Mercedes-Benz remains a top choice for Nigerian drivers thanks to its German build quality, luxury, and strong resale value. Yet vehicle purchase is just the start—the true cost emerges at customs. Clearing fees can heavily impact your budget, and knowing them before import can save you from financial shock.
In this guide, you’ll find updated 2025 clearing costs (in ₦) for each Benz class brought into Nigerian ports like Tin Can, Apapa, Onne, and Calabar. Tables below outline costs by year ranges, making it easy to estimate your total import expenditure.
How Customs Calculates Clearing Fees
Nigerian clearing fees combine several charges:
- Customs Duty (20%) + NAC Levy (15%)
- Value-Added Tax (7.5%) + ECOWAS/Stamp Levies
- Port Service Fees, Terminal Handling Charges, Inspection, Radio, and Customs Seal
- Clearing Agent Fees (₦200k–₦400k depending on the agent and port)
- VIN-based CIF Valuation (vehicles older than 10 years are valued as 10-year models)
Together, these costs generally amount to 40–55% of the vehicle's CIF value. It's important to confirm the VIN valuation and prepare a buffer for exchange rates.
Clearing Cost Tables by Mercedes-Benz Model
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2000–2021)
|
Year |
Estimated Clearing Cost (₦) |
|
2000–2013 |
₦600,000 |
|
2014 |
₦720,000 |
|
2015 |
₦860,000 |
|
2016 |
₦1,020,000 |
|
2017 |
₦1,170,000 |
|
2018 |
₦1,510,000 |
|
2019 |
₦1,720,000 |
|
2020 |
₦2,120,000 |
|
2021 |
₦2,880,000 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2000–2021)
|
Year |
Estimated Clearing Cost (₦) |
|
2000–2013 |
₦700,000 |
|
2014 |
₦840,000 |
|
2015 |
₦1,010,000 |
|
2016 |
₦1,210,000 |
|
2017 |
₦1,400,000 |
|
2018 |
₦1,810,000 |
|
2019 |
₦2,050,000 |
|
2020 |
₦2,530,000 |
|
2021 |
₦3,435,000 |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2000–2021)
|
Year |
Estimated Clearing Cost (₦) |
|
2000–2013 |
₦1,200,000 |
|
2014 |
₦1,440,000 |
|
2015 |
₦1,740,000 |
|
2016 |
₦2,080,000 |
|
2017 |
₦2,400,000 |
|
2018 |
₦3,090,000 |
|
2019 |
₦3,500,000 |
|
2020 |
₦4,330,000 |
|
2021 |
₦5,885,000 |
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (2015–2021)
|
Year |
Estimated Clearing Cost (₦) |
|
2015 |
₦900,000 |
|
2016 |
₦1,150,000 |
|
2017 |
₦1,280,000 |
|
2018 |
₦1,650,000 |
|
2019 |
₦1,890,000 |
|
2020 |
₦2,330,000 |
|
2021 |
₦3,165,000 |
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (2015–2021)
|
Year |
Estimated Clearing Cost (₦) |
|
2015 |
₦1,000,000 |
|
2016 |
₦1,260,000 |
|
2017 |
₦1,420,000 |
|
2018 |
₦1,830,000 |
|
2019 |
₦2,100,000 |
|
2020 |
₦2,590,000 |
|
2021 |
₦3,515,000 |
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (2016–2021)
|
Year |
Estimated Clearing Cost (₦) |
|
2016 |
₦1,400,000 |
|
2017 |
₦1,700,000 |
|
2018 |
₦2,180,000 |
|
2019 |
₦2,540,000 |
|
2020 |
₦3,130,000 |
|
2021 |
₦4,240,000 |
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2015–2021)
|
Year |
Estimated Clearing Cost (₦) |
|
2015 |
₦740,000 |
|
2016 |
₦880,000 |
|
2017 |
₦1,010,000 |
|
2018 |
₦1,310,000 |
|
2019 |
₦1,510,000 |
|
2020 |
₦1,890,000 |
|
2021 |
₦2,570,000 |
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon (G500/G63 AMG) (2000–2021)
|
Year |
Estimated Clearing Cost (₦) |
|
2000–2013 |
₦1,600,000 |
|
2014 |
₦1,920,000 |
|
2015 |
₦2,300,000 |
|
2016 |
₦2,740,000 |
|
2017 |
₦3,150,000 |
|
2018 |
₦4,040,000 |
|
2019 |
₦4,530,000 |
|
2020 |
₦5,600,000 |
|
2021 |
₦7,800,000 |
Summary Table
To simplify your planning, here's a summary by vehicle category:
|
Class |
Old (≤2013) |
Mid (2014–2017) |
Newer (2018–2021) |
|
C-Class |
₦600k |
₦720k–₦1.17m |
₦1.51m–₦2.88m |
|
E-Class |
₦700k |
₦840k–₦1.40m |
₦1.81m–₦3.43m |
|
S-Class |
₦1.2m |
₦1.44m–₦2.40m |
₦3.09m–₦5.89m |
|
GLC |
— |
₦900k–₦1.28m |
₦1.65m–₦3.17m |
|
GLE |
— |
₦1.0m–₦1.42m |
₦1.83m–₦3.52m |
|
GLS |
— |
₦1.4m–₦1.7m |
₦2.18m–₦4.24m |
|
A-Class |
— |
₦740k–₦1.01m |
₦1.31m–₦2.57m |
|
G-Wagon |
₦1.6m |
₦1.92m–₦3.15m |
₦4.04m–₦7.80m |
2025 Clearance Tips
- Validate Vin-Coded CIF Value: Confirm with your clearing agent.
- Negotiate Agent Fee: Save ₦100k–₦200k by comparing multiple quotes.
- Confirm Exchange Rate: Daily rate fluctuations can impact total cost.
- Avoid Demurrage: Start the clearance process promptly once the ship docks.
- Import ≤10-Year-Old Cars: Models older than 10 years are penalized via CIF valuation cap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why do older models sometimes clear at higher cost?
Customs caps valuation at a 10-year-old equivalent, so very old models might actually have higher declared CIF values than expected.
Q2: Can I clear a luxury Benz like a G-Wagon without an agent?
Legally yes, but paperwork, port navigation, and Nigerian customs rules are complex—agents help prevent delays and mistakes.
Q3: Do clearing costs differ by port?
Base CIF costs are standard, but agent and port handling fees may vary slightly between Tin Can, Apapa, Onne, and Calabar.
Q4: Are hybrid/electric Benz models cheaper to clear?
No special discounts. The clearing fee is calculated on CIF, regardless of fuel type.
Q5: Can I get an accurate quote ahead of shipping?
Yes. Provide your VIN, CIF, and target port to clearing agents for a customized estimate.
Conclusion
Importing a Mercedes-Benz into Nigeria in 2025 requires more than just paying for the car. Clearing fees range widely—from ₦600,000 for older C-Class models to a staggering ₦7.8 million for late-model G-Wagon.
Knowing ahead of time means you can budget accurately, choose your model wisely, and negotiate prep, clearance, and delivery effectively. Keep this guide handy—it’s your roadmap to stress‑free importation of luxury German craftsmanship to Nigerian roads.
