Open Form M: How to Process and Obtain Form M in Nigeria

The very first step to take when importing into Nigeria is to obtain a Form M. See the steps you'd take to obtain Form M and get an E-form M approved in Nigeria.

Form M is a mandatory statutory document to be completed by all importers shipping into Nigeria.
Here we are going to guide you through the opening of Nigeria Customs e-form M, obtaining Form M and approval process in Nigeria.

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Read, How to Process PAAR in Nigeria

Step 1.
Form M.

1. Duly completed e-Form ‘M’ shall be submitted electronically to an Authorized Dealer bank with the following attached document:

a. Profoma Invoice.

b. Insurance Certificate

c. Regulatory Certificate/Permits ( e.g. NAFDAC, SONCAP Pharmaceutical Board of Nigeria, etc. and any additional documents that might be prescribed by relevant government agency).

NOTE:The original copies of each document listed in 1 above should be submitted to the processing bank prior to validation.

2. Upon receipt of duly completed and submitted copy of the e-form M from the importer, the Authorized dealer bank shall.

a. Ensure that the e-Form M is duly completed with detailed description of goods clearly stated;

b. Compare the attached documents with the original copies;

c. Ensure that the entire relevant documents that are to accompany the completed e-Form M, are actually provided. It should be stated that the authorized dealer bank is expected to carry out proper Know-Your-Customer (K-Y-C) and be satisfied that all the relevant documents forwarded are genuine.

After completion of (a) and (c) above, the bank shall validate and transmit the e-Form M;, to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Source:Nigeria Customs Website

Step 2. FORM M Approved

Step 3. Your Supplier will then forward Original Airway Bill (AWB), Packing list, Final Invoice, and Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO) to your Bank.

Finally, your Bank will then forward the supporting documents to the Nigerian Custom head office in Abuja.
Customs will proceed to generate the final PAAR document after proper examination of the document so submitted