Official Cost Of Clearing Suzuki Cars In Nigeria (2025 Update)
Planning to import a Suzuki vehicle into Nigeria in 2025? Whether it's a Swift, Vitara, or Alto, understanding the full clearing cost is crucial. With several taxes, port fees, and levies involved, it’s easy to underestimate your budget. This guide breaks it all down so you can make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises at the port.
Components of the Official Car Clearing Cost
Here are the major charges applied to any imported Suzuki car:
Charge Type |
Rate |
Import Duty |
35% of CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) |
NAC Levy (New Cars Only) |
35% of CIF |
Port Surcharge |
7% of Import Duty |
CISS Inspection Fee |
1% of CIF |
ECOWAS ETLS Levy |
0.5% of CIF |
VAT |
7.5% of total duties and levies |
Note: The NAC Levy only applies to brand-new vehicles, typically under 1 year old with minimal mileage.
How to Calculate Clearing Cost for a Suzuki Car
To estimate your clearing cost, follow these steps:
- Start with the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight).
- Apply the 35% import duty.
- Add other mandatory fees like NAC levy (if new), port surcharge, CISS, and ETLS.
- Calculate VAT on the total sum of CIF + all levies.
- Include terminal and clearing agent charges.
Sample Calculation: Clearing a Used 2018 Suzuki Vitara
Assuming CIF value is ₦5,000,000:
Fee Component |
Amount (₦) |
CIF Value |
5,000,000 |
Import Duty (35%) |
1,750,000 |
Port Surcharge (7%) |
122,500 |
CISS Fee (1%) |
50,000 |
ETLS Levy (0.5%) |
25,000 |
Subtotal Before VAT |
6,947,500 |
VAT (7.5%) |
520,813 |
Total Taxes & Duty |
7,468,313 |
Clearing Agent Fee |
100,000 – 150,000 |
Terminal & Port Charges |
50,000 – 70,000 |
Estimated Grand Total |
₦7.62M – ₦7.70M |
Summary Table by CIF Value
CIF Value (₦) |
Estimated Duty & Tax (₦) |
Clearing & Port Fees (₦) |
Estimated Total Clearing Cost (₦) |
3,000,000 |
≈ 2,478,000 |
150,000 – 220,000 |
2.63M – 2.70M |
5,000,000 |
≈ 4,130,000 |
150,000 – 220,000 |
4.28M – 4.35M |
8,000,000 |
≈ 6,608,000 |
150,000 – 220,000 |
6.76M – 6.83M |
Important Tips for Suzuki Vehicle Importers
- Avoid the NAC levy by purchasing used vehicles older than 1 year.
- Use RoRo shipping (roll-on/roll-off) for cheaper handling costs than containers.
- Clear your car quickly to avoid terminal demurrage and storage fees.
- Confirm the official customs exchange rate before finalizing any purchase abroad.
- Hire a reliable clearing agent who can speed up the process and save you stress.
Final Thoughts
The cost of clearing Suzuki cars in Nigeria in 2025 is primarily driven by import duty, VAT, and other port-related charges. On average, expect to spend about 1.3 to 1.5 times the CIF value of your car. Budget wisely, calculate everything in advance, and work with experienced agents to avoid delays.