Nigeria Customs and NPA ship chandler licensing support
How to get Ship chandler licence in Nigeria
Obtain the Customs licence and port registration needed to supply provisions, stores and equipment to vessels in Nigerian ports. We prepare the corporate file, coordinate the premises and bond evidence and follow both approval routes.
Who needs a ship chandler licence?
A ship chandler supplies food, water, deck stores, engine consumables, safety items and other provisions to a vessel while it is in port. Access to ships and controlled port areas requires the correct Customs licence and port registration.
NPA registration is separate from the broader permits used by port service companies. Review the NPA permit and port access page if your company also needs passes, vehicle entry or another operational approval.
Supplies covered by ship chandling operations
- Food, beverages and fresh provisions
- Deck, cabin and housekeeping stores
- Engine room consumables and spare items
- Safety, protective and emergency equipment
- Ropes, tools, chemicals and vessel necessities
Approvals behind a ship chandling business
A company normally deals with more than one authority. Nigeria Customs licenses the ship chandler, while NPA registers the business for port operations and controls access at the relevant port.
Customs provisional approval
The application begins through the nearest Nigeria Customs Area Command. Customs reviews the company and premises before Headquarters issues provisional approval.
Customs final licence
The applicant completes the remaining forms, payment and bond requirements. The Area Command forwards the final application to Customs Headquarters for approval.
NPA chandler registration
The company applies to the Port Manager with CAC, tax and Customs approval records, then pays the applicable NPA registration charge for the port certificate.
Ship chandler licence requirements
The current Customs service schedule lists a detailed corporate and premises file. NPA then asks for the core company records and proof of Customs approval.
Application letter and the applicable Customs ship chandler forms
CAC Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and current directors list
Director’s affidavit and evidence of relevant qualification or experience
Bank recommendation, audited report and three years Tax Clearance Certificate
Evidence of ownership or legal use of the operating premises
Ship chandler representative appointment, payment receipt and required bank bond
How to obtain a ship chandler licence in Nigeria
The Nigeria Customs service schedule says the specific ship chandler application is initiated through the Area Command closest to the operating address. Customs inspection and approval come before the NPA chandler registration.
1. Prepare the corporate file
Confirm the company objects, directors, tax records, bank support, experience and operating premises.
2. Apply through the Area Command
Submit the application letter and required Customs forms to the command responsible for the operating address.
3. Complete inspection
Make the premises and original company records available for Customs review and respond to any inspection query.
4. Obtain the Customs licence
Complete the final application, official payment and bank bond requirements after provisional approval.
5. Register with NPA
Apply to the relevant Port Manager with Customs approval, company and tax records, then complete the NPA payment and certificate process.
What delays a ship chandler application?
The licence depends on a real operating base, qualified company officers and financial security. A paper application with no suitable premises or unclear bank bond usually stops at inspection.
Customs and NPA issue separate approvals. Paying one authority does not complete the other authority’s process.
The company objects do not cover ship chandling or marine supply activities.
The operating premises cannot be verified or does not support the proposed business.
Director, representative, tax, bank or audit records are incomplete.
The applicant cannot provide the required bank bond for final Customs approval.
NPA registration is started before Customs approval and Form C1 are ready.
How we handle your ship chandler licence
We coordinate the sequence so the Customs application, premises evidence, bond and NPA registration support one another. That avoids paying for a port step before the licensing file is ready.
Check the vessel and maritime approvals around the job
A ship chandler licence covers the supplier’s access and activity. Vessel owners and maritime operators may need separate registration. Review the NIMASA certificate and vessel registration page when the contract includes a vessel or regulated maritime service.
Ship chandler licence FAQs
These answers cover the licensing authorities, application documents, processing sequence, current official fees and annual renewal.
What is a ship chandler?
A ship chandler is a licensed business that supplies provisions, stores, equipment and other necessities to vessels while they are in port.
Who issues a ship chandler licence in Nigeria?
Nigeria Customs Service issues the ship chandler licence. Nigerian Ports Authority separately registers chandlers that operate within its ports.
What documents are required for a ship chandler licence?
The file includes application forms, CAC and directors records, tax clearance, a director’s affidavit, experience evidence, bank recommendation, audited report, premises evidence, a representative letter, payment receipt and bank bond.
Do I need NPA registration after Customs approval?
Yes, for operations in an NPA port. The NPA chandler procedure asks for a letter to the Port Manager, CAC registration, three years Tax Clearance Certificate and Customs approval with Form C1.
How long does ship chandler licensing take?
The current Customs service schedule lists two weeks for provisional approval and two weeks for final approval when the requirements are complete. NPA’s published chandler procedure lists a six week timeline for its separate registration.
Can I apply for a ship chandler licence online?
The current Customs service schedule says the specific application is manual and begins through the closest Area Command to the operating address. Confirm the current submission point before delivering the file.
How much is a ship chandler licence in Nigeria?
The Customs schedule lists ₦515,000 for final licence approval and notes a ₦350,000 bond requirement. The current NPA tariff separately lists ₦57,500 for new chandler registration and ₦34,500 for annual renewal. Visit or contact us before payment so we can confirm each invoice and stop you from paying for the wrong stage.
How long is a ship chandler registration valid?
NPA states that chandler registration is valid for one year and is renewed annually. Customs licensing and port access records should also be checked before expiry.
Is ship chandling the same as shipping agency work?
No. A ship chandler supplies provisions and stores to vessels. A shipping agent represents the vessel or owner for port calls and administrative matters. The licences and responsibilities are different.
Start your ship chandler licence application
Tell us the operating port, company address and supplies you intend to deliver. We will assess the Customs and NPA requirements and prepare the licensing sequence.