Can I send clothes to Nigeria?
Yes, with conditions.
New clothing pays duty and VAT. Second-hand clothing is on the absolute import ban list, except your own clothes arriving as personal effects when you move or return.
More rules for Nigeria
Not allowed
- Second-hand clothing, unless it is your own clothing arriving as personal effects when you move or return
Before you ship to Nigeria
- Tax-free limit
- Nigeria's customs rules set no general duty-free value for courier shipments, so any box can be assessed for duty and VAT. The NGN 50,000 (about USD 37) allowance for unused personal effects and gifts is for travelers' baggage only, and it excludes jewelry, cameras, electronics, and other luxury goods.
- Receiver ID
- NIN (National Identification Number) needed. Nigeria Customs identifies individual importers by their 11-digit NIN on its e-commerce declaration system; companies use a TIN. Give the courier the receiver's NIN before you ship. If the receiver is a foreigner without a NIN, ask the courier what ID it will accept, such as a passport.
- Transit
- 3-6 business days from North America or Europe; 4-8 from Asia
Questions
Can I send clothes to Nigeria?
Yes, with conditions. New clothing pays duty and VAT. Second-hand clothing is on the absolute import ban list, except your own clothes arriving as personal effects when you move or return.
Can I send used clothes to family in Nigeria?
Not as gifts. Second-hand clothing is on the absolute import prohibition list. Your own used clothing is admitted as personal effects when you move or return, in reasonable quantities.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
- 2.
Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette, published by the Nigeria Customs Service
Customs, Excise Tariff, Etc. (Variation) Order, 2026 (S.I. No. 29 of 2026) (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Nigeria Customs Service
Travellers: Passenger's Concessions (opens in a new tab) - 4.
Nigeria Revenue Service (Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette)
Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 (opens in a new tab) - 5.
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
Guidelines for Obtaining Permit for Importation of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Drug Precursors (opens in a new tab) - 6.
Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS)
Frequently Asked Questions (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in Nigeria makes the final decision on every box.