How to Import and Ship Goods from China to Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Beginners Guide

Importing goods from China has helped many Nigerians start small businesses without owning a physical shop. Whether you’re into fashion, electronics, or home items, buying from Chinese websites like 1688, Alibaba, Taobao, or Pinduoduo gives you access to cheap and quality products.

But how exactly do you get these products to Nigeria? That’s where many beginners get confused.

This post will guide you through the exact steps, from finding what to buy to receiving your goods in Nigeria.

1. Where to Import From 

There are four major platforms most Nigerians use:

1688.com: 

This is the cheapest platform. It is mainly for wholesalers and manufacturers inside China. Most items are in Chinese, and you’ll need a translator app to navigate.

Alibaba.com: 

Perfect for bulk buying and international sellers. Alibaba is easier to use than 1688 and mostly in English.

Pinduoduo.com: 

Great for buying cheap, trendy products in smaller quantities. It’s a fast-rising platform but mostly in Chinese.

Taobao.com: 

Best for fashion, shoes, accessories, and quality items. It is also a Chinese-based platform, so use a browser translator.

Tip: For beginners, Alibaba is the easiest, but 1688 gives the lowest prices. 

2. Create an Account or Get a Sourcing Agent 

You can open an account on Alibaba and place orders yourself.

For 1688, Pinduoduo, and Taobao (which are in Chinese), most Nigerians use sourcing agents. These agents help you:

• Communicate with sellers 
• Confirm product quality 
• Make payment 
• Deliver to a shipping warehouse in China 

Examples of trusted agents:

• Obiex 1688 Agent 
• iRokotong 
• Nexbuy China 

Ask for their WhatsApp or website and work with someone trusted.

3. Choose a Shipping Address in China 

When your goods are ready, they need to be sent to a warehouse. These are shipping companies with addresses inside China, which later bring your items to Nigeria.

Popular Nigerian shipping agents:

• Lily Cargo 
• Skyjet Logistics 
• SkyCargo Logistics 
• Ehi Cargo 
• SEND4ME Logistics 

What they do:

• Give you a China warehouse address 
• Collect your goods 
• Combine (consolidate) your orders 
• Weigh and calculate shipping fees 
• Bring them to Lagos or Abuja 

Tip: Choose a shipping company with good communication and tracking system. 

4. Make Payment for Goods 

There are different ways to pay Chinese sellers:

• Through your agent: You pay your agent in Naira, they pay the supplier in Yuan. 
• Use online payment platforms: Alipay (for 1688), Payoneer, or international cards for Alibaba. 
• Cryptocurrency: Some agents accept USDT or Bitcoin. 

Note: Make sure you calculate exchange rates. Some agents charge ₦150 to ₦200 per ¥1 Yuan.

5. Tracking Code and Shipping Time 

Once your items are sent to the warehouse in China, the seller gives you a tracking code. You forward that code to your shipping agent in Nigeria so they can identify your package.

Shipping time varies:

• Air shipping: 7–14 working days 
• Sea shipping: 30–45 days (cheaper, good for bulk) 

Ask your agent for tracking updates once goods are in transit.

6. Shipment Departure and Notification 

Once your goods leave China, you’ll get a message (email or WhatsApp) from the cargo company.

They will update you:

• When your item departs 
• When it lands in Nigeria 
• When it arrives in their Lagos or Abuja warehouse 

7. Pickup Message and Delivery Option 

After your goods land in Nigeria, you’ll receive a pickup message. It includes:

• Item weight 
• Shipping fee 
• Date to pick up 
• Office location 

Some companies also offer:

• Door delivery (they send to your house) 
• Waybill to other states in Nigeria 

Always check the weight and confirm it matches what you ordered.

8. Understand Delivery Fees 

Delivery fees are usually charged by weight (kg):

• Air cargo: ₦4,500–₦7,000 per kg (as of now) 
• Sea cargo: ₦500–₦1,200 per kg (much slower) 

Hidden charges may include: 

• Clearing fees 
• Storage fees (if you don’t pick up early) 

Final Tips Before You Start Importing 

• Start small. Test with 1 or 2 items. 
• Work with a trusted agent with reviews. 
• Join importation groups on Telegram or Facebook. 
• Always confirm exchange rates before paying. 
• Don’t forget to factor in shipping and delivery when pricing your product. 

Importation is a smart way to start a business in Nigeria with low capital. Many people are already making profits by reselling items like bags, phones, kitchen tools, clothes, and gadgets.

If you follow these steps, you’ll avoid the common mistakes beginners make.

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