How to Ship Nigerian Food Abroad Legally 

Shipping Nigerian food abroad has become more common in recent years as Nigerians relocate, travel, or send care packages to loved ones. The rich food culture, featuring spices, seasonings, packaged snacks, and dried delicacies, is an essential part of our identity. For many Nigerians living overseas, receiving a package containing egusi, suya spice, or chin chin can feel like a taste of home. 

However, sending Nigerian food abroad isn’t as straightforward as just packing yam flour in a bag and mailing it. Each country has strict rules about bringing in food products. Customs, health, and agriculture agencies enforce these laws to prevent diseases, pests, and illegal goods from crossing borders. If you want to ship Nigerian food abroad, you need to know the legal requirements, necessary documentation, and best practices. 

This guide provides all the information Nigerians need to ship food abroad legally, covering the foods you can send, which shipping companies to use, required documentation, costs, and tips for avoiding issues at customs. 

Why Nigerians Ship Food Abroad 

Before getting into the rules, let’s look at why this matters so much. Nigerians abroad often crave the flavors of home that might not be available in their new locations. 

1. An emotional connection to home stems from food, reminding Nigerians abroad of their roots.
2. The high cost of African stores means that food sold in markets outside Nigeria is often expensive. Shipping from home can be less costly.
3. Certain items may be unavailable abroad, particularly in smaller cities.
4. Families frequently send care packages to students or relatives living abroad to help them settle in.
5. Some Nigerians export food legally for commercial purposes, targeting diaspora markets. 

Common Nigerian Foods Shipped Abroad 

Not all Nigerian food items can be shipped legally, but here are some of the most popular choices: 

• Spices and condiments: Suya pepper, crayfish, locust beans (iru, dried), groundnut, egusi, ogbono, pepper soup spice. 
• Flours and powders: Yam flour (elubo), cassava flour, plantain flour, garri. 
• Packaged snacks: Chin chin, puff-puff mix, plantain chips, groundnut brittle (kulikuli). 
• Dried goods: Stockfish, dried catfish, dried meat (if packaged properly), okporoko. 
• Palm oil (sometimes restricted): Highly regulated, often banned unless packaged to specific standards. 
• Beans, rice, millet, maize: Must be dry, free of insects, and often in commercial bags. 

Caution: Prohibited or restricted items typically include fresh foods, such as yam tubers, fresh pepper, and fruits, as well as liquids, unprocessed meat, and dairy. Many countries ban these for biosecurity reasons. 

Understanding Import Rules in Different Countries 

Each destination country has its own laws. As a Nigerian, you need to check the specific rules for your destination. 

1. United States (US) 

• The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) manages food imports.
• Dried, packaged, and sealed foods are usually permitted if labeled.
• Meats (even dried) and fresh yam are generally prohibited unless one has special permits.
• Palm oil is allowed if refined and properly sealed. 

2. United Kingdom (UK) 

• Post-Brexit, the UK enforces strict food import laws.
• Dried fish, egusi, and packaged goods are often accepted.
• However, fresh foods, dairy, and meats are banned.
• Commercial imports require approval from the Food Standards Agency (FSA). 

3. Canada 

• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates imports.
• Small amounts of dried vegetables, flour, and spices are allowed.
• However, meat and animal products face restrictions. 

4. European Union Countries (e.g., Germany, France, Italy) 

• EU rules are consistent across member states.
• Most dried, plant-based foods can be shipped if packaged and declared.
• Meat and dairy products are banned without permits. 

5. Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) 

• The UAE permits certain Nigerian foods but prohibits pork and alcohol products.
• Saudi Arabia has stricter rules, limiting dried fish and oils.
• Always check Halal certification needs for processed foods. 

6. African Countries (South Africa, Ghana, Kenya) 

• Neighboring countries often allow Nigerian foods with fewer restrictions.
• However, they all have agricultural import controls, especially for large shipments. 

Step-by-Step Process for Shipping Nigerian Food Abroad Legally 

Step 1: Identify What You’re Sending 

• Make a list of the food items.
• Check the destination country’s customs website for restrictions. 

Step 2: Proper Packaging 

• Use airtight, vacuum-sealed bags for powders and dried goods.
• Label every item with its English name (and scientific name if possible).
• Avoid homemade packaging; use commercially-available materials. 

Step 3: Documentation 

• Commercial invoice: A list of items with their value and description. 
• Certificate of origin: Sometimes required for commercial shipments. 
• Health certificate: Issued by NAFDAC or SON for processed foods. 
• Customs declaration form: Required for all shipments. 

Step 4: Choose a Shipping Company 

Some shipping companies specialize in Nigerian foods: 

• DHL, FedEx, UPS: Expensive but reliable for small packages.  
• EMS Nigeria: More affordable but slower. 
• Specialized Nigerian shippers: Look for community-based cargo services in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt. 

Example: Always confirm they handle food shipments before booking. 

Step 5: Pay Duties and Taxes 

• The recipient may need to pay import duties.
• Duties vary based on the food’s value and type. 

Step 6: Customs Inspection 

• Expect customs officials to inspect food packages.
• If the food does not meet standards, it may be confiscated. 

Costs of Shipping Nigerian Food Abroad 

Costs depend on weight, destination, and shipping method: 

• Air cargo (fastest): ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per kg. 
• Sea cargo (slower, bulk): ₦1,500 to ₦3,000 per kg. 
• Courier services (small parcels): ₦30,000 to ₦60,000 for 10 kg. 

For example, sending a 20 kg box of dried food from Lagos to London might cost ₦200,000 by air. 

Tips to Avoid Confiscation 

• Don’t send prohibited items; customs will not allow exceptions. 
• Label everything clearly, like “Egusi powder” and “Cassava flour.” 
• Use neat packaging with factory-style sealed packs. 
• Send in small quantities to avoid raising red flags. 
• Declare items honestly; hiding them can lead to confiscation or fines. 

Opportunities in Exporting Nigerian Food 

Beyond sending family packages, Nigerians can consider food shipping as a business.  

• Export to African stores abroad with proper NAFDAC certification. 
• Set up online shops to sell Nigerian food directly to the diaspora. 
• Partner with supermarkets in the US, UK, and Canada, many of which stock African food. 

To export commercially, you’ll need: 

• NAFDAC registration. 
• SONCAP certification (Standards Organization of Nigeria). 
• An export license from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Shipping Nigerian food abroad legally is possible but requires careful planning, compliance, and the right paperwork. Whether you are sending a small care package to family or planning a business export, it is crucial to understand the destination country’s laws, package correctly, and choose reliable shipping options. 

Our food represents our culture, and with the right approach, Nigerians everywhere can enjoy the taste of home without facing customs issues.