Why Import Directly from India?
Most Bajaj spare parts sold in Lagos' Ladipo Market and Kano's Sabon Gari spare parts markets originate from one place: Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Whether you're buying from a Lagos trader, a Dubai re-exporter, or a Chinese catalogue, the manufacturing source is almost always the same small belt of factories in northern India.
Every time a part passes through an intermediary — Dubai, Lagos wholesale, Chinese re-exporter — the price increases 20–40%. A piston kit that costs $4 ex-Ludhiana might retail in Lagos for $10–14 after two intermediaries.
Direct India import removes those layers. Nigerian importers with IEC relationships in India regularly buy engine kits for 40–60% less than Ladipo wholesale prices, containerise the shipment, and still turn a strong margin selling to mechanics.
The key barrier is knowledge: most Nigerian traders don't know how to verify an Indian supplier, open a Form M, or navigate Apapa port. This guide removes that barrier.
Step 1 — Find and Verify an Indian Exporter
Not all Indian "exporters" are genuine manufacturers or their direct agents. Many are trading companies who add their own margin on top of factory prices. Here's how to verify:
Check for IEC registration. Every Indian exporter must have an IEC (Importer Exporter Code) issued by the DGFT. Ask for the IEC number and verify it at the DGFT website. No IEC = no legitimate exporter.
Check GST registration. Genuine manufacturers and trading companies are GST-registered. Ask for the GSTIN.
Request a sample shipment. Before placing a container order, request a small sample via air freight (DHL/FedEx). This costs more per unit but lets you check quality, dimensions, and packaging before committing.
Ask for references. Legitimate exporters shipping to Africa can provide references from existing customers. A company that has shipped to Nigeria or Ghana before will have shipping records and contacts.
CrestMAX exports from Ludhiana — India's spare parts capital — and can provide IEC, GST, and customer references on request.
Step 2 — Identify Parts and Confirm HS Codes
Before ordering, confirm the HS codes for your parts. Nigerian Customs classifies spare parts under Chapter 87:
- —HS 8714.10 — Parts and accessories for motorcycles
- —HS 8714.99 — Other cycle parts
- —HS 8708.30 — Brake parts for motor vehicles (sometimes applied to 3-wheeler parts)
Your Indian supplier must put the correct HS codes on the commercial invoice and packing list. Incorrect HS codes cause delays at Apapa and potential NCS penalties.
For Keke Napep (Bajaj RE) drivetrain parts like propeller shafts and differentials, the classification can be debated between HS 8714 (motorcycle accessories) and HS 8716 (trailer parts) — clarify with your customs agent before shipment.
Step 3 — Open a Form M with Your Nigerian Bank
Form M is Nigeria's mandatory pre-import declaration. It is filed with a CBN-licensed bank before goods leave India. Without a valid Form M, your goods cannot legally enter Nigeria.
How to open Form M: 1. Take your supplier's Proforma Invoice to your CBN-licensed bank (GTBank, Access, Zenith, UBA, Stanbic, etc.) 2. Provide: Proforma Invoice, your RC number (CAC registration), TIN, and valid ID 3. Your bank processes the Form M — typically 2–5 business days 4. Your bank issues a Form M number — this must appear on ALL shipping documents from India
The Form M number links every document in the import process. Your Indian supplier must include it on the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.
Step 4 — Agree on Incoterms and Make Payment
FOB vs CIF: Which is better for Nigeria?
CIF Lagos (Apapa) — Your Indian supplier arranges ocean freight and marine insurance from Mumbai to Apapa. You receive the goods at Apapa and handle customs clearance. Recommended for first-time importers — you have fewer logistics to manage.
FOB Mumbai — You or your freight forwarder arranges the shipping from Mumbai. You have more control over freight costs and carrier choice, but more work.
For most Nigerian first-time direct importers, CIF is the better starting point.
Payment terms: Standard for India-Nigeria trade is 30% advance T/T wire transfer to confirm order, 70% balance against Bill of Lading copy. For established relationships, 100% advance or letter of credit (L/C) may be arranged. Avoid 100% payment to unverified suppliers.
Step 5 — Ocean Freight India to Nigeria
Route: Ludhiana → Mumbai (JNPT) → Ocean Freight → Apapa Container Port, Lagos
Transit time: 18–22 days ocean + 5–14 days Apapa clearance = 4–5 weeks total
Container options: - LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for first orders or mixed parts under ~5 tonnes. Your cargo shares a container with other shippers. Higher per-CBM cost but lower minimum commitment. - 20ft FCL (Full Container Load): ~22–25 CBM capacity, approximately 18–20 tonnes of spare parts. Most cost-effective for bulk orders. - 40ft FCL: For very large orders. Most Nigeria spare parts importers start with 20ft.
Carriers operating Mumbai–Lagos: MSC, CMA-CGM, Maersk, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd.
Your Indian exporter will provide: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO), and any phytosanitary certificates if required.
Step 6 — Customs Clearance at Apapa
Apapa Port (Lagos) is Nigeria's main container gateway. It is also notoriously congested. Here's what to expect:
Engage a licensed customs agent. Your agent must be NCS (Nigeria Customs Service) licensed and experienced at Apapa. They will: upload documents to the NCS e-customs portal (NICIS II), file the SGD (Single Goods Declaration), generate your PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report), and pay duty on your behalf (you reimburse them).
Duty calculation: Most motorcycle spare parts attract 5% import duty + 7.5% VAT + 1% CISS + 0.5% ETLS on the CIF value. Example: if your CIF value is $10,000, total duty + taxes ≈ $1,400–1,500 depending on exact HS classification.
Clearance time: First-time importers should budget 7–14 days for port clearance. Experienced agents with a good Apapa track record can sometimes clear in 5–7 days. Factor this into your customer delivery promises.
Demurrage: Once the ship arrives, you have a free storage window (usually 5–7 days). After that, demurrage charges accrue daily. Make sure your agent is ready to begin the clearance process as soon as the vessel ETA is confirmed.