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The Cost Of Buying And Clearing Mercedes Benz Cars Officially From Customs In Nigeria

Buying and clearing a Mercedes-Benz car in Nigeria involves more than just the purchase price. When you import a vehicle, you’ll need to factor in various customs duties, port charges, and other clearing fees, which can add significantly to the total cost. Below is a comprehensive guide on what you need to know about purchasing and officially clearing a Mercedes-Benz from Nigerian customs in 2024.

Purchase Cost of the Mercedes-Benz

The cost of a Mercedes-Benz car depends on several factors, including the model, year, and condition (new or used). Generally, popular used models like the Mercedes-Benz GL450 and E-Class can range in price. A Mercedes-Benz GL450 from around 2007, for instance, might cost approximately 3.5 million Naira, while newer models can range much higher depending on specifications and condition.

Customs Duty and Levy

Nigeria imposes significant customs duties on imported cars, including a 35% import duty and a 35% levy based on the car's cost. Combined, this totals to 70% of the vehicle’s purchase price. For instance, a 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 valued at 3.5 million Naira would require a customs duty and levy payment of around 2.45 million Naira. This policy aims to discourage excessive car imports while encouraging local purchases but also results in high overall import costs.

Other Clearing Costs

Clearing a car through Nigerian ports involves additional charges beyond the customs duty and levy. These may include:

• Shipping Company Fees: The cost to transport the vehicle from its country of origin, which can vary based on the shipping line, distance, and car type.

• Terminal Handling Fees: Charged by port authorities, covering storage, container handling, and unloading costs.

• Clearing Agent Fees: Most people prefer hiring a licensed customs agent to navigate the complexities of Nigerian customs. Agent fees can vary but are essential for expediting the process

Documentation and Verification Process

To clear a Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, you’ll need to present various documents at the port, including the bill of lading, invoice, proof of ownership, and any other import-related documents. These are used to verify the car’s details and determine the applicable duties.

Verification is typically conducted at one of the four Nigerian Customs zones:

• Zone A in Lagos (Harvey Road, Yaba),

• Zone B in Kaduna (Kabala Doki),

• Zone C in Port Harcourt (Nigeria Ports Authority),

Zone D in Bauchi (Yelwa Tudu Road). Alternatively, verification can be done over the phone by calling specific customs numbers and providing the car’s import details.

Port Charges and Land Border Fees

If the car enters Nigeria through the Seme border (for vehicles imported from Cotonou, Benin), you’ll also pay border clearance fees. Clearing at this border includes customs duty, clearing agent fees, and other border-related charges, which often mirror those at ports like Tin Can Island or Apapa in Lagos.

Examples of Clearing Costs for Various Mercedes-Benz Models

Here’s a brief breakdown of clearing fees for some Mercedes-Benz models to give a clearer picture of the costs involved:

• Mercedes-Benz GL450 2007: Purchase price estimated at 3.5 million Naira, with clearing fees around 2.45 million Naira.

• Mercedes-Benz ML series: Clearing costs can vary depending on the model year, but generally, it might cost around 450,000 Naira for earlier models from around 2006 to 2007

Calculating Total Cost

To get an estimate of the total cost, combine the purchase price, 70% of this value as duty and levy, and add on shipping, terminal, and agent fees. For example:

• If you buy a Mercedes-Benz GL450 for 3.5 million Naira:

• Customs duty and levy = 2.45 million Naira

• Clearing agent and other fees (approx.) = 500,000 Naira

• Estimated Total Cost: 6.45 million Naira.

Clearing Times and Process

Clearing a car in Nigeria may take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the customs clearance process, agent efficiency, and documentation readiness. Engaging a licensed agent can help minimize delays and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. The customs authorities have streamlined the process in recent years, but documentation issues or incomplete records can still result in delays.

Conclusion 

Buying and clearing a Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria can be costly, primarily due to the high customs duty and associated fees. While government policies aim to control importation, these fees have become a significant barrier for many buyers. Given these costs, you may want to weigh the benefits of buying locally versus importing. However, if you’re set on importing, budgeting for both purchase and clearing expenses will help ensure a smoother process.

For more precise details on current import duties or specific models, contacting a customs clearing agent or consulting Nigerian Customs Services is recommended.