Published: August 20, 2026
International freight regulations and cargo-market conditions continue to change. For businesses and individuals shipping between the United States and Nigeria, staying informed can help prevent customs delays and unexpected charges.
Below are several recent developments that may affect importers and exporters.
- CBP Is Strengthening Importer of Record Verification
Beginning September 18, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may void an Importer of Record number if the information submitted on CBP Form 5106 is inaccurate or incomplete.
An Importer of Record, commonly called an IOR, is the person or business legally responsible for ensuring that merchandise imported into the United States complies with applicable customs requirements.
CBP expects the information provided on Form 5106 to belong directly to the importer. This includes:
• The importer’s actual physical address
• A valid email address belonging to the importer
• A telephone number associated with the importer
• The importer’s correct tax-identification information
• A valid power of attorney when a customs broker acts for the importerA registered agent’s address, customs broker’s address, freight forwarder’s address, P.O. box or unrelated business-service address should not be used as the importer’s physical address.
If CBP voids an IOR number, the importer will not be able to use it to enter merchandise into the United States. This could result in cargo holds, storage charges, demurrage and delivery delays.
What importers should do
Businesses importing into the United States should review their Form 5106 information and confirm that all addresses, contact details and tax-identification numbers are accurate. Importers should also confirm that their customs broker holds a valid power of attorney executed directly by the importer.
Read the CBP Federal Register notice.
- United States Removes Special Security Conditions on Vessels From Nigeria
Effective August 19, 2026, the United States Coast Guard removed Nigeria from its Port Security Advisory.
Special conditions had applied to vessels arriving in the United States from certain Nigerian ports since 2014 because of concerns about port antiterrorism measures. Following recent assessments, the Coast Guard determined that Nigeria is maintaining effective antiterrorism measures at its ports.
This is a positive development for Nigeria–US maritime trade. Removing the special conditions could help simplify security procedures, improve vessel scheduling and strengthen confidence in Nigerian ports.
However, any reduction in carrier surcharges or shipping rates will depend on the policies of individual shipping lines.
What shippers should do
Importers and exporters using ocean freight should ask their freight forwarders or shipping lines whether Nigeria-related security procedures or surcharges will be revised.
Read the official Coast Guard notice.
3.Nigeria Customs Is Implementing Revised Tariff Measures
The Nigeria Customs Service is implementing the Federal Government’s 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments.
The measures revise tariff treatment for various categories of imported goods. Depending on the product and its Harmonized System code, an importer may experience changes to customs duty, taxes, levies or regulatory requirements.
Because tariff treatment depends on the exact product classification, importers should not rely solely on a general product name when estimating landed costs.
What Nigeria-bound importers should do
Before shipping commercial cargo to Nigeria, importers should:
• Confirm the correct HS code
• Obtain a detailed commercial invoice
• Verify whether the product requires an import permit
• Confirm the applicable duty, tax and levy rates
• Check whether the product is prohibited or restricted
• Allow for possible customs examinationCustomers should obtain a current landed-cost estimate before committing to a shipment, especially for vehicles, machinery, food products, pharmaceuticals, electronics and other regulated goods.
Visit the Nigeria Customs Service press-release directory.
4.Air-Cargo Demand Is Growing Faster Than Capacity
The International Air Transport Association reported that global air-cargo demand increased by 8.5% year over year in June 2026, while available capacity increased by only 4.4%.
The situation was tighter among African airlines. Demand increased by 4.7%, while capacity declined by 7.1%.
When demand grows faster than available capacity, shippers may experience:
• Higher freight rates
• Limited space on preferred flights
• Shorter quotation-validity periods
• Cargo being rolled to later flights
• Longer transit times
• Increased demand for alternative routesCargo moving from China, India, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States into Nigeria may be affected, particularly during peak shipping periods.
What customers should do
Customers with urgent or time-sensitive shipments should book early and provide complete documentation before cargo reaches the warehouse. Where possible, shippers should remain open to alternative airlines and connecting routes.
Freight quotations may also have shorter validity periods because airline rates and fuel surcharges can change quickly.
Read IATA’s June 2026 air-cargo report.
How Splendid Packaging Logistics Can Help
Splendid Packaging Logistics provides international air and ocean freight-forwarding services for individuals and businesses shipping between the United States, Nigeria and other major international markets.
Our services include:
• International air freight
• Ocean freight
• Cargo consolidation
• Warehousing
• Customs-clearance coordination
• Commercial and project cargo
• Procurement and logistics support
• Door-to-door delivery solutionsOur team works with customers to review shipment documentation, identify potential compliance concerns and coordinate reliable transportation from origin to destination.
Planning an upcoming shipment? Contact Splendid Packaging Logistics for a customized freight quotation and shipping consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, customs, tax or regulatory advice. Customs requirements, airline procedures, duties and government policies may change without notice. Importers and exporters should confirm the current requirements applicable to their cargo before shipping.