How to Import Used Excavators to Nigeria: Complete Guide 2026

📖 Buyer's Guide

How to Import Used Excavators to Nigeria: Complete Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about importing used excavators from China to Nigeria — duties, shipping, documents, and how to avoid getting scammed.

📅 April 2026⏱ 12 min read🌍 Nigeria / West Africa

📋 Quick Summary: A typical used CAT 320GC (2020, 3,000 hrs) costs $40,000–$48,000 CIF Lagos, plus $6,300–$9,000 in duties. Total landed: ~$46,000–$57,000. Full process takes 6–8 weeks.

Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and one of the biggest markets for used construction machinery. With massive infrastructure projects underway — road construction, housing developments, oil & gas facility maintenance — the demand for reliable, affordable excavators continues to grow. Chinese used excavators, especially CAT, Komatsu, and Hitachi models, are the most popular choice among Nigerian importers due to their competitive pricing and proven durability.

1Find a Reliable Supplier in China

The first and most critical step is choosing the right supplier. Nigeria's used machinery market has unfortunately attracted many fraudulent sellers. Here's how to protect yourself:

⚠️ Never pay based on photos alone. Always insist on live video inspection before making any payment. Scammers typically offer prices that seem "too good to be true" — and they are.

What to look for in a legitimate supplier:

Live video inspection — A legitimate supplier should provide a real-time WhatsApp video call showing the actual machine starting, operating, and the hour meter
Working hour verification — A CAT 320GC with 2,000 hours is very different from one with 8,000 hours
Engine start-up video — Request a cold-start video: smooth start, no excessive smoke, normal hydraulic operation
Business registration — Ask for the supplier's Chinese business license (营业执照) and export license
Reference customers — Ask for contact details of previous buyers from Nigeria or West Africa

Supplier locations: Most used excavator exporters are in Shanghai (Songjiang District), Xuzhou (Jiangsu Province), and Guangzhou. These cities have major ports and established machinery trading zones.

2Verify Machine Specifications

Before making any payment, have the supplier confirm each item in writing:

Item	What to Check	Why It Matters
Model & Year	Exact model number and manufacturing year on nameplate	Year affects duty rates and resale value
Working Hours	Hour meter reading verified on video	Determines machine condition and price
Engine	Oil pressure, coolant temp, exhaust smoke, oil leaks	Engine rebuild costs $5,000–15,000
Hydraulics	Boom/bucket cylinder leaks, swing speed, travel motor	Hydraulic issues = #1 repair cost
Undercarriage	Track shoe wear, rollers, idlers, sprockets	Replacement costs $8,000–20,000
Electrical	Monitor display, sensors, warning lights	Electrical faults can disable the machine
Attachments	Bucket size, quick coupler, breaker	Affects capability on arrival

🔧 Pro tip: Hire a third-party inspection company (SGS or Bureau Veritas) to inspect the machine before paying. The inspection cost ($200–500) is nothing compared to buying a lemon.

3Import Duties & Taxes in Nigeria

HS Code: 8429.52.00 (Self-propelled excavators)

Charge	Rate	Notes
Import Duty	5% – 10%	Varies by classification & policy
VAT	7.5%	Applied on CIF value + duty
ECOWAS Levy	0.5%	West African Community charge
NPA Surcharge	1%	Nigerian Ports Authority
CISS	1%	Pre-shipment inspection fee

$6,300 – $9,000

Estimated import charges for a $45,000 CIF machine

$45,000

CIF Lagos

+$7,650

Avg. Duties

=$52,650

Total Landed

Rates are approximate and subject to change. Confirm with a licensed Nigerian customs agent before purchasing.

4Shipping Methods

🚢 Ro-Ro Vessel

Transit: 28–35 days
Cost: $2,500–4,500 per unit
Machine driven on/off deck
Best for 1–3 machines
Simple & usually cheaper

📦 Container (Flat Rack)

Transit: 30–40 days
Cost: $3,000–5,500 per 40ft
Open-top container
Best for 4+ machines
Better saltwater protection

🎯 Recommendation: For first-time importers buying 1–2 machines, Ro-Ro is simpler and cheaper. For larger orders (3+ machines), container shipping may be more economical.

5Required Documents

Document	Issued By	Purpose
Commercial Invoice	Supplier	Value declaration for customs
Packing List	Supplier	Shipment details
Bill of Lading (B/L)	Shipping company	Title document
Certificate of Origin	Chinese Chamber of Commerce	Confirms origin
Export License	Chinese authorities	Required for used machinery
Pre-shipment Inspection	SGS / Cotecna	Nigerian customs requirement
Form M	You (importer)	Import application
TIN Certificate	FIRS Nigeria	Tax ID required for clearance

6Customs Clearance

Clearing through Nigerian customs is complex — use a licensed Lagos clearing agent. Typical clearance takes 3–7 working days after vessel arrival.

Major ports for machinery import:

Tin Can Island Port, Lagos — Main port for heavy equipment
Apapa Port, Lagos — Containerized heavy cargo
Lekki Deep Sea Port — Newer, growing capacity

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

#1 Buying without inspection — Never pay based on photos alone. Always do live video inspection or hire a third-party inspector.

#2 Under-declaring value — Nigerian customs uses a valuation database. If caught, penalties (including seizure) far exceed duty savings.

#3 Not confirming HS code before purchase — Different equipment types have different duty rates. Confirm with your agent first.

#4 Ignoring parts availability — CAT and Komatsu parts are easiest to source in West Africa. Lesser-known brands may leave you waiting months.

#5 Not budgeting for port charges — Demurrage, storage, and handling fees add up quickly. Budget $500–1,000 extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

QHow much does a used CAT 320GC cost delivered to Lagos?

A 2018–2020 model with 2,000–4,000 hours typically costs $40,000–50,000 CIF Lagos. Add $6,000–9,000 for duties/clearance. Total: ~$46,000–59,000 landed.

QCan I import an excavator over 10 years old?

Yes, Nigeria has no strict age limit. However, older machines (15+ years) face closer scrutiny and may need additional inspection.

QWhat payment methods do Chinese suppliers accept?

Most accept T/T: 30% deposit, 70% balance after inspection before shipment. For orders $50,000+, some accept L/C at sight.

QHow do I avoid getting scammed?

Golden rules: (1) Never pay 100% upfront, (2) Always do video inspection, (3) Check Chinese business license, (4) Ask for African buyer references, (5) Use escrow when possible.

QHow long is the full process?

Budget 6–8 weeks: 1–2 weeks for purchase/inspection, 4–5 weeks shipping, 1–2 weeks for customs clearance and delivery from port.

🚜 Ready to Import?

We specialize in exporting quality used construction machinery from Shanghai to Nigeria. Every machine is inspected with complete video documentation.

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