Frequently Asked Questions

01 General Shipping Questions

Mavix Logistics is a Lagos-based international freight and logistics company. We help Nigerian businesses and individuals export goods from Nigeria to destinations worldwide, and import goods into Nigeria. Our services include air freight, ocean freight, express courier, cargo consolidation, warehousing, and customs clearance.

We are located at the Diplomatic Carpark, Nacho Aviance Export Warehouse, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. Being based at MMIA gives us unmatched access to Nigeria's busiest air cargo hub.

We ship to over 80 countries worldwide including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, France, Netherlands, UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, India, South Africa, and many more. Contact us with your destination and we will confirm availability and provide a quote.

Yes. While our primary focus is helping Nigerian businesses export their goods internationally, we also handle importation of goods into Nigeria — managing customs clearance, port processes, and delivery to your Lagos or upcountry address.

Getting started is simple. Visit our website and fill out a quote request form, chat with us on WhatsApp, or call our team directly. Tell us what you want to ship, where it is going, and we will handle everything from there.

We work with both. Whether you are a large company shipping full containers or an individual sending a parcel to family abroad, we provide the same quality of service and attention to every client.

02 Export from Nigeria

Nigeria exports a wide range of goods including agricultural products (cashew nuts, sesame seeds, cocoa, ginger, palm oil), food products (dried fish, crayfish, snail, pepper, ogiri), textiles (Ankara fabric), minerals, food spices, herbs, manufactured goods, and more. Some goods require special export permits. Contact us with details of your cargo and we will advise accordingly.

Common export documents include a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO), and depending on the goods, a Phytosanitary Certificate, NAFDAC certificate, or SON certification. Our team will provide a complete checklist specific to your cargo and destination.

Most goods can be exported without a specific export licence. However, certain categories — including agricultural products above specified thresholds, minerals, and processed goods — may require registration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) or other regulatory bodies. We will advise you on exactly what is needed for your specific goods.

Yes. We have significant experience handling food exports including dried fish, crayfish, palm oil, pepper, spices, egusi, Ankara spices, and agricultural produce. Food exports require specific documentation and packaging compliance. Our team will guide you through every requirement to ensure your goods clear both Nigerian and destination country customs without issues.

Most countries accept goods from Nigeria. However, some destinations have specific import restrictions or require additional certifications for certain product types. There are also some countries subject to trade sanctions. We will check destination-specific requirements for your cargo before your shipment departs.

NESS is a quality and value certification scheme that applies to certain categories of Nigerian exports. It ensures that goods exported from Nigeria meet minimum quality and valuation standards. Where applicable, we handle all NESS-related documentation and inspections on your behalf.

03 Import into Nigeria

Importing into Nigeria involves several steps: obtaining a Form M from your bank, arranging shipping with a freight forwarder, obtaining a Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) from Nigeria Customs, clearing the goods at the port, and arranging delivery. Mavix Logistics manages all of these steps on your behalf so you do not have to navigate the process alone.

Form M is a mandatory document required for most commercial imports into Nigeria. It is a declaration of intention to import goods and is processed through your Nigerian bank. It must be obtained before your goods are shipped. Our team will guide you through the Form M process and advice on exceptions where it may not be required.

Import duties in Nigeria vary by product category and are based on the HS (Harmonised System) code of your goods. Additional levies such as VAT, surcharges, and port levies also apply. We provide a full duty and levy estimate in your quote so you know the total cost of importation before committing to a shipment.

With correct documentation, air cargo at MMIA can clear within 24–48 hours. Sea cargo at Apapa or Tin Can ports typically takes 3–7 business days. Incomplete documentation or goods selected for physical examination can extend this timeline. Our team works to achieve the fastest possible clearance for every import.

Yes. Once your goods have cleared the Lagos port or airport, we can arrange haulage and delivery to major cities across Nigeria including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan, Onitsha, Aba, and more. Ask our team about upcountry delivery when requesting your quote.

If your goods arrive damaged or with items missing, you should immediately report this to our team. We will assist you in filing a formal claim. This is one of the key reasons we recommend taking out cargo insurance on all shipments, it provides full financial protection in the event of loss or damage during transit.

04 Customs & Documentation

Customs clearance is the process of obtaining official permission from Nigerian Customs or the destination country's customs authority to move goods across a border. Incorrect or incomplete documentation can result in delays, fines, or seized cargo. Getting it right is critical to protecting your shipment and your business.

Yes. Our licensed customs team handles all clearance processes at Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA). We prepare all documentation, submit declarations, pay applicable duties on your behalf, and coordinate the release and delivery of your goods.

An HS (Harmonised System) Code is a standardised international code used to classify traded goods. Every product has a specific HS code that determines the applicable import duties and any trade restrictions. Using the wrong HS code is a common cause of customs delays and fines. Our team ensures your goods are correctly classified every time.

A Certificate of Origin is a document that certifies where your goods were manufactured or produced. It is required for most exports and by many destination countries to determine applicable tariffs and trade agreement benefits. For Nigerian exports, the most common form is the Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO). We handle this as part of our standard export documentation service.

Physical examination by customs is a normal and routine process. Our team will be present at the examination, liaise with the customs officers, and ensure the process is completed as quickly as possible. Provided your documentation is correct and your goods match your declarations, examination should not significantly delay your shipment.

Some goods are subject to import or export restrictions and require special permits or licences. These include certain food products, chemicals, electronics, and agricultural items. We will advise you honestly on what is required for your specific cargo and help you obtain the necessary approvals where possible.

05 Pricing & Payment

Shipping costs depend on several factors including the origin and destination, the weight and dimensions of your cargo, the shipping method (air, sea, or courier), and any applicable surcharges. For ocean and air freight, we use either actual weight or volumetric weight — whichever is greater. We provide a full transparent breakdown in every quote.

No. We are committed to full pricing transparency. Your quote will include all applicable charges — freight cost, handling fees, documentation fees, and any known port levies. The only additional charges that may arise are government-imposed duties and taxes at the destination, which can vary and are outside our control. We will always advise you of these upfront.

We accept bank transfers in Nigerian Naira (NGN) and can also accommodate payments in USD, GBP, and EUR for international clients. We do not currently accept cash payments at our office. Full payment details will be provided in your invoice.

For most shipments, payment is required before the cargo is processed and shipped. For regular clients with established accounts, we can discuss credit terms. Contact our team to discuss payment arrangements for your specific situation.

Refund eligibility depends on the stage at which your shipment is cancelled. If the cargo has not yet been processed or handed over to the carrier, a partial or full refund may be possible after deducting any costs already incurred. Once goods have been handed to the airline or shipping line, costs become non-refundable. Contact our team as soon as possible if you need to cancel a shipment.

Freight rates can fluctuate based on fuel prices, carrier capacity, seasonal demand, and other market factors. The rate quoted at the time of booking is the rate you pay. We recommend booking and confirming as soon as possible to lock in the rate for your shipment.

06 Tracking & Delivery

Yes. All shipments handled by Mavix Logistics come with real-time tracking. Once your cargo has been processed and is in transit, you will receive a tracking number and link. You can monitor your shipment's progress 24/7 through our website tracking system or by contacting our team directly.

You and your recipient will be notified at key stages of the delivery journey — when the shipment departs Lagos, when it arrives at the destination country, and when it is out for final delivery. For express courier shipments, a signed proof of delivery is obtained and shared with you.

Tracking updates can sometimes be delayed during transit, especially during handovers between carriers or at customs checkpoints. If your tracking has not updated for more than 48 hours, please contact our team immediately with your tracking number and we will investigate and provide you with a status update.

Air freight: 2–4 business days to most international destinations. Ocean freight: 14–35 days depending on destination. Consolidation: 5–7 business days. These are estimates and actual transit times may vary based on customs, carrier schedules, and destination country conditions. We always provide a specific estimate when quoting your shipment.

Delays can occasionally occur due to customs examinations, adverse weather, carrier disruptions, or port congestion. If your shipment is delayed, our team will proactively communicate with you about the cause and the revised delivery timeline. We do everything possible to minimize delays and resolve issues quickly.

Address changes after a shipment has departed Lagos are difficult and not always possible, particularly for sea freight. For express courier shipments, address changes may be possible if the parcel has not yet reached the destination country. Contact our team as soon as possible if you need to make a change and we will advise on what is feasible.

07 E-commerce & Parcels

Yes. We work with Nigerian e-commerce sellers and online businesses to fulfil international orders efficiently and affordably. Whether you are selling on Instagram, your own website, or a marketplace, we can handle the pickup, export documentation, and delivery of your orders to customers worldwide.

Yes. If you ship regularly or in high volumes, we offer preferential rates and dedicated account management. Contact our team to discuss a commercial agreement tailored to your business needs and shipping volumes.

Our Express Courier service is the fastest option for small parcels and documents. Delivery to the UK typically takes 2–3 business days and to the US 3–4 business days. For non-urgent shipments, our cargo consolidation service offers significant cost savings while still maintaining reliable delivery timelines.

Yes. Many Nigerian food products can be shipped internationally including dried fish, dried snail, crayfish, palm oil, pepper, ogiri, chin chin, plantain chips, frozen foods and more. Different destination countries have specific food import regulations and packaging requirements. Our team will advise you on everything needed to get your food products to your international customers safely and compliantly.

Your goods should be packed in sturdy, well-sealed boxes appropriate for the fragility of the contents. Use adequate padding for fragile items. Perishable goods should be appropriately sealed and labelled. Liquid products require leak-proof packaging. Our team will provide specific packaging guidance based on what you are shipping and its destination.

In the unlikely event of loss or damage, we will open a formal investigation with the carrier and work to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. We strongly recommend taking out cargo insurance on every shipment. Insured shipments are eligible for compensation claims covering the declared value of the goods.

08 Getting Started with Mavix

Getting a quote is easy. Visit the Get a Quote page on our website and fill in your shipment details — cargo type, weight, dimensions, origin, and destination. Our team will respond with a full cost breakdown within a few hours. You can also chat with us on WhatsApp or call us directly for an immediate discussion.

We aim to respond to all quote requests within 6 hours during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9AM – 5PM WAT). For urgent requests, we recommend calling or messaging us directly on WhatsApp for a faster response.

No. Most of our services can be arranged entirely remotely — via phone, WhatsApp, or email. We can collect your cargo from your premises, handle all documentation, and manage the entire shipment without you needing to visit our office. For clients who prefer to visit, our office at MMIA Ikeja is open Monday to Friday, 9AM – 5PM.

Cargo insurance is optional but strongly recommended for all shipments. Basic carrier liability is limited and may not cover the full value of your goods. We offer comprehensive cargo insurance that covers the full declared value of your shipment against loss, theft, and damage. Ask us to include insurance when requesting your quote.

We take every complaint seriously. If you experience any issue with your shipment, contact our team immediately by phone, WhatsApp, or email. We will assign a dedicated team member to investigate and resolve your issue as quickly as possible. Our goal is to make every shipping experience with Mavix a positive one.

Yes. Businesses that ship regularly are eligible for a dedicated account management arrangement. This gives you a named contact who knows your business, your typical cargo, and your preferences — making every subsequent shipment faster and smoother. Contact us to discuss setting up a business account.