How It Works

Your China Import, Managed From Start to Finish.

SLS manages your complete import cycle — one team, one process, zero gaps. Here is exactly how it works, from your first brief to the moment your cargo arrives.

1

Tell Us What You Need

Start by completing our procurement brief — product type, quantity, specifications, target budget, and required delivery timeframe. If you have an existing supplier, share the details. If you do not, we will find one. Our procurement team reviews every brief within 48 hours and confirms feasibility, estimated pricing, and a proposed timeline before anything is committed.

2

We Find and Verify Your Supplier

Using our established network of verified suppliers across China and Asia, SLS identifies production-ready manufacturers that match your specification and budget. Every supplier in the SLS network is vetted — we check production capacity, quality standards, export history, and reference background before making a recommendation. Where required, we obtain product samples before any purchase order is placed. You approve the supplier. Nothing moves without your sign-off.

3

Your Funds Are Secured Before Production Begins

Once you approve the supplier, we prepare the purchase order and issue payment instructions. Your funds are transferred to an independent, regulated third-party escrow account — not to SLS and not directly to the supplier. The escrow provider notifies the supplier that funds are secured, triggering production. Your capital is protected: the escrow provider only releases payment to the supplier upon verified confirmation that your goods have been loaded and shipped.

4

We Watch the Goods From Factory to Port

SLS tracks production progress and maintains communication with the supplier throughout the manufacturing cycle. Where pre-shipment inspection is part of your brief, SLS coordinates a qualified inspection agent to verify that goods match specification before loading. Once goods pass inspection, they are consolidated at our partner facility and prepared for ocean freight. All export documentation is prepared and reviewed by the SLS documentation team before departure.

5

Your Cargo Ships on the Next Available Vessel

SLS books your cargo onto the appropriate vessel for the Nigeria route — managing container allocation, bill of lading, and freight logistics. You receive a copy of all shipping documentation: bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. From this point, you have documented proof that your goods have shipped and are in transit. Our team provides regular transit updates until the vessel arrives at the Nigerian port of destination.

6

We Clear Your Goods Through Nigerian Customs

When your cargo arrives at the port, the SLS customs brokerage team takes over. We manage the complete import clearance process: Form M, SON compliance where applicable, import duty calculation and payment, Nigerian Customs Service documentation, and port release. We coordinate directly with the shipping line and port for container demurrage management. You receive regular updates on clearance status.

7

From the Port to Your Door

Once your goods are released from port, SLS transfers them directly to our transportation network for inland delivery. Road freight is coordinated from the port to your warehouse, distribution centre, or nominated delivery address. Every consignment is accompanied by a delivery order and SLS delivery receipt. You receive proof of delivery at every handover point. Your account manager is your single point of contact throughout — from the moment you submit your brief to the moment your goods arrive.

One Team. Complete Accountability.

From supplier sourcing in China to last-mile delivery in Nigeria, SLS operates as the single accountable party across your entire supply chain. There is no handoff gap — no moment where your cargo is moving and nobody is managing it. You have one point of contact, one audit trail, and one team accountable for the outcome.

Timeline Expectations

What to Expect on Timelines

Every procurement engagement has different timelines depending on product type, supplier production lead times, and ocean freight scheduling. As a general guide:

Supplier identification and approval 3 to 7 working days
Sample procurement (where required) 7 to 14 working days
Production lead times Typically 15 to 45 days
Ocean freight (China to Nigeria) Typically 25 to 35 days
Nigerian customs clearance Typically 5 to 14 working days
Inland transport and delivery 1 to 5 working days

SLS provides specific timeline estimates for each engagement based on your product, supplier, and destination. The ranges above are indicative guides only.

Ready to Start Your First Procurement?

Submit your brief and our team will respond with a detailed proposal within 48 hours.