How to Import from China to Nigeria to Start a Business
Importing from China to Nigeria to start a business can be a daunting task, but at the same time, it holds the promise of prosperity. It requires extensive research and a solid understanding of different markets, as well as an entrepreneurial spirit. With the right knowledge and guidance, the process can be made much easier.
The article will help you make an informed decision about whether or not importing from China is the right choice for your needs. You should comply with the following steps if you want to launch an import business from China to Nigeria:
Select a Product Favoured in Your Location
Undoubtedly, before you begin the process of importing from China to Nigeria, you need to decide what products you will be importing, especially cheap products from China. Therefore, you need to conduct sufficient market research on the Chinese market and the Nigerian market to gain an in-depth understanding of user needs and product characteristics. Consider factors, for example, the demand for the product in Nigeria, the cost of production in China, and the availability of the product.
Identifying the Products You Wish to Import
Determining the type of goods is essential for ensuring that it is handled and transported safely and securely, as different types of goods require different packaging, handling, and shipping procedures.
From a long-term perspective, the continuous import and dedication to products are beneficial to the improvement of the management system of the enterprise’s supply chain and profoundly affect the healthy development of the enterprise. Several examples are shown below:
- Construction and Decoration
- Tools and Hardware
- Apparel and Accessories
- Lights and Lighting.
We always hear inquiries like, I want to buy clothes, I want to buy shoes to start a business. These demonstrate that they are clear about their needs and types of products. So, research the different types of products available to determine which is most appropriate for your needs.
Many consumers purchase items from Alibaba, usually in small quantities. We have helped them choose a product type that meets their needs and budget---by comparing the features and costs of different kinds of products, considering the potential long-term impacts of the product type on their budget and lifestyle, and ultimately finding the best choice.
Discover Trending Products from China to Nigeria
A method of functioning this is to review the list of Chinese exports to Nigeria: Look at the price and the list of Chinese exports to Nigeria and identify the popular products in the Nigerian market. Contact Chinese exporters to reach out and inquire about the products they are exporting to Nigeria. Ask for samples, product details, and pricing information. What’s more, you can also attend Nigerian trade fairs, and visit Nigerian trade fairs to gain a better understanding of the products that are in demand in Nigeria. If you have a certain financial base, you can also invest in the product.
According to the import and export statistics, we found that the following products are local hits for reference.
Building Materials
According to the World Bank, the Nigerian construction industry grew at an average rate of 6.5% between 2012 and 2017, and the value of construction output increased from $18.5 billion in 2011 to $29.5 billion in 2017. This trend has been driven by increased investment in the sector and a rise in domestic demand for building materials.
In terms of natural resources, Nigeria has the largest reserves of limestone in Africa, as well as abundant deposits of clay, sand, and other materials used in construction. This has contributed to the popularity of building materials in the country.
Apparel & Footwear
Apparel and footwear are popular in Nigeria due to the country’s large population, rising incomes, and favorable fashion trends. According to the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, apparel, and footwear accounted for 8.3% of total household spending in Nigeria in 2018. Furthermore, Apparel and footwear imports have grown significantly over the past decade, rising from $1.1 billion in 2008 to $4.4 billion in 2018. This growth has been driven by rising incomes and increasing consumer confidence, as well as the growing popularity of Western fashion trends.
Auto, Motorcycle Parts & Accessories
Due to the country’s growing middle class and increased investment in the automotive sector, Auto parts products are very popular in Nigeria. According to the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, the automotive sector accounted for 4.9% of total household spending in 2018. Furthermore, the value of auto parts imports has increased significantly over the past decade, rising from $1.1 billion in 2008 to $3.6 billion in 2018. This growth has been driven by rising incomes, increased consumer confidence, and increased investment in the automotive sector.
Make your Business Registered for CAC
It is not compulsively required to register your business with CAC(the Corporate Affairs Commission), however, it provides businesses with a legal identity and helps to protect your interests by giving you a clear legal identity and the right to take legal action against any infringement of your rights. Importantly, it could assist increase the client’s or customer’s confidence in you.
Additionally, CAC registration provides businesses with the ability to open a corporate bank account and makes it easier to apply for business loans and other types of financing. Finally, CAC registration is essential for businesses to be able to participate in government contracts and to benefit from tax breaks, incentives, and other opportunities.
How to get a CAC Certificate?
Businesses can obtain a CAC certificate by following these steps:
- Contact a CAC-certified vendor. The vendor can provide information on the requirements and process of obtaining a CAC certificate.
- Submit an application to the vendor. This application should include all necessary information, such as contact information, company size, and the number of CAC certificates needed.
- Obtain the appropriate CAC card. Depending on the type of CAC certificate needed, the vendor may require different types of CAC cards.
- Provide proof of identity. This will typically involve providing valid forms of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Complete any additional requirements. Depending on the CAC certificate, there may be additional background checks or paperwork that needs to be completed.
- Receive the CAC certificate. Once all steps are completed, the vendor will provide the CAC certificate. This certificate can then be used to access secure networks and resources.
Select a Supplier
After registering with the Nigeria Customs Service, and obtaining the necessary documents(import license and Certificate of Conformity), you need to find a reputable supplier in China once you have identified the product you will be important.
Having investigated various suppliers and compared their prices and quality of products, the following step is to visit their factories and take samples of their products to ensure they meet your standards.
There are numerous ways to import commodities from China to Nigeria:
- Use the popularity of the website in China via these online marketplaces. These include Alibaba.com, Amazon.com, Bestsuppliers.com, Aliexpress.com, Made-in-China.com, Global Sources, DHgate.com, and TradeKey.com.
- There are also offline ways to find them. Trade shows, exhibitions, and trade fairs are all great options for connecting with potential suppliers. Additionally, you can reach out to industry associations and chambers of commerce to get in contact with reputable suppliers.
- Consider using an experienced freight forwarder to assist.
- Order directly from China manufacturers or suppliers like 1688.com.
Place an Order.
It’s time to place your purchase when you’ve finished looking for the right goods and source. You don’t necessarily need an agent to handle your shipment, once you have found a highly reputable supplier.
Do not forget, that the reliability of the supplier will help ensure that you receive quality products and services in a timely manner, protecting your business from potential risks such as late deliveries, defective products, and subpar service, which can all negatively affect your business. Furthermore, having a reliable supplier can help to build trust and establish a strong relationship between your business and the supplier, leading to better prices and more efficient collaboration.
But you needn’t worry, we have already helped more than 10000 international buyers successfully find a variety of products and increase their business from A to Z for their final business bloom since 1995. Our sourced products have already been shipped to various countries worldwide. Our buyers cover nearly all the world, including Africa, Europe, North America, and also South America, with more than 100 countries in total.
If you want to import any other products from China. Please contact us directly.
Make your Payment
Making your payment to China is the next step after placing your order. As everyone knows it is an essential component of any contract. You will explore several main payment methods available when placing an order for importing goods from China to Nigeria online.
Pay for the Website’s Portal.
Most websites will provide a link or button to their payment portal on the checkout page. Once you click on the link or button, you will be taken to a secure page where you can enter your payment information. Depending on the website, you may be able to pay with a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or other payment methods. Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation of your purchase.
It allows you to make payments quickly and easily, without having to worry about the security of your information. Additionally, many websites offer discounts or incentives for paying through their portal, making it an attractive option for buyers.
Pay for Oversea Suppliers
Escrow. It is also called “buyer protection,” becoming increasingly popular for importing goods from China to Nigeria. It protects both buyers and sellers, as it requires a third party to hold and release funds once the goods have been received. This helps ensure that the buyer gets the goods they paid for and the seller gets paid for the goods they have shipped.
T/T(Telegraphic Transfer). It is usually the most convenient and cost-effective method as it is a swift, secure, and direct payment method that does not require much paperwork.
L/C(Letter of Credit). It is a more secure payment method as it requires the seller to provide proof that the goods have been shipped before the buyer’s bank will issue payment. The downside to using an L/C is that it is more expensive and time-consuming than T/T.
Western Union. It is fast and secure and is especially useful for transactions that must be settled quickly. However, Western Union may not be the most cost-effective option, as there are usually fees associated with transferring money through this payment method.
Additionally, make sure to double-check the payment details, such as the recipient’s name, address, and account number. Lastly, it is important to keep records of all your payments and receipts, in case there are any disputes or issues that need to be resolved.
Understand the Shipment and Delivery
There are two major modes of shipment from China to Nigeria.
- Air Freight or Sea Freight. The former is typically used for smaller and more urgent shipments and typically has a shorter transit time than sea freight. Its transit time is faster than sea freight but more expensive than it. The latter is the most popular and economical way to transport goods from China to Nigeria. It is more cost-effective than air freight and typically used for larger shipments. Air freight and sea freight can be used for both import and export.
- Courier Service. Courier services are typically used for smaller shipments and can be a faster option than other methods of shipping. They may also offer additional services such as tracking and insurance to ensure that the goods are delivered safely and on time.
DHL, EMS, and UPS are all courier services. DHL is an international courier service that offers international express, freight, and parcel services. EMS is a courier service which is operated by the Chinese government and offers international express delivery services. UPS is an American courier service that offers international express, freight, and parcel services.
DHL:
- International express, freight, and parcel services
- Tracking and insurance options available
- Fast and reliable delivery
EMS
- Operated by the Chinese government
- International express delivery services
- Reliable and cost-effective
UPS
- International express, freight, and parcel services
- Tracking and insurance options available
- Fast and reliable delivery
Market your Imported Products
Promotion should be your next priority after selecting a market, purchasing things, and getting them. This is the most essential part of the business.
Marketing products help you reach potential customers and generate more revenue. It assists your company in creating an identity and generating customers’ interest in your products, successfully building brand awareness, creating customer loyalty, and attracting new customers. Marketing products also help you stay competitive in the marketplace, differentiate your products from the competition, and increase your profits.
The first step in marketing your products is to share them with the people already in your WhatsApp and Facebook contact lists.
How to advertise your products on Facebook in the Nigerian region？
- Create a Facebook Page. Make sure to include the name of your product in the Page name.
- Use targeted ads. Facebook Ads allows you to target your audience by location, age, interests, and more. Make sure to specify Nigeria as the target area.
- Use relevant images and videos. Make sure to use visuals that are attractive and relevant to your product.
- Promote your page. Use other social media platforms to promote your Facebook Page and encourage people to like and follow it.
- Monitor and analyze your results. Track the performance of your ads and make adjustments accordingly.
And you can also locate Facebook groups in Nigeria that are related to your product, and then request that the admin post an ad there. As for Instagram, you can create a profile dedicated to your goods and increase your fan base.
So, you would make a contribution to the advertising.
What can we help you Import from China to Nigeria?
We are delighted to help you import from China to Nigeria.
We are keen to help you to source any products you need. Find everything you need in one place. From finding new products ready to ship or partners to customize what you want, all the way to ensuring quality and shipping your order to its final destination.
If you have any OEM or import requirements. We are always by your side to support your business in sourcing any item you need.
