Requirements When Buying a Car in Nigeria Through Auction Sites

Car auction sites are continuously gaining popularity in Nigeria. The number of car buyers taking advantage of this affordable and easy way to buy used or salvage cars is increasing day by day . Auto Auction Mall, Copart’s authorized representative in Nigeria, offers access to the dealer-only car auctions from Copart in the US. This makes buying a car in Nigeria an easy process. You can find a good salvage or used car at a wholesale price. 

However, a fair number of buyers still don’t have a clear knowledge about the steps required to deliver their newly purchased used car into Nigeria. 

Shipping Your Car

It’s very important to have all the information you need before initiating the process of buying a car in Nigeria through an auction site. Auto Auction Mall has a straightforward shipping solution from the time you purchase the car until it gets to the Port of Lagos. Nonetheless, there are legal steps that are crucial in order to avoid extra fees or even a problem with your car’s clearance at its destination.

Initially, you’ll need to decide on which type of shipping you would like to choose with your shipping agent. The Roll-On/Roll-Off method, also known as RoRo, is one of the most popular shipping ways of transporting a car to Nigeria. It is also less expensive than other overseas shipping methods. However, it is mostly available with vehicles that “runs and drives”.

List of Documents Required

Whichever method of transportation you decide to go with, the following are the documents you need to have ready to ship your vehicle from the US.

1. Title and registration
2. Original purchase invoice
3. Insurance papers
4. Passport
5. The make, model and serial number
6. Packing list
7. Certificate of value and origin

Shipping a car from the US to Nigeria can be more expensive than other destinations because of distance and route availability. Usually, it can take 3 to 4 weeks for the car to be in the port in Nigeria. 

Nigeria’s Used Car Import Laws

You must know that laws for importing used cars into Nigeria can change at any given time. It’s important for you to check the laws before you arrange your car shipping, in order to be sure everything is covered. 

This is what you need to comply with when shipping your used car:

1. Have at hand proof of documentation (list of documents above)
2. Keep proof of paid tariffs
3. The car cannot surpass fifteen (15) years from the year of manufacture
4. The car will need to be opened in case of local customs inspection

Further Reading

1. How to Choose the Right Used Hyundai for Sale 
2. Your Guide to Buy Used Cars on an Online Auto Auction Site 
3. Used Ford Car for Sale: How to Choose the Right One 
4. Everything You Need to Know about Buying Used Cars

Vehicle Import Taxes and Tariffs

Although there are taxes and additional shipping payments, the overall cost of buying a used car through auction sites makes it all worth it. You can save a good amount of money by using sites like Auto Auction Mall. 

• 5% VAT
• 35% FBU tariff
• 35% commercial tariff
• 35% truck tariff

Your Car-Purchase Checklist When Buying a Car in Nigeria

It may seem as if there are many things to consider when buying a car through an auction site. However, these are simple things, and once you have them ready and organized, shipping a car to Nigeria will run smoothly. The whole process is still less expensive than buying a used car locally. Finally, auction sites like Auto Auction Mall, are an excellent option for you to find a great used car at a wholesale price. 

Here is a checklist that will help you have everything ready.

Documentation

• Vehicle Title and Registration
• Original Purchase Invoice
• Insurance Papers
• Passport
• Make, Model, and Serial Number
• Certificate of Value and Origin
• Packing List
• Proof of Paid Tariffs