Question 1

Can EZ Auto ship cars to Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles to all eight markets covered here — Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana and Tanzania — with full export documents and sea freight to the main regional ports. Import clearance is handled by you or a local broker; we supply all paperwork.

Question 2

Which African market is easiest for importing used cars?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your situation. South Africa restricts used imports to returning residents, diplomats and a few narrow categories, and Ethiopia allows only electric vehicles. Among the open markets, Egypt caps used passenger cars at 3 years, Morocco at 5, Kenya at 8 (right-hand drive), Ghana and Nigeria at about 10–12 (left-hand drive), and Tanzania at 10 (right-hand drive). Because the limits are enforced at the port and change periodically, confirm the current rule for your target country before buying.

Question 3

Left-hand drive or right-hand drive for Africa?

Accepted Answer

Africa is split by colonial history. West and North Africa — Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco — drive on the right and require left-hand-drive vehicles. East and Southern Africa — Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa — drive on the left and require right-hand-drive vehicles. Sending the wrong configuration means rejection at the port, so we confirm the steering side for your exact destination before you order.

Question 4

How long does shipping from China to Africa take?

Accepted Answer

Sea transit varies by coast: about 35–45 days to West Africa (Lagos, Tema), 25–35 days to East and Southern Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Durban) and North Africa (Port Said, Alexandria, Casablanca, Tanger Med), and slightly longer for landlocked Ethiopia via Djibouti. Transit times shift with route and season, so we confirm the current schedule for your lane before shipment.

Question 5

Do you handle import clearance in my country?

Accepted Answer

Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country.

Question 6

How many cars fit in one container, and should I book FCL or LCL?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the model and the loading method. Compact SUVs and sedans are commonly loaded two to four units per 40ft container using racking or stacking, while larger SUVs and pickups may take fewer. Full container load (FCL) is the usual choice for a single order because the cargo stays sealed from door to door; less than container load (LCL) can be considered for a single unit alongside other cargo. Loading plans are confirmed per order — request one before you commit, because dimensions and weight limits decide the final count.

Question 7

What are the payment terms?

Accepted Answer

Payment terms are agreed order by order and written into the contract — we do not quote standing terms here, because the structure depends on the model, the sourcing lead time and the shipping schedule. A contract typically sets out the deposit, the balance trigger and the documents released against each payment. Whatever the structure, you receive the full export document set against the agreed milestones. Please treat the signed contract as the only binding statement of terms.

Question 8

How do we start?

Accepted Answer

Send us your target country, the models or body types you are considering, and the approximate volume. We reply with availability in China and a loading plan, and you can then confirm a unit for inspection. If it helps, tell us whether you are buying for retail, fleet or re-export — that changes which models and which condition (new or recent used) make sense in your market. There is no obligation until a contract is signed.

Question 9

Should I start with new cars or used cars in Africa?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the market. Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and Morocco admit used cars inside their age limits; Egypt caps used passenger cars at 3 years; Kenya requires right-hand drive; South Africa restricts used imports to returning residents; Ethiopia admits only electric vehicles. Many importers run two lines — new cars for the tighter markets and recent used cars where the age limit allows. Tell us your destination and we will point out which line fits your licence and working capital.

Age limit	Official limit 12 years from the year of manufacture (model year 2013 or newer as of 2025). Some port commands, notably Tin Can Island, have applied a stricter 10-year cap (2015 or newer) in 2025 — not yet national policy. Euro IV emissions commonly cited. Confirm the current limit with your clearing agent, as it can be port-specific.
Steering	Left-hand drive only. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will not register a right-hand-drive vehicle for road use in Nigeria.
Import duty & taxes	Approximately 20% import duty on passenger cars, plus a 15% National Automotive Council (NAC) levy, 7.5% VAT on (value + duty + NAC), a 0.5% ECOWAS levy and about a 7% CISS surcharge. Total tax often reaches 50–90% of CIF. Electric vehicles get a reduced rate (about 10–20% in some sources) with VAT exemption. Nigeria Customs values vehicles by VIN, not declared price alone.
Main ports / entry	Lagos is the main gateway — Apapa and Tin Can Island. Port Harcourt and Calabar also handle vehicle imports. Clearance delays at Apapa are common, so plan for storage time.
Authority & certification	Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) assesses and collects duty; the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) registers vehicles; SONCAP conformity is mandatory for new vehicles, with Form M opened by your bank before shipment and PAAR issued by Customs.
Required documents	Original lien-free title, bill of lading, commercial invoice, Form M, PAAR, SONCAP (new vehicles), valid ID, and a de-registration or export certificate from the country of origin. VIN and engine numbers are strictly verified.

Nigeria

Nigeria

Import facts at a glance

Vehicles currently available — Nigeria

Import guides

Our experience in this region — Africa

FAQ

Nigeria — Buyer reviews

Import a car from China?