How Can We Help You?

We are a licensed customs clearing agent offering:

• Air Freight - Fast international delivery
• Sea Freight - Cost-effective ocean transport (FCL & LCL)
• Road Freight - Domestic and regional trucking
• Customs Clearance - Expert documentation processing
• Warehousing - Secure storage in Lagos
• Export Services - Shipping from Nigeria worldwide
• Door-to-Door - Complete end-to-end logistics

Bowgate Global has been operating since 1994, bringing over 29 years of experience in freight forwarding and customs clearing services across Nigeria.

Yes, we are fully licensed: Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), CAC registered, ANCLA member, FIATA member, WCA World member, IFCBA member, ISO 9001 & ISO 39001 certified.

We have partnerships in 80+ countries: China, India, UAE, USA, UK, Germany, France, Poland, Indonesia, South Africa, Canada, Singapore, Japan, and many more.

Yes! Complete door-to-door solutions: pickup from supplier, international shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to your address in Nigeria.

Costs depend on: origin/destination, weight/volume, transport mode, service speed, cargo type. Request a free personalized quote for accurate pricing.

Air: By weight or volumetric (L×W×H÷5000), whichever is greater.

Sea FCL: Per container (20ft/40ft).

Sea LCL: Per CBM or ton.

The higher of actual weight or volumetric weight. Air formula: (L×W×H cm)÷5000. Example: Box 60×40×50cm at 15kg = 24kg volumetric = 24kg chargeable.

Sea: Before departure or upon arrival. Air: In advance. Customs: After documentation. Regular clients may qualify for credit terms.

We believe in transparent pricing. All charges itemized. Additional costs only for: inspections, demurrage, special handling, or instruction changes.

Yes! Volume discounts based on: shipment frequency, annual volume, long-term partnership, and shipment consolidation.

Air: Fast (3-10 days), higher cost, ideal for urgent/lightweight goods.

Sea: Economical, longer (20-45 days), perfect for bulk/heavy shipments.

China: 25-35 days | Europe: 20-30 days | USA East: 20-30 days | UAE: 15-25 days | India: 18-28 days | South Africa: 10-15 days

Typically 3-10 days. Express services can deliver in 24-72 hours for urgent shipments from major cities.

Port congestion, weather, carrier schedule changes, incomplete documentation, customs inspections, peak season backlogs.

We provide accurate estimates and real-time tracking. International shipping involves multiple parties. For time-critical needs, use air freight express services.

Yes! Real-time tracking with tracking numbers, updates via email/phone/WhatsApp, and milestone notifications throughout the journey.

FCL: Full container for your exclusive use (20ft ~33 CBM, 40ft ~67 CBM). Faster, more secure.

LCL: Share container space. Economical for smaller volumes. Charged per CBM.

The process of obtaining permission to import/export goods: documentation submission, duty payment, and regulatory compliance. Our licensed agents handle this for you.

For compliant shipments: 48-72 hours (2-4 working days). Depends on documentation, goods type, and inspection requirements.

Essential: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, Form M, PAAR, Certificate of Origin, HS Code.

Product-specific: SONCAP, NAFDAC, SON, Phytosanitary certificates.

Mandatory import document from Nigerian banks. Must be obtained before goods ship. Valid 6 months. We assist in obtaining Form M.

Risk assessment via Nigeria Customs Single Window. Pre-assesses duties, identifies issues early, expedites clearance. We process PAAR as standard service.

International commodity classification code. Determines duty rates, permits, and restrictions. Accurate codes prevent delays and penalties. We provide classification assistance.

Standards compliance certification for: electronics, automotive parts, toys, building materials, chemicals, textiles, household appliances. Involves testing and factory inspection.

Required for: food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water. Products must be registered before importation.

Based on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) and HS Code. Rates: 0-50%. Plus VAT (7.5%), port charges, terminal fees.

Results in: holds, delays, inspection fees, demurrage, penalties, possible seizure. We carefully review all documents before submission.

FOB: Buyer pays freight after loading.

CIF: Seller pays freight & insurance to port.

DDP: Seller pays all costs including duties to destination.

Legal document serving as: receipt for goods, evidence of carriage contract, document of title to claim goods at destination.

Prohibited: illegal drugs, weapons, explosives, counterfeit goods, human remains, certain hazardous chemicals, items banned by destination country.

No. We strictly comply with all laws. We do not ship arms, explosives, banned drugs, or any contraband.

Permits needed for: pharmaceuticals, food products, agricultural items, chemicals, telecommunications equipment, used vehicles, some textiles.

Use strong materials, protect against moisture/shock, add handling labels, use cushioning for fragile items, seal securely.

Yes! Professional packaging and crating for fragile, high-value, oversized, and machinery items.

We supervise loading: proper stowage, space optimization, damage prevention. You receive photos and videos of the process.

Through proper packaging, secure stowage, appropriate containers, careful handling, and cargo insurance options.

Yes! Comprehensive cargo insurance to protect against loss or damage. Recommended for valuable shipments.

Yes! Secure warehousing in Nigeria for short and long-term storage of merchandise, electronics, automotive parts, and more.

Flexible storage from days to months. Fees based on space and duration.

Delays result in demurrage and storage fees. We clear shipments quickly to minimize costs.

Yes! Documentation, packaging, freight booking, customs clearance, and international delivery.

Agricultural products (cashew, cocoa, sesame), solid minerals, manufactured goods, artisanal crafts, leather goods.

Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Export License (if needed), Phytosanitary Certificate (agricultural), Bill of Lading.

Declared through Nigeria Customs Single Window. We handle documentation and coordinate with NEPC, SON, and other agencies.

Yes! Cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles via RORO or containerized shipping with full documentation and customs clearance.

Yes! Heavy machinery, industrial and construction equipment using flat racks, open-top containers, break-bulk vessels.

Yes, if compliant with IMDG (sea) and IATA (air) regulations. Requires special documentation, packaging, labeling.

Yes! Household items and relocation shipments with packing, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery.

Yes! Small parcels to bulk orders with consolidated shipping options for online sellers.

We provide refrigerated (reefer) containers for perishables and pharmaceuticals requiring cold chain.

Yes! We partner with forwarders through WCA, FIATA, and JCtrans networks spanning 80+ countries.

Absolutely! We serve entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large corporations with solutions tailored to each.

Flexible payment for established clients with regular volumes. Contact us to discuss terms.

We welcome inquiries from freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers. Contact us to discuss opportunities.

Via website form, email [email protected], call +234 814 706 8472 / +234 809 578 8867, or WhatsApp.

Yes! Tracking via carrier websites plus updates via email, phone, or WhatsApp throughout the journey.

Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM | Sat: 10 AM - 4 PM | Emergency support available.

Within 24 hours, often faster. For urgent matters, call or WhatsApp directly.

We monitor shipments and intervene immediately. We liaise with customs, resolve documentation issues, and handle inspections to release cargo quickly.

If insured, we assist with filing claims. We work with carriers to determine liability and seek compensation under applicable conventions.

We take concerns seriously. Contact your account manager or customer service immediately. We investigate promptly and work toward fair resolution.

We can file appeals or refund requests with Nigerian Customs. Accurate HS codes and proper documentation prevent overpayment.

Our team stays updated on Nigerian Customs regulations, international trade laws, INCOTERMS, and industry best practices through professional body memberships and regular training.

Harmonized tariff for West African countries with five bands: 0% (capital goods), 5% (raw materials), 10% (intermediate goods), 20% (finished goods), 50% (protected industries).

We maintain ethical business practices. We work through proper channels, maintain transparent dealings, and do not engage in corrupt activities.

Contact us for current certification status. AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification allows expedited clearance, reduced inspections, and priority processing.

Yes, we have experience clearing oil & gas equipment, industrial machinery, and technical equipment requiring special permits and handling.

Yes, but requires NAFDAC registration, proper licensing, and specific documentation. We guide clients through medicine and medical device import requirements.

Yes! Requires NAFDAC approval, proper English labeling, expiry dates showing at least half shelf-life at inspection, and Nigerian food safety compliance.

Consolidate shipments, use sea freight for non-urgent cargo, optimize packaging, plan ahead, ship off-peak.

Have documents ready before arrival, clear customs promptly, use our warehousing if needed, respond quickly to our communications.

Combining multiple shipments from different suppliers into one container to reduce costs and simplify logistics. Ideal for small to medium importers.

Yes! We provide pre-shipment duty calculations so you know total landing costs upfront. Submit product details and invoices for accurate estimates.

While we primarily focus on logistics, we can connect you with trusted suppliers in China, India, UAE, and other markets through our network.

We can arrange third-party inspection services at origin to verify product quality, quantity, and specifications before shipping.

Shipping of oversized or heavy cargo that cannot fit in standard containers. Loaded individually onto vessels using cranes. Common for machinery and construction equipment.

Changes are possible but may incur additional fees. Contact us immediately if you need to redirect a shipment. Earlier notification means more options.

Officers physically examine cargo to verify documentation accuracy, check for prohibited items, assess duty classification. We attend all inspections on your behalf.

Electronic platform for submitting all import/export documentation. Streamlines customs processes and reduces clearance time. We handle all portal submissions.

Nigeria restricts import of used electronics. Refrigerators, air conditioners, and certain appliances must be new. Check current regulations for specific items.

Securing cargo on wooden pallets for easier handling with forklifts. Protects goods, speeds loading/unloading, and reduces damage during transit.

Nigerian Export Promotion Council. Exporters must register and obtain export permits. NEPC promotes Nigerian products and provides incentives for exporters.

Live animal transport requires specialized handling, veterinary certificates, quarantine compliance, and IATA Live Animals Regulations. Contact us for feasibility assessment.

Yes! We advise on supply chain optimization, import/export procedures, regulatory compliance, and cost reduction strategies for businesses.

Bank transfer, online payment platforms, checks, and cash. International payments via wire transfer. Payment terms available for established clients.

Our main office is in Lagos, Nigeria, with presence at major Nigerian ports. Contact us for specific office addresses and directions.

We can verify contents during loading supervision if requested. Once shipped, resolution depends on your supplier agreement. We can assist with documentation for return shipments.

Special clearance for returning Nigerians or expatriates relocating. Allows duty exemption on used personal effects. Requires proof of residence abroad and specific documentation.

Yes! Tractors, harvesters, irrigation equipment, and farming tools. Some agricultural equipment enjoys reduced duty rates to support farming sector development.

Goods stored in customs-controlled warehouse where duty payment is deferred. Useful for re-export, gradual clearance, or while arranging finances.

Yes! Temporary import procedures for trade shows, exhibitions, conferences. We arrange ATA Carnets and temporary import bonds with re-export guarantees.

Our warehousing includes basic stock management, order fulfillment, and distribution services for clients requiring ongoing logistics support.

Period after arrival when containers can stay at port without storage charges. Typically 3-7 days. After that, demurrage fees apply daily. Clear quickly to avoid extra costs!