How to import aluminium profiles from China to Nigeria
To import aluminium profiles from China to Nigeria, send your drawings, model codes or series names to a supplier for a quotation, confirm alloy, temper, finish and packing, then agree an Incoterm — FOB, CFR, CIF and others on request. Production runs 10–30 days depending on colour and finish, followed by inspection, loading and shipping with the export documents. You or your clearing agent then complete Nigerian import formalities — Form M, PAAR and SONCAP in general terms — and clear the cargo at the port. Confirm current requirements with your clearing agent before you ship.
What should I send to get an accurate quotation?
The more complete your enquiry, the fewer revisions the quotation needs. Send drawings in DWG, PDF or JPG, or the catalogue model codes with the quantities you need. Add the key dimensions and wall thickness if you have them, the alloy, temper and finish you want, the quantity in tons or pieces, and your destination port. If you are not sure about alloy or finish, say what the profiles are for — windows, furniture, general fabrication — and ask for a recommendation. Aayukti Aluminium replies with a priced offer. Incoterms are FOB, CFR, CIF and others on request; lead time is 10–30 days depending on colour and finish.
How is an aluminium profile quotation structured?
A quotation is normally built from the profile itself, priced by weight, plus the surface finish, packing, inland transport to the load port, and — for CFR and CIF — ocean freight and insurance. Anodised, powder-coated and wood-grain finishes each price differently; seaworthy export packing is standard. Because raw material prices move, quotations carry a validity period — check it before you approve. Exact figures depend on your models and quantities, so every price here is confirmed at quotation, never assumed.
What are Form M, PAAR and SONCAP?
These are the Nigerian import formalities most buyers of aluminium profiles encounter, described here only in general terms. Form M is the import declaration form processed through an authorised dealer bank before shipment. PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) is issued by Nigeria Customs on the basis of the documents submitted for the shipment, and is used to assess duty. SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) covers conformity assessment for regulated products entering Nigeria. Rules, fees and processing steps change — confirm current requirements with your clearing agent before you commit to a shipment. Your clearing agent, not your supplier, is the authority on what your cargo needs.
How long does the whole process take?
There are no fixed timelines — treat every stage as "typical, to be confirmed". Quotation usually takes a few working days once your enquiry is complete. Production runs 10–30 days depending on colour and finish. Inspection and loading follow production. Sea transit from China to Lagos varies by sailing and season, so confirm with your forwarder when you plan. Port clearance depends on your documents and the formalities above. Build buffer into your schedule and confirm each stage as you go.
Should I buy FOB, CFR or CIF?
With FOB, the supplier delivers the goods on board at the load port and you arrange freight and insurance. With CFR, the supplier arranges freight to your port while risk transfers on loading. With CIF, the supplier also arranges marine insurance. First-time importers often prefer CIF because one party handles the sea leg; experienced buyers with their own forwarder often prefer FOB for control over shipping. Any of the three can work — confirm the Incoterm and the named port at quotation so there is no ambiguity later.
How do I check quality before shipment?
Quality is agreed before production, not debated after arrival. Put the specification in writing: model codes, dimensions, wall thickness, alloy, temper, finish and packing. Ask for production photos during the run. Arrange inspection before loading — third-party inspection is welcome — and check the profiles against the agreed spec: dimensions, wall thickness, finish quality and packing. If anything does not match, it is corrected before the container is sealed, which is far cheaper than after it lands.
What documents will I receive?
With the shipment you receive the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, prepared as the goods are loaded. Keep copies of everything you sent and received — your clearing agent needs the full set for Form M, PAAR and port clearance. If your agent asks for anything product-specific for SONCAP purposes, forward the request to the supplier before loading so documents can be prepared in time.
How do I start?
Send your drawings, model codes or even a photo of the profile you want to replace. Aayukti Aluminium replies with a priced quotation, and you confirm the Incoterm, lead time and formalities with your clearing agent in parallel. That is the whole process: enquiry, quotation, production, inspection, loading, clearance.
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FAQ
What are Form M, PAAR and SONCAP?
Form M is the import declaration form processed through an authorised dealer bank; PAAR is the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report issued by Nigeria Customs from your submitted documents; SONCAP is the Standards Organisation of Nigeria conformity assessment programme for regulated imports. These are general descriptions only — confirm current requirements with your clearing agent before you ship.
How long does production take?
Lead time is 10–30 days, depending on colour and finish. Sea transit times vary by sailing — confirm with your forwarder when planning.
FOB, CFR or CIF — which should I choose?
FOB means you arrange freight from the load port; CFR adds freight to your port; CIF adds marine insurance as well. First-time buyers often prefer CIF. Confirm the Incoterm at quotation.
How do I check quality before shipment?
Agree the specification in writing, ask for production photos, and arrange inspection before loading — third-party inspection is welcome. Check dimensions, wall thickness, finish and packing against the agreed spec.
What documents will I receive?
Commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading are prepared with the shipment. Your clearing agent will tell you what else Nigerian formalities require.
Next step: send your drawing or model code on WhatsApp for a priced offer, or see the Nigeria page.