic Beverages

The importation of alcoholic drinks into Nigeria involves multiple layers of documentation, regulatory approvals, tax and tariff assessments, and strict product inspections. At Cargoburg, we specialize in handling the unique challenges associated with this process.

Our Alcoholic Beverage Clearance Services Include:

Form M and PAAR Processing
We initiate and process Form M with your authorized dealer bank and obtain Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAAR) through the Nigeria Customs Service portal to initiate duty assessment and import clearance.

NAFDAC Product Registration & Import Permit Alcoholic beverages are regulated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). We handle:

Importer registration
Product listing or registration
Obtaining necessary approvals for your consignment

SONCAP Certification Where applicable, we assist with SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria) conformity assessments and SONCAP documentation, ensuring your beverages meet local quality standards.

Customs Duty Assessment & Classification We accurately classify your alcoholic imports under the correct Harmonized System (HS) Codes and determine the appropriate excise duties, VAT, tariffs, and levies—including:

Customs duty
Import VAT (Value Added Tax)
Excise duties
ETLS levy (ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme)
Port surcharges and terminal handling charges

Inspection, Sampling & Laboratory Testing We coordinate any physical inspections and product sampling required by NAFDAC or Customs and manage the laboratory testing and reporting process where mandated.

Container Handling and Warehousing We offer container de-stuffing, short- and long-term warehousing for your alcoholic beverages, and inventory management solutions for bonded or duty-paid goods.

Haulage and Final Distribution Once cleared, we manage the inland transportation of your beverages to bonded warehouses, distribution hubs, retail outlets, or event destinations across Nigeria.

Types of Alcoholic Beverages We Handle

Cargoburg handles the customs clearance for a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including:

Wines: red, white, rosé, sparkling, fortified wines

Spirits: whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, cognac, brandy

Beers: lager, ale, stout, craft beers

Liqueurs & Bitters

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Cocktails

Traditional/Herbal Alcoholic Products

Non-Alcoholic Malt Drinks (regulated similarly)

No matter the volume—from container loads for wholesale distribution to pallets for restaurants and hospitality clients—Cargoburg delivers consistently reliable service.

Why Choose Cargoburg for Alcoholic Beverage Import Clearance?

✅ Regulatory Expertise for Controlled Goods

Alcohol is considered a controlled product in Nigeria, subject to NAFDAC and excise regulations. We ensure 100% compliance with all local regulations, helping you avoid fines, seizures, or supply chain delays.

✅ Full-Service Clearance and Logistics

From import documentation to duty payments and haulage, Cargoburg provides an end-to-end solution that eliminates friction across your supply chain.

✅ Accurate Duty Assessment

We apply the correct HS Codes, ensuring accurate tariff computations and minimizing the risk of overpayment or reclassification delays by Customs.

✅ Speedy Clearance to Reduce Demurrage

Our familiarity with Nigerian port processes and close working relationships with regulatory authorities help us accelerate clearance and avoid costly delays or storage fees.

✅ Transparent Pricing & Reporting

We provide a clear breakdown of costs, including duty estimates, terminal charges, NAFDAC fees, and haulage, so you can plan your logistics budget confidently.

✅ Bonded Warehouse Coordination

Cargoburg works with government-approved bonded warehouses for deferred customs clearance and controlled alcohol storage when required.

Serving Diverse Alcohol Import Clients

Cargoburg supports a wide variety of clients in the alcoholic beverage sector:

Licensed importers and distributors
Retail chains and supermarkets
Bars, lounges, and restaurants
Event planners and hospitality brands
Duty-free store operators
E-commerce alcohol retailers

Whether you import by the container, pallet, or carton, we adapt our services to your volume and compliance requirements.

Case Study: Clearing Imported Wine for a Hospitality Chain

In early 2024, Cargoburg successfully managed the customs clearance of 8 containers of premium wine imported from South Africa for a luxury hotel and restaurant group in Lagos. The clearance involved:

Coordinating NAFDAC fast-track registration for 12 wine SKUs
Accelerating PAAR issuance within 72 hours
Managing customs inspection and container movement at Apapa Port
Delivering goods to three bonded warehouses and final destinations across Lagos and Abuja within 5 days of vessel berthing

Our expertise saved the client from demurrage penalties and preserved the integrity of their perishable goods through climate-conscious logistics handling.

Supporting Compliance with Excise Reforms

As the Nigerian government continues to revise excise duties on alcohol imports, Cargoburg remains a reliable partner in helping you navigate:

Updated excise duty schedules
Product classification changes
Import quota tracking
Import prohibition lists
New NCS and NAFDAC circulars

We keep our clients informed of all regulatory changes to ensure their imports are compliant and profitable.

Environmentally Responsible Alcohol Logistics

While clearing alcoholic beverages, we also adhere to responsible logistics practices, including:

Recycling packaging materials used in de-stuffing operations
Supporting clients with eco-friendly storage and warehousing options
Coordinating with clients on the safe disposal of damaged or expired stock through licensed handlers

Let Cargoburg Streamline Your Alcohol Imports

When importing alcoholic beverages into Nigeria, you need a logistics partner with deep regulatory experience, a strong customs network, and a commitment to speed, accuracy, and professionalism.

Cargoburg Logistics Limited delivers all that—and more. Our dedicated alcohol clearance team is ready to manage your import documentation, regulatory permits, customs declarations, and inland logistics with precision and accountability.

📧 Email: info@cargoburg.com

Contact us today to get a quote, ask questions about NAFDAC requirements, or initiate your alcohol import clearance plan.

Cargoburg Logistics Limited – Nigeria’s trusted name in freight forwarding, import clearing services, and licensed customs brokerage for alcoholic beverages.

Customs clearance for alcoholic beverage imports Nigeria

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