Philippine apparel sourcing guide

Import apparel from the Philippines to Nigeria

Buyers importing apparel from the Philippines to Nigeria can source premium blank shirts, corporate uniforms, and custom OEM/ODM garments directly from PHShirt. We prepare commercial export documentation for the agreed Incoterm and coordinate direct and transshipped ocean container freight to Lekki Deep Sea Port, Apapa Lagos, and Onne Port Harcourt, alongside scheduled air cargo flights to Lagos (LOS) and Abuja (ABV). Final customs clearance is processed under Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Form M and SONCAP regulations.

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Why source apparel from the Philippines?

PHShirt combines export-ready garment production with direct access to established blank-shirt brands. Buyers can source Yalex, A2Z, Crown, Softex, and Blackhorse blanks or commission OEM/ODM runs with custom fabric, sizing, labels, printing, embroidery, and packaging.

  • Flexible productionBlank-stock fulfillment and custom manufacturing from one supplier.
  • Document coordinationCommercial invoice, packing list, Form M, and SONCAP certificates prepared to the agreed shipment.
  • Human export supportOne sales contact from specification review through dispatch.

Shipping route and gateways to Nigeria

Ocean freight from the Philippines to Nigeria sails westward through the South China Sea, Indian Ocean, and South Atlantic, routing via key transshipment hubs in Singapore, Colombo, or Tangier Med before calling at deepwater terminals in Lagos (Lekki, Apapa, Tin Can Island) and Onne Port Harcourt. Air cargo connects from Manila (MNL) and Clark (CRK) directly into Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja via Middle Eastern and African carriers.

Major International Seaports (Ocean Container Gateways)

Containerized FCL and LCL garment cargo ships out of dedicated Philippine container terminals and discharges directly at Nigerian deepwater seaports in the Gulf of Guinea.

Philippines Departure Seaports

Origin Hubs
  • Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) PHDVO / PHDIC

    Mindanao's premier modern deepwater container terminal located in Panabo City, Davao Gulf. Accommodates post-Panamax container vessels with a 15.0m draft. Operates weekly scheduled feeder loops connecting through Singapore and Colombo transshipment centers with ocean routes to West Africa.

    Region: Davao del Norte / Mindanao • Terminal: San Vicente / Anflocor • Draft: 15.0m
  • Port of Manila (MICT & South Harbor) PHMNL

    The primary commercial container gateway in the Philippines, processing over 4.5 million TEUs annually. Provides high-frequency mainline feeder sailings to Singapore, Tanjung Pelepas, and Colombo with onward connections to Nigeria.

    Region: Metro Manila / Luzon • Terminals: ICTSI MICT & ATI South Harbor
  • Cebu International Port (CIP) PHCEB

    Central Visayas international maritime hub linking garment manufacturing facilities in Mactan and Cebu export processing zones with global ocean lines.

    Region: Cebu City / Central Visayas • Terminal: OPASCOR / CPA

Nigeria Arrival Seaports

Destination Hubs
  • Port of Lekki Deep Sea Port (Lagos) NGLKK

    Nigeria's most advanced and deepest container terminal, located in the Lagos Free Zone at Ibeju-Lekki. Features a 16.5m natural draft capable of handling 18,000+ TEU ultra-large container vessels. Fully automated terminal operations ensure fast vessel turnaround, automated container handling, and seamless customs release.

    Location: Lagos Free Zone • Terminal: Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise / CMA • Draft: 16.5m
  • Port of Lagos (Apapa Port Complex) NGLOS

    Nigeria's largest traditional maritime gateway, handling the majority of international container cargo. Operated by APM Terminals Apapa with direct rail connections to the Nigerian railway network for inland container delivery across the country.

    Location: Lagos / South West • Terminal: APM Terminals Apapa • Rail: Lagos-Kano Rail Link
  • Tin Can Island Port (Lagos) NGTIN

    Major container and general cargo hub in Lagos comprising TICT and Port & Cargo Terminals, providing extensive bonded container yards and customs inspection centers.

    Location: Lagos Port Area • Terminal: TICT & Port and Cargo
  • Port of Onne (Port Harcourt, Rivers State) NGONN

    Deepwater maritime gateway serving the Niger Delta, Eastern, and South-Eastern commercial centers (Aba, Onitsha, Port Harcourt). Operated by the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT).

    Location: Rivers State / South South • Terminal: WACT Onne

Major International Airports (Air Cargo Gateways)

Time-sensitive fashion orders, commercial sample swatches, corporate uniforms, and urgent restocking consignments fly from Philippine airports directly into Nigeria via premier international cargo carriers.

Philippines Departure Airports

Origin Hubs
  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) MNL / RPLL

    Main airfreight gateway in Manila. Offers high-frequency widebody cargo connections via Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Ethiopian Airlines, and Saudia Cargo with fast transfers to Lagos and Abuja.

    Region: Metro Manila / Luzon • Cargo Hubs: PAIR-PAGSS & PAL Cargo
  • Clark International Airport (CRK) CRK / RPLC

    Central Luzon international cargo and express logistics hub equipped with dedicated freighter aprons and 24/7 customs processing for swift dispatch.

    Region: Pampanga / Central Luzon • Cargo Apron: Dedicated Freighter Bays
  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) CEB / RPVM

    Visayas international airport facilitating air cargo shipments linking export processing zones in Cebu with international routes via Singapore.

    Region: Cebu / Central Visayas • Cargo: MCIA Cargo Terminal

Nigeria Arrival Airports

Destination Gateways
  • Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) LOS / DNMM

    Nigeria's primary aviation gateway and largest air cargo hub, processing over 70% of the nation's airfreight. Features dedicated international cargo handling facilities (SAHCO and NAHCO) with daily scheduled freighter services from Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, and Istanbul.

    Location: Ikeja / Lagos State • Cargo Terminals: SAHCO & NAHCO • Customs: NCS Airport Command
  • Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja) ABV / DNAA

    Federal Capital Territory international airport serving government, corporate institutions, and commercial clients across central and northern Nigeria.

    Location: Abuja / Federal Capital Territory • Customs: NCS Abuja Command
  • Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano) KAN / DNKA

    Major northern Nigeria international airport catering to commercial textile trading and wholesale apparel distribution networks across Kano, Kaduna, and neighboring states.

    Location: Kano / Northern Nigeria • Role: Northern Commercial Gateway
  • Port Harcourt International Airport (Omagwa) PHC / DNPO

    International cargo hub serving commercial enterprises, energy sectors, and retail clothing distribution throughout Rivers State and the South-South region.

    Location: Rivers State / South-South • Cargo: International Cargo Wing

Transit time estimates

Ocean container freight

28-48 days

Manila (MICT) or Davao (DICT) via Singapore/Colombo to Lekki Deep Sea Port, Apapa Lagos, or Onne Port Harcourt port to port.
Air cargo

3-5 days

Manila (MNL) or Clark (CRK) connecting via Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), or Addis Ababa (ADD) to Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV) airport to airport.
Express courier

4-7 days

DHL, FedEx, or UPS express courier from Manila or Clark directly to Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt door to door with full customs clearance.

Landed-cost & Trade Framework for Nigeria

A reliable landed-cost estimate needs the final garment specification, quantity, packing dimensions, HS classification, Incoterm, destination, and delivery mode.

Trade Framework
ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) and WTO Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Tariff Schedule. Customs valuation based on CIF value.
Duty & Customs Guide
Apparel duties are assessed under HS Chapter 61 (Knitted) and Chapter 62 (Woven). Value Added Tax (VAT) applies at standard 7.5% rate. Electronic clearance via Nigeria Single Window Trade Portal (Form M & PAAR).
Recommended Fabrics
160-220 GSM premium combed cotton blanks, breathable CVC pique polo fabrics, performance poly-spandex athletic jerseys, and heavy-duty cotton twill workwear.
Destination currency
Nigerian Naira (NGN) and United States Dollar (USD)
Freight variables
Ocean transit to Lekki/Apapa/Onne, port handling terminal charges, terminal delivery orders, shipping agency fees, insurance, and Nigeria Customs clearance.

Compliance checkpoints for Nigeria

These checkpoints are planning prompts, not a substitute for a binding tariff ruling or legal advice. Confirm the exact product scope before production labels and packaging are approved.

  • Electronic Form M registration via the Nigeria Single Window Trade Portal prior to dispatch
  • Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) issuance by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
  • Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) Certificate / CoC from accredited agencies (Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS)
  • English-language care instructions, size charts, and fiber composition tags sewn into garment seams
  • Country of origin marking: "Made in the Philippines" clearly indicated on neck labels and packaging
  • Standard packing list with gross/net weights and cubic meter (CBM) dimensions per carton

HS classification starting points

Most apparel begins in Chapter 61 or 62. Fiber composition, knit versus woven construction, gender, garment type, and intended use determine the final tariff line.

  • HS Chapter 61 - knitted or crocheted apparel (T-shirts: 6109, Polo shirts: 6105/6106, Hoodies & Sweatshirts: 6110, Sportswear: 6112)
  • HS Chapter 62 - woven apparel (Workwear shirts, trousers, industrial jackets, corporate uniforms)
  • Confirm the exact 10-digit ECOWAS CET tariff code with a licensed Nigerian customs clearing agent

Export documents from the Philippines

PHShirt prepares the complete export-documentation set for every shipment to Nigeria.

  1. 01Commercial invoiceItemized values, HS codes, Form M number, Incoterm, currency, and complete buyer/seller details.
  2. 02Packing listCarton breakdown, net and gross weights, and exact CBM measurements.
  3. 03Transport documentOriginal Ocean Bill of Lading (B/L) to Lekki/Apapa/Onne or Air Waybill (AWB) to Lagos/Abuja.
  4. 04SONCAP / Certificate of OriginSONCAP Product Certificate/CoC and Certificate of Origin (CO) issued for customs clearance.

MOQ, timing, and payment

Production starts after specification, sample or artwork, price, payment, and delivery terms are approved in writing.

Minimum order
50 pieces per design for custom OEM/ODM production; blank-stock MOQs depend on brand, color, and size mix
Production lead time
3 to 6 weeks after sample, artwork, and payment approval; shipping time is additional
Typical payment structure
Telegraphic Transfer (T/T); Confirmed Irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C at sight) under ICC UCP 600 rules for commercial wholesale volumes

Importing from the Philippines to Nigeria: FAQ

Answers for early-stage sourcing. Your quotation will state the commercial terms that apply to the actual order.

What is the minimum order for shipping apparel to Nigeria?

50 pieces per design for custom OEM/ODM production; blank-stock MOQs depend on brand, color, and size mix.

How long does shipping from the Philippines to Nigeria take?

The planning estimate for ocean container freight to Lekki Deep Sea Port, Apapa Lagos, or Onne Port Harcourt is 28 to 48 days. Air cargo to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja takes 3 to 5 days airport to airport.

Which seaport in Nigeria is recommended for containerized garment imports?

Lekki Deep Sea Port (NGLKK) is highly recommended for modern automated clearance and minimal vessel congestion (16.5m draft). The Port of Lagos (Apapa Port Complex - NGLOS) and Tin Can Island Port (NGTIN) remain the central commercial hubs for Lagos and nationwide distribution, while Port of Onne (NGONN) is ideal for Eastern Nigeria.

What is the SONCAP certification process for apparel entering Nigeria?

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) requires all regulated manufactured goods, including garments and textiles, to obtain a SONCAP Certificate (SC) before customs clearance. Testing and verification are conducted by accredited agencies (such as Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or SGS) prior to departure.

Which Incoterms can be quoted for Nigeria?

PHShirt can quote common Incoterms including EXW, FCA, FOB (Manila or Davao DICT), CFR/CIF (Lekki, Apapa, Tin Can, or Onne), or CIP Lagos/Abuja Airport depending on buyer preference and freight forwarder coordination.

Discuss a shipment to Nigeria

Send your garment type, quantity, sizes, decoration method, target delivery date, and destination city.

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Reference sources

Last reviewed: 2026-09-06. Requirements change; verify current rules before contracting freight or producing labels.