Air freight, sea freight, LCL, FCL, and DDP — every cost explained with real market rates, Nigeria import duty breakdown, and customs clearance guidance from our Guangzhou operations team.
Shipping from China to Nigeria costs between $3–$7 per kg by air freight and $80–$160 per CBM by sea LCL for small shipments. A full 20-foot container (FCL) costs $1,800–$3,500 and a 40-foot container $3,200–$6,000, depending on origin port and cargo type. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) pricing includes Nigeria import duty (typically 5%–35% of CIF value), VAT (7.5%), and port charges — adding approximately 20%–60% to the freight cost. Total landed costs vary significantly based on shipment size, HS code classification, and chosen Incoterms.
Market rates as of mid-2026. All USD. Contact us for firm quotes on your cargo.
| Shipping Method | Rate / Unit | Transit Time | Best For | Import Duty | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight (Standard) | $3.50–$5.00/kg | 5–7 days | < 200kg, urgent | 5%–35% CIF | Available |
| Air Freight (Express) | $5.50–$7.50/kg | 3–5 days | < 50kg, critical | 5%–35% CIF | Available |
| Sea Freight LCL | $80–$160/CBM | 28–35 days | 1–15 CBM | 5%–35% CIF | Best Value |
| 20ft Container (FCL) | $1,800–$3,500 | 25–32 days | 15–25 CBM | 5%–35% CIF | Available |
| 40ft Container (FCL) | $3,200–$6,000 | 25–32 days | 25–60 CBM | 5%–35% CIF | Available |
| DDP (Door-to-Door) | Quoted per shipment | 35–50 days | All sizes | Included | Recommended |
| Air + Sea Combo | Negotiated | 12–18 days | Mixed cargo | 5%–35% CIF | Available |
* Rates are market estimates. Actual quotes depend on cargo dimensions, weight, HS code, origin city, and current market conditions. Request a firm quote from our Guangzhou office.
Surcharge alert: Fuel surcharges, peak season premiums, and Apapa port congestion fees can add 10–25% to base freight rates. Always request an all-in quote. Our team provides fully itemised pricing — no surprises at destination.
Most importers are surprised by the gap between freight quotes and actual landed costs. Here is the full picture.
Key insight: Many Nigerian importers are quoted only the ocean freight and discover import duty and port charges at destination — effectively a second, unplanned payment. With DDP shipping via Foon Chaser, you pay one consolidated figure that covers everything from supplier pickup in China to your warehouse door in Nigeria. Request a landed cost quote →
Everything affecting your air freight quote — volumetric weight, route, carrier, and surcharges explained.
Air freight from China to Nigeria is charged on chargeable weight — whichever is greater: actual weight (kg) or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is calculated as:
Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000
= Volumetric Weight (kg)
For light, bulky goods (furniture, plastics, textiles), volumetric weight often exceeds actual weight — dramatically increasing costs. Dense goods (electronics, metal parts, machinery) are typically charged on actual weight.
| Weight Range | Rate (USD/kg) | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| 0–45 kg | $5.50–$7.50 | 5–7 days |
| 45–100 kg | $4.50–$6.00 | 5–7 days |
| 100–300 kg | $3.80–$5.00 | 5–7 days |
| 300–500 kg | $3.20–$4.50 | 6–8 days |
| 500 kg+ | $3.00–$4.00 | 7–9 days |
The published rate per kg is rarely the only charge. Budget for these additional fees:
Key routes: Guangzhou (CAN) → Lagos (LOS), Shenzhen (SZX) → Lagos (LOS), Shanghai (PVG) → Lagos (LOS). Most connections operate via Dubai, Doha, or Nairobi hubs.
Full Air Freight Guide →Covering LCL (shared container) and FCL (full container) rates, port pair options, and destination port costs at Apapa and Tincan.
LCL is ideal when your shipment is between 1 and 15 CBM. Your goods share a container with other shippers’ cargo, and you pay only for the space you use.
| CBM | Freight (USD) | Origin | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 CBM | $80–$160 | Guangzhou | 28–35 days |
| 3 CBM | $240–$480 | Guangzhou | 28–35 days |
| 5 CBM | $400–$800 | Guangzhou | 28–35 days |
| 10 CBM | $800–$1,600 | Guangzhou | 28–35 days |
| 15 CBM | $1,200–$2,400 | Guangzhou | 28–35 days |
At 15 CBM, the cost of LCL often equals a full 20ft FCL. Always compare before booking.
LCL additional charges: CFS stuffing fee ($30–$60/CBM), documentation fee ($50–$80), destination CFS unstuffing ($50–$100/CBM).
FCL gives you the entire container — better security, lower per-unit cost, and predictable transit. Recommended for 15+ CBM.
| Container | Capacity | Rate (USD) | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | ~25 CBM / 28t | $1,800–$3,500 | 25–32 days |
| 40ft Standard | ~58 CBM / 28t | $3,200–$6,000 | 25–32 days |
| 40ft High Cube | ~67 CBM / 28t | $3,500–$6,500 | 25–32 days |
| 20ft Reefer | ~27 CBM, temp | $4,000–$7,000 | 28–35 days |
Primary deepwater port. Higher congestion risk. Budget extra 7–14 days for clearance at peak times.
Often faster clearance than Apapa. Many importers prefer for RoRo and FCL cargo.
Suited for cargo destined to the south-south and south-east. Fewer congestion issues.
A direct comparison across cost, security, transit time, and risk — helping you choose the right container strategy.
| Factor | LCL (Shared Container) | 20ft FCL | 40ft FCL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For Volume | 1–14 CBM | 14–25 CBM | 25–60 CBM |
| Freight Rate | $80–$160/CBM | $1,800–$3,500 flat | $3,200–$6,000 flat |
| Transit Time | 28–35 days | 25–32 days | 25–32 days |
| Cargo Security | Medium — shared space | ✔ High — sole use | ✔ High — sole use |
| Risk of Delay | Medium — depends on other cargo | ✔ Lower | ✔ Lower |
| Damage Risk | × Higher — repacking at CFS | ✔ Lower | ✔ Lower |
| Customs Complexity | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Minimum Booking | ✔ 0.1 CBM | Full container | Full container |
| Demurrage Risk | Low (shared) | × Yes — free days apply | × Yes — free days apply |
| Best Choice When | Testing new products, small orders | Regular medium volume | High volume importers |
Delivered Duty Paid is the most complete Incoterm — and the one most Nigerian importers should be using.
Under DDP terms, Foon Chaser Express takes complete responsibility for the shipment from the supplier’s door in China to your specified delivery address in Nigeria. The agreed price covers:
| Incoterm | Duty Included? | Risk Transfer | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DDP | ✔ Yes | At delivery door | First-time importers, predictable cost |
| DAP | ✗ No | At destination | Experienced importers |
| DDU | ✗ No | At destination | Self-clearing importers |
| CIF | ✗ No | At origin port | Large established importers |
| FOB | ✗ No | Loading at origin | Has own freight forwarder |
Warning: Many suppliers quote FOB prices only. Adding freight, insurance, import duty, VAT, and port charges can double or triple the FOB cost for some product categories. Always calculate your landed cost before purchasing.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) duty rates, VAT, levies, and the regulatory documents required to clear goods at Apapa, Tincan, or Lagos airport.
Nigeria’s import duty is calculated on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). The applicable rate is determined by the product’s HS Code (Harmonized System classification).
The full duty calculation is:
| Product Category | HS Code Range | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics / Phones | Chapter 84–85 | 5%–10% |
| Textiles / Clothing | Chapter 50–63 | 20%–35% |
| Footwear | Chapter 64 | 20%–35% |
| Furniture | Chapter 94 | 20% |
| Plastic Goods | Chapter 39 | 10%–20% |
| Machinery / Equipment | Chapter 84 | 0%–10% |
| Auto Parts | Chapter 87 | 10%–20% |
| Food Products | Chapter 1–24 | 5%–50% |
| Cosmetics | Chapter 33 | 20% |
| Toys | Chapter 95 | 20% |
The Nigeria Customs Service requires the following documents for commercial import clearance:
Mandatory for all commercial imports. Must be opened at a Nigerian bank before shipment leaves China. Validity: 180 days.
Form M guide →Generated after the Bill of Lading is issued. Must be processed before cargo arrives at Nigerian port to avoid delays.
Required for SON-regulated products (electronics, building materials, toys, electrical equipment). Issued in China pre-shipment.
SONCAP guide →Issued by the carrier. Required for customs clearance and cargo release at port.
Must accurately reflect transaction value. Under-invoicing is illegal and risks seizure. Over-invoicing wastes money on excess duties.
Required for food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices entering Nigeria.
Demurrage warning: Nigeria Customs Service grants a free storage period at Apapa and Tincan ports (typically 7–21 days depending on cargo type). After this, demurrage charges accumulate rapidly — often ₦50,000–₦250,000 per day per container. Always process your PAAR and documentation before vessel arrival.
Get a quick estimate of your total landed cost — freight + duty + VAT + port charges.
For indicative purposes only. Request a firm quote from our Guangzhou team for accurate pricing.
Answer two questions to find the recommended method for your China–Nigeria shipment.
How urgent is your shipment?
Port charges, clearing agent fees, inspection costs, and storage fees — often the most misunderstood part of total import cost.
| Charge | Per 20ft | Per 40ft |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Handling (THC) | $200–$350 | $350–$550 |
| Bill of Lading Release | $50–$120 | $50–$120 |
| Demurrage (after free days) | $60–$120/day | $100–$200/day |
| Container Examination | $100–$300 | $150–$400 |
| Port Storage (days 8–30) | $20–$60/day | $40–$100/day |
| Customs Agent Fee | $200–$500 | $300–$700 |
| Scanner Fee | $50–$100 | $80–$150 |
These mistakes collectively cost Nigerian importers millions of naira each year — and most are avoidable with proper freight planning.
Duty, VAT, THC, PAAR, and last-mile can equal or exceed the freight cost. Always calculate full landed cost before purchasing from Chinese suppliers.
Cargo shipped without a valid Form M faces seizure or indefinite port detention at Apapa. Form M must be in place before goods leave China.
Nigeria Customs uses benchmark pricing databases. Under-invoiced goods are re-assessed at a higher value — and penalties apply. Accurate invoicing always.
Air freight at $5/kg on 1,000 kg of textile goods costs $5,000 — same cargo by sea LCL might cost $600. Method selection must match cargo economics.
Products regulated by SON — electronics, electrical equipment, toys, building materials — require a SONCAP certificate obtained in China before export. Shipments without it are quarantined.
Missing the free storage window at Apapa triggers charges of $60–$200/day per container. Always submit PAAR before vessel arrival and clear documentation promptly.
Forwarders operating only from Nigeria rely on third-party agents in China — adding markups, communication delays, and no source-level quality or loading oversight. Foon Chaser operates directly from Guangzhou.
Three examples showing how the right freight strategy reduced landed costs for Nigerian importers.
Previous forwarder charged volumetric without applying actual weight discount break. Foon Chaser negotiated a 500 kg-level rate for 150 kg actual chargeable, reducing the all-in to $9/kg. Transit: 6 days to Lagos.
Importer was booking 22 CBM as LCL, unaware the 20ft FCL rate was lower. Foon Chaser consolidated into a sole-use 20ft container — better security, lower cost, same transit time of 30 days to Apapa.
Importer previously faced unbudgeted demurrage of ₦800,000 after documentation delays. DDP service with Foon Chaser covered all clearance. Complete visibility from Guangzhou factory to Kano warehouse door — 38 days total.
Our Guangzhou team analyses your product type, order frequency, and margin requirements to build a freight strategy — not just a one-time quote.
Send us your cargo details — weight, dimensions, product type, and destination in Nigeria. Our Guangzhou team will respond with a complete landed cost breakdown within 24 hours.
Guangzhou Operations · china@dechaser.com · dechaser.com
China–Nigeria Freight Specialists · Guangzhou Operations Hub
Everything you need to import from China to Nigeria with confidence.