Delivery Order in Nigeria: Guide for China Imports

A delivery order in Nigeria helps release cargo from the shipping line. Learn the documents, charges and checks needed before collecting China imports.

Delivery Order in Nigeria: Guide for China Imports

A delivery order in Nigeria is part of the release process that allows sea cargo from China to move towards collection by the consignee or an authorised representative.

Your vessel can arrive while carrier documents, payments or release instructions remain unresolved. Ask which step is pending before assuming the goods are ready for a truck.

This guide was checked on 26 October 2026. It explains the shipping-line delivery order, often called a DO or D/O, and the checks around it.

What is a delivery order in Nigeria? #

A shipping line or its destination agent issues the relevant delivery order or release instruction under its procedures. It identifies the cargo and the party authorised to receive it.

The format and process depend on the carrier and shipment. An electronic request or release arrangement may be involved; do not assume every order is a paper document collected at a counter.

Keep the related records distinct:

• The arrival notice provides shipment-arrival information.
• The bill of lading records the sea-carriage arrangement and relevant cargo details.
• The carrier's delivery order addresses release under its procedures.
• Customs and terminal release requirements must also be satisfied for collection.

Read our bill of lading guide for China imports if the transport document or release method is unclear.

For a forwarder-arranged shipment, ask which carrier and forwarder releases your booking needs. Establish who handles each request and which reference identifies your cargo.

Which documents might the shipping line request? #

Obtain the current checklist from the carrier or destination agent handling the shipment. Confirm it against the bill type and the representative making the request.

Prepare the relevant:

• Bill of lading number and shipment references.
• Original-document or accepted release evidence.
• Consignee details.
• Authority for the agent or representative.
• Identification requested for the authorised party.
• Carrier invoices and payment evidence.
• Additional documents specified for that shipment.

CMA CGM Nigeria's published import guide includes authority letters, representative identification, Form C30 and payment confirmation among its delivery-order documents. Ask which items apply to your case and how they should be submitted.

An original bill, sea waybill and telex-release arrangement require different handling. A supplier's message saying “telex done” should be followed by confirmation from the destination handling party.

Review names and references across the documents. Our commercial invoice guide helps you compare the seller, buyer and goods details with the shipment records.

Resolve discrepancies with the issuing party. Do not alter carrier documents yourself to make the names appear consistent.

How should you request the delivery order in 2026? #

Check the carrier's current Nigerian instructions before sending documents or visiting an office. An older forwarded notice may describe a process that has changed.

For example, CMA CGM Nigeria's March 2026 advisory moved delivery-order and cargo-release requests to its My Customer Service portal from 9 March 2026, replacing the earlier email procedure.

That advisory retains physical presentation of original bills of lading for the relevant original-bill release. It also provides request types for a new DO, validity extension and reissuance.

This is a carrier example. Follow the current instructions for your own shipment, including any feedback on the case.

A practical request sequence is:

• Confirm who is authorised to submit it.
• Check the required bill or release status.
• Verify the applicable invoices and payment status.
• Submit clear documents through the approved channel.
• Save the request reference.
• Monitor queries and confirm the outcome.

A case number shows that a request exists. Ask whether the carrier has actually completed the release before treating the cargo as ready.

Our shipping companies from China to Nigeria guide explains the different businesses involved in moving your goods.

Which charges should you check before paying? #

Ask for an itemised statement showing the charging company, invoice number, shipment reference, currency and reason for each amount.

Keep these categories separate when applicable:

• Freight or other carrier charges.
• Carrier local documentation or release charges.
• Time-related charges under the relevant terms.
• Terminal handling or storage charges.
• Customs duties, taxes and regulatory charges.
• Clearing-agent fees.
• Haulage and delivery costs.

A request labelled “DO money” may combine several services. Ask for the underlying invoices and a clear account of what the agent will do.

Carrier release requirements can include payment of outstanding invoices. Hapag-Lloyd's published Nigeria FAQ identifies outstanding-payment settlement as part of its import release process.

Confirm that payment has been received and recognised against the correct shipment. A transfer receipt and a completed carrier payment status are different pieces of evidence.

Use verified payment instructions from the charging organisation. If details change, confirm the change through its established contact route before transferring funds.

The clearing-agent guide for China goods in Lagos explains how to agree responsibilities and review charges.

What can delay release or require a correction? #

Ask the handling party to identify the specific outstanding condition. Avoid relying on a general message that “release is processing”.

Questions worth checking include:

• Has the required original or release instruction been accepted?
• Is the requesting agent properly authorised?
• Are document scans complete and readable?
• Do party names and shipment references match?
• Are payments recognised against the right invoices?
• Does the release cover the correct cargo or containers?
• Will its validity cover the intended collection date?

Consider a hypothetical shipment of two containers. Your release information identifies only one. Confirm whether a separate release is pending or whether the record needs correction before arranging collection of both.

For another example, the planned truck date may fall after the DO's stated validity. Ask the issuer about an extension and any further requirements rather than assuming the original remains usable.

Keep the earlier document, correction request and replacement together. Tell the agent or haulier which version is current.

Ask the carrier and terminal separately how any delay affects their charges and applicable free periods. A carrier query does not settle the terminal's billing position.

What must you confirm before sending a truck? #

Ask your agent to report the status of each relevant part of collection:

• Carrier release.
• Customs clearance and release.
• Terminal charges and release requirements.
• Cargo availability for pickup.
• Any required truck-access or appointment arrangements.
• The authorised collection party and vehicle arrangements.

Nigeria's Trade Information Portal describes Customs declaration, applicable payments, inspection where required and compliance verification before release. A carrier DO does not replace those steps.

Use the Apapa port clearing process guide to understand the wider sequence.

You can send your agent this message:

“Please confirm the carrier release status for B/L [reference] and containers [references]. List any pending documents, payments or queries, with the responsible party and request number.”

“Please also confirm DO validity, Customs and terminal status, collection location and whether the proposed truck date is workable.”

At collection, retain the relevant handover records and note visible damage or shortages promptly. Our damaged goods from China guide explains evidence and claim preparation.

For help coordinating a delivery order in Nigeria, share the carrier, bill reference, destination and outstanding issue with ChinaBridge. Agree the assistance and fees before work starts.

What else do Nigerian importers ask about delivery orders? #

Who issues the delivery order? #

The relevant shipping line or agent handles its release. If a forwarder controls your booking, confirm the release arrangements with that forwarder too.

Is the delivery order the same as the bill of lading? #

No. The bill relates to the carriage arrangement; the delivery order or release instruction supports destination collection under the issuer's procedures.

Does telex release mean I can collect immediately? #

No. Confirm the carrier's remaining release requirements, payment status and the other steps needed for physical collection.

Does a DO prove Customs has released the cargo? #

No. Ask for the Customs status separately and confirm the terminal's collection requirements.

How long is a delivery order valid? #

Check the issued order and carrier instructions. Do not assume one fixed validity period applies to every line or shipment.

Can my clearing agent request it for me? #

An authorised representative can act under the carrier's requirements. Confirm the authority documents, account permissions and identification needed for the request.

Does a request confirmation mean the truck can collect? #

No. Confirm the actual release outcome, validity, terminal readiness and truck-access arrangements before dispatching the vehicle.

First published 29 Oct 2026. Last checked 29 Oct 2026 by The ChinaBridge desk. Something here out of date? Tell us in the comments and we will fix it.