- Import guide
- Africa
How to Import a Chinese EV to Nigeria (2026)
What you need to know before importing a new or used Chinese EV to Nigeria: import rules, duties and taxes, homologation, ports, shipping from China and the documents to prepare.
At a glance
- Import of new cars
- Allowed
- Import of used cars
- Allowed with restrictions
- Age limit for used cars
- Used motor vehicles more than 12 years old from their year of manufacture are prohibited from importation, according to the Nigeria Customs Service prohibition list as reported in August 2026.
- Duties and taxes
- Pure electric vehicles and EREVs with at least 200 km of electric-only range are exempt from import duty and VAT, with an exemption certificate. Hybrids and vehicles valued at $100,000 or more are excluded.
- Homologation and standards
- Since 31 March 2026, new and used vehicles need a SON–NADDC Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP) certificate before import clearance, registration or licensing. Vehicles are assessed in the country of export before shipment.
- Driving side
- Right-hand traffic (left-hand drive cars)
- Ports of entry
- Lagos – PTML terminal (Tin Can Island), roll-on/roll-off, Lagos – Apapa
- Shipping from China
- 27 days at sea
- Documents required
- 4 main documents
- Dealers listed
- 0
Dealers in Nigeria
No Zeekr dealership in Nigeria is listed in our directory yet. Importing may be the only way to buy some models.
Import of new cars to Nigeria
New cars can be imported into Nigeria. Customs duty and levies apply, and eligible electric vehicles are exempt from import duty and VAT.
Import of used cars to Nigeria
Used cars can be imported within the age limit set by the Nigeria Customs Service prohibition list.
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Age limit for used cars to Nigeria
Used motor vehicles more than 12 years old from their year of manufacture are prohibited from importation, according to the Nigeria Customs Service prohibition list as reported in August 2026.
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Import duties and taxes in Nigeria
Pure electric vehicles and EREVs with at least 200 km of electric-only range are exempt from import duty and VAT, with an exemption certificate. Hybrids and vehicles valued at $100,000 or more are excluded.
| Tax | Rate or amount |
|---|---|
| Import duty – eligible EVs | Exempt (exemption certificate required) |
| VAT – eligible EVs | Exempt (exemption certificate required) |
Homologation and standards
Since 31 March 2026, new and used vehicles need a SON–NADDC Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP) certificate before import clearance, registration or licensing. Vehicles are assessed in the country of export before shipment.
- The checks cover safety, emissions and structural integrity. Uncertified vehicles face refusal of clearance, seizure or sanctions.
- The rule is reported by the press; confirm the certification procedure with SON or NADDC before shipping.
Left-hand or right-hand drive?
Nigeria drives on the right. Imported vehicles intended for normal registration are generally required to be left-hand drive.
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Ports of entry in Nigeria
Lagos is the main entry point. The first direct China–Lagos car carrier service docks at the PTML terminal.
- Lagos – PTML terminal (Tin Can Island), roll-on/roll-off
- Lagos – Apapa
Documents required
General import documents in Nigeria. Form M and the PAAR are processed through a commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to handle foreign exchange.
- Form M, validated by your bank
- Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)
- Bill of lading
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Shipping a car from China to Nigeria
Grimaldi's direct roll-on/roll-off service from Shanghai to Lagos, launched in February 2025, takes about 27 days. Clearance and delivery come on top.
- Indicative transit time27 days
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Buy locally or import?
| Criteria | Local dealer | Import from China |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | No dealer listed yet | Models sold in China, if they meet local rules |
| Taxes | Included in the dealer price | Paid at customs (see above) |
| Delivery time | Depends on dealer stock | About 27 days at sea, plus clearance |
| Paperwork | Handled by the dealer | Customs, homologation and registration |
Zeekr prices in China
| Model | China price |
|---|---|
| Zeekr X | $24,000 – $27,100 |
| Zeekr 7X | $35,400 – $41,500 |
| Zeekr 7GT | $31,400 – $37,500 |
| Zeekr 001 | $41,500 – $56,200 |
| Zeekr 007 | $31,400 – $37,500 |
| Zeekr 009 | $67,700 – $72,300 |
China prices are ranges from the cheapest to the dearest version, based on China prices and exporter quotes (November 2026), with a small margin. Freight, insurance, duties and taxes are extra. Compare Zeekr prices by region.
Xiaomi prices in China
| Model | China price |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi SU7 | $33,900 – $46,800 |
| Xiaomi SU7 Ultra | $81,500 |
| Xiaomi YU7 | $35,900 – $50,800 |
| Xiaomi YU7 GT | $60,000 |
China prices are ranges from the cheapest to the dearest version, based on China prices and exporter quotes (November 2026), with a small margin. Freight, insurance, duties and taxes are extra. Compare Xiaomi prices by region.
How to import a Chinese EV to Nigeria, step by step
- 1
Check that your car can be imported
New cars: Allowed. Used cars: Allowed with restrictions. Used motor vehicles more than 12 years old from their year of manufacture are prohibited from importation, according to the Nigeria Customs Service prohibition list as reported in August 2026.
- 2
Choose the model and the right steering side
Right-hand traffic (left-hand drive cars). Make sure the car you buy matches it.
- 3
Estimate the landed cost
Add the purchase price, export fees, sea freight, insurance, import duty, taxes and registration costs before you commit.
- 4
Ship the car
Main ports of entry: Lagos – PTML terminal (Tin Can Island), roll-on/roll-off, Lagos – Apapa. Expect about 27 days at sea from China.
- 5
Clear customs
Prepare the documents listed above and pay the duties and taxes at clearance.
- 6
Homologate and register
Since 31 March 2026, new and used vehicles need a SON–NADDC Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP) certificate before import clearance, registration or licensing. Vehicles are assessed in the country of export before shipment.
FAQ: importing an electric car to Nigeria
Can I import a used Chinese EV to Nigeria?
Yes, if it is not more than 12 years old from its year of manufacture, according to the Nigeria Customs Service prohibition list as reported in August 2026.
Are Chinese EVs exempt from duty in Nigeria?
Pure electric vehicles and EREVs with at least 200 km of electric range are exempt from import duty and VAT with an exemption certificate. Hybrids and vehicles worth $100,000 or more are excluded.
Which steering side do I need in Nigeria?
Nigeria drives on the right, and imported vehicles for normal registration are generally required to be left-hand drive.
How long does shipping from China to Lagos take?
Grimaldi's direct roll-on/roll-off service from Shanghai to Lagos takes about 27 days, before clearance.
Are electric Zeekrs exempt from duty in Nigeria?
Pure electric vehicles and EREVs with at least 200 km of electric range are exempt from import duty and VAT with an exemption certificate. Hybrids and vehicles worth $100,000 or more are excluded.