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The short answer
Before shipping electronics to Nigeria, check three things on the US side: the item's export classification (many consumer goods are EAR99 and need no licence, but encryption items may be on the Commerce Control List), the buyer and end use against US restriction lists, and whether EEI is needed. On the Nigerian side, most electronics need a SONCAP certificate, refurbished goods need an SON import permit, some used appliances are restricted, and duty is set by the ECOWAS tariff.
Why electronics need more checks than most goods
Phones, laptops, routers and household appliances are among the most common goods Nigerians in the US send or sell home. They are also the goods most likely to touch US export controls, because many contain encryption, and Nigerian standards rules, because they are electrical. Running the checks below before you buy stock or accept an order avoids goods being held on either side.
US check 1: classification under the EAR
Commercial electronics are generally "subject to the EAR", the Export Administration Regulations run by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Under 15 CFR 732.3, an item subject to the EAR that is not described on the Commerce Control List is classified EAR99, which the rule calls a "basket" category. EAR99 items skip the country chart, and if no general prohibition applies, no licence from BIS is required ("NLR").
Exporters may classify their own items. For branded electronics, the simplest route is the manufacturer's published export classification, often on its compliance or trade page. Items with encryption functions, such as phones, laptops and networking equipment, may fall under Category 5 Part 2 of the Commerce Control List rather than EAR99, and some of those still ship without a licence under a licence exception. Do not assume; the rule is clear that misclassification does not excuse a licence that was required.
US check 2: who is buying and why
Even an EAR99 item can need a licence because of who receives it or what it is for. 15 CFR 732.3 says three general prohibitions apply to all items subject to the EAR, including EAR99:
- Denial orders: you may not deal with a party BIS has denied export privileges.
- End use and end user: the part 744 controls, for example on prohibited military or weapons-related end uses and listed entities.
- Embargoes: exports to embargoed destinations. Nigeria is not one of the embargoed destinations named in the rule, but goods routed onward could be.
In practice, screen the buyer's name against the US government's restricted-party lists, keep a record of the check, and be wary of buyers who will not say who the end user is, or who ask you to ship to one address and invoice another.
US check 3: EEI
If any one Schedule B line is worth more than $2,500, or if the item needs a licence, EEI must be filed in AESDirect (15 CFR 30.37 and 30.2). Note that 30.37 also says mass-market software still needs filing even where software would otherwise be exempt. Our EEI guide walks through a mixed shipment.
Nigerian checks: SONCAP, used goods and duty
SONCAP
Nigeria's Standards Organisation (SON) runs SONCAP, an offshore pre-shipment certification. Its FAQ lists the exempt categories as food, medicines, medical items other than equipment, certain raw-material chemicals, contraband and used products other than automobiles. Electronics are not on that list, so new electronics generally need a Product Certificate (issued to the exporter, used to open Form M) and a SONCAP Certificate for each consignment.
| SONCAP document | Fee (SON schedule effective 1 Aug 2022) |
|---|---|
| Product Certificate, unregistered product (PC1) | $500 |
| Product Certificate, registered product (PC2) | $1,000 |
| Product Certificate, licensed product (PC3) | $2,000 |
| SONCAP Certificate, per consignment | $350 |
Since 27 March 2026, SON says SONCAP and import permit applications are made only on the National Single Window. See SONCAP certificates for US exports.
Used and refurbished electronics
SON's FAQ says refurbished goods need an Import Permit, charged at 5% of FOB value with a minimum of ₦550,000. The US International Trade Administration's Nigeria guide (changed 10 April 2025) lists used compressors and used fridges and freezers among restricted imports. If you sell used appliances, check the current list before shipping; see Nigeria's import prohibition list.
Duty
Nigeria applies the ECOWAS Common External Tariff in five bands. The Nigeria Customs Service publishes a CET lookup portal where the buyer or their agent can search by commodity code. Rates and levies change, so get the current rate for each code from the portal or a licensed agent rather than from older articles.
What to check first
- Export classification from the manufacturer, or your own review against the CCL.
- Buyer and end user screened and recorded.
- EEI needed? Check each Schedule B line and any licence requirement.
- SONCAP Product Certificate arranged before the buyer opens Form M.
- Used or refurbished stock checked against the restricted list and import permit rules.
Where Pryme fits
Electronics deals often mean a dollar deposit followed by naira or dollar balances from the Nigerian buyer. A Pryme Business Account opened from the US holds USD and NGN with local details; invoicing lets you bill against the same values you declare, and Swap shows the rate and fee before you approve any conversion.
Questions people ask
Do I need an export licence to ship phones to Nigeria?
Usually not, but check the classification. Encryption items may be on the Commerce Control List, and any item needs a licence if a denial order or end-use restriction applies.
What does EAR99 mean?
It is the category for items subject to the EAR but not listed on the Commerce Control List. If no general prohibition applies, they can be exported without a BIS licence.
Do electronics need SONCAP for Nigeria?
Electronics are not on SON's exemption list, so new electronics generally need a Product Certificate and a SONCAP Certificate per consignment.
Can I export used fridges to Nigeria?
The ITA's Nigeria guide lists used fridges, freezers and compressors among restricted imports. Check the current list with Nigeria Customs before shipping.
Sources
- eCFR: 15 CFR 732.3, Steps regarding scope of the EAR and classification (current text) · accessed Oct 2026
- eCFR: 15 CFR 30.37, Miscellaneous exemptions from filing EEI (current text) · accessed Oct 2026
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria: SONCAP FAQ (2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria: SONCAP approved fees (effective 1 Aug 2022) · accessed Oct 2026
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria: Mandatory migration of SONCAP and import permit processes to the National Single Window (25 Mar 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- US International Trade Administration: Nigeria Prohibited and Restricted Imports (published 6 Jun 2023, changed 10 Apr 2025) · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.