How to Obtain Export License in Nigeria (2024)

Nigeria is one of the largest economies in Africa, and the country is rich in natural resources such as crude oil, cocoa, and solid minerals. The country has a lot of export potentials, and if you are looking to start an export business in Nigeria, you will need to obtain an export license. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in obtaining an export license in Nigeria.

REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPORT LICENSE IN NIGERIA

Exporting goods from Nigeria requires an export license from the Nigerian government. The following are the requirements for obtaining an export license in Nigeria:

• Business Registration: The first requirement for an export license is to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria. This registration provides you with a unique identifier that is necessary for all business transactions in Nigeria.
• Tax Identification Number (TIN): After registering your business with CAC, you will need to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). This number is required for tax purposes and will be used to identify your business when you file taxes in Nigeria.
• Export Promotion Council Registration: To obtain an export license, you must register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). This registration is mandatory for all exporters in Nigeria and requires the submission of a completed application form, along with the necessary supporting documents.
• Bank Verification Number (BVN): All individuals involved in the export business must have a Bank Verification Number (BVN). This is a unique identifier issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that is linked to your bank account.
• Proforma Invoice: You must provide a proforma invoice for the goods you intend to export. This invoice must contain detailed information about the goods, including the value, quantity, and description.
• Export Declaration Form (EDF): The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) requires all exporters to complete an Export Declaration Form (EDF) before exporting any goods. This form provides detailed information about the goods, the exporter, and the destination country.
• Pre-shipment Inspection: Depending on the nature of the goods being exported, you may be required to have them inspected before shipment. The inspection is carried out by a government-approved inspection agency and is meant to ensure that the goods meet the required standards.
• Shipping Documents: Finally, you will need to obtain the necessary shipping documents, including a Bill of Lading, Airway Bill, or Road Waybill, depending on the mode of transportation.

Note that the requirements for obtaining an export license may vary depending on the type of goods being exported and the destination country. It is advisable to consult with the relevant authorities and agencies for specific requirements.

HOW TO APPLY FOR AND OBTAIN AN EXPORT LICENSE IN NIGERIA

The following steps should be taken in order to obtain an export license in the country.

STEP 1: REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS

To obtain an export license in Nigeria, you must first register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This is the first step in starting any business in Nigeria, and it is mandatory for all businesses. You will need to register your business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or any other type of business entity recognized by the Nigerian government.

STEP 2: OBTAIN TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN)

The next step is to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). This is necessary for tax purposes, and you will need to provide your TIN when applying for the export license.

STEP 3: GET A NIGERIA EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL (NEPC) REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is the government agency responsible for regulating and promoting non-oil exports in Nigeria. To obtain an export license in Nigeria, you will need to obtain an NEPC registration certificate. This certificate confirms that your business is registered with the NEPC and is eligible to engage in export activities.

STEP 4: APPLY FOR AN EXPORT LICENSE

Once you have registered your business, obtained a TIN, and obtained an NEPC registration certificate, the next step is to apply for an export license. You can do this by visiting the NEPC website or the nearest NEPC office. You will need to provide the following documents:

• Completed Export Application Form
• Proforma Invoice
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• NEPC Registration Certificate
• Export Contract or Purchase Order
• Export Plan and Market Analysis
• Bank Reference Letter
• Certificate of Quality Control (if applicable)
• Any other relevant documents.

STEP 4: PAY THE EXPORT LICENSE FEE

After submitting your application, you will be required to pay an export license fee. The fee varies depending on the product you are exporting and the quantity.

STEP 5: WAIT FOR APPROVAL

After submitting your application and paying the required fees, you will need to wait for the NEPC to review and approve your application. This can take several weeks, and you will be notified once your application has been approved.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON HOW TO GET EXPORT LICENSE IN NIGERIA

Here are answers to some recurring questions about how to get your export license in the country.

WHAT IS AN EXPORT LICENSE IN NIGERIA?

An export license in Nigeria is a document issued by the Nigerian government that permits the exportation of certain goods and products outside the country.

WHY DO I NEED AN EXPORT LICENSE IN NIGERIA?

You need an export license in Nigeria to legally export goods and products from Nigeria. The license helps to regulate exports and prevent the export of illegal or prohibited goods.

HOW DO I OBTAIN AN EXPORT LICENSE IN NIGERIA?

To obtain an export license in Nigeria, you need to apply to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) by filling out the relevant forms and submitting the required documents. The NEPC is responsible for issuing export licenses in Nigeria.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO OBTAIN AN EXPORT LICENSE IN NIGERIA?

The time it takes to obtain an export license in Nigeria varies, but it typically takes between two to four weeks from the date of application.

ARE THERE ANY FEES ASSOCIATED WITH OBTAINING AN EXPORT LICENSE IN NIGERIA?

Yes, there are fees associated with obtaining an export license in Nigeria. The fees vary depending on the type of product you want to export and the quantity.

CAN I EXPORT GOODS WITHOUT AN EXPORT LICENSE IN NIGERIA?

No, it is illegal to export goods without an export license in Nigeria. Anyone caught exporting goods without a license will face legal consequences.

CAN I EXPORT ANY PRODUCTS FROM NIGERIA?

No, there are some products that are prohibited from exportation in Nigeria. These include ivory, timber, and some agricultural products. You should check with the relevant authorities before attempting to export any product from Nigeria.

CAN I APPLY FOR AN EXPORT LICENSE ONLINE IN NIGERIA?

Yes, you can apply for an export license online in Nigeria through the NEPC portal.

WHAT IS THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF AN EXPORT LICENSE IN NIGERIA?

The validity period of an export license in Nigeria depends on the type of product being exported. The NEPC will indicate the validity period on the license issued.

CONCLUSION

Obtaining an export license in Nigeria is a straightforward process that requires you to register your business, obtain a TIN, register with the NEPC, apply for an export license, pay the required fees, and wait for approval. With your export license, you can now engage in export activities and take advantage of the vast opportunities available in the international market.