If you are buying a Tokunbo car in Nigeria, checking the vehicle's customs duty status is an important step before you make payment.
A car may look clean and well maintained, but if there is a problem with its import or customs clearance, you could face delays, additional costs or other problems later.
The good news is that you can check the vehicle using its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
Ask the Seller for the VIN
Before you visit the seller or make a payment, ask for the car's VIN.
The VIN should match:
The VIN physically displayed on the vehicle
The vehicle registration documents
The customs or import documents provided by the seller
If the VIN does not match, stop and find out why before continuing with the purchase.
Check the Duty Status Online
The Nigerian government's Vehicle Registration System (VREG) provides an official service for checking vehicle duty payment status.
You can use the VIN to check whether the vehicle's import duty and customs clearance status have been verified.
Official VREG Duty Status Verification:
Check Vehicle Duty Status on VREG
The VREG page asks for the vehicle's VIN and an email address before performing the search.
VREG is operated under the Federal Ministry of Finance and lists Duty Status Verification as one of its vehicle verification services.
What Should You Check?
When checking the vehicle, make sure the information you receive is consistent with what the seller has told you.
Pay attention to whether:
The VIN is recognised.
The vehicle's duty payment status can be verified.
The customs clearance information is consistent with the vehicle.
There are any outstanding obligations or issues.
The vehicle details match the documents provided by the seller.
If something does not match, ask the seller for an explanation before making any payment.
Don't Rely on a Customs Receipt Alone
A seller may show you a customs receipt or other document and tell you that the vehicle has been cleared.
Do not rely only on a document sent by the seller.
Nigeria Customs Service has introduced its Customs Verification Management System (CVMS), which allows vehicle clearance status to be checked using the VIN or chassis number and provides a verification receipt with a reference number and QR code.
You can find the official Nigeria Customs Service website here:
Use official government services rather than relying on screenshots, forwarded documents or information supplied only by the seller.
Be Careful If the Seller Says "Customs Is Already Cleared"
Some sellers may tell you:
"The customs duty has been paid."
That statement alone is not enough.
Ask for the VIN and verify the information yourself.
Be especially careful if the seller:
Refuses to provide the VIN
Refuses to show customs documents
Says the documents will be provided after payment
Asks you to pay an additional amount to "release" the vehicle
Pressures you to complete the deal quickly
Gives documents with information that does not match the vehicle
Do not pay simply because the seller says there is another buyer waiting.
Check the Car After Checking the Duty
A customs check does not tell you everything about a vehicle.
You should still:
Check the VIN.
Verify the customs duty status.
Check the vehicle documents.
Inspect the car in person.
Check the engine and transmission.
Look for accident or flood damage.
Take a test drive.
Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle.
A vehicle can have its customs duty properly cleared and still have mechanical problems or a questionable history.
Before You Pay
Before buying a Tokunbo car, make sure:
The VIN matches the vehicle.
The VIN matches the documents.
The customs duty status can be verified.
The seller's information is clear.
The vehicle has been physically inspected.
You understand the condition of the car.
You have checked the relevant ownership and registration documents.
If you cannot verify the vehicle's customs status, take your time and investigate further before paying.
Final Advice
Checking customs duty is a simple step that can help you avoid problems when buying a Tokunbo car in Nigeria.
Get the VIN, verify the duty status through an official source, check the documents and inspect the vehicle before you pay.
If the seller refuses to let you carry out these checks, consider looking for another car.
