Nigerian foodstuffs are in high demand abroad, especially among the diaspora community in the UK, US, and Canada who miss home-cooked meals made with authentic ingredients. Garri, spices, dried fish, snacks, and condiments are some of the most requested items. But shipping food isn’t the same as shipping regular goods; it involves specific packaging, documentation, and handling rules to make sure it arrives safely and passes customs.
If you sell foodstuffs and want to start exporting from Nigeria, here’s exactly how the process works.
Step 1: Know Which Foodstuffs You Can Export
Most Nigerian foodstuffs are exportable, but some require extra documentation or aren’t accepted in certain countries. Popular, easily exportable items include:
- Garri, semovita, and other staples
- Dried spices and seasoning blends
- Beans, ogbono, and egusi
- Snacks (chin chin, plantain chips, biscuits)
- Palm oil and groundnut oil
- Dried and smoked fish (check destination country restrictions first)
- Cocoa, cashew, ginger, sesame seed, and hibiscus flower
Some countries restrict specific meat, dairy, or unprocessed animal products, so always confirm the destination country’s food import rules before shipping.
Step 2: Get Your Documentation in Order
Exporting food legally usually requires:
- CAC registration for your business
- NAFDAC registration/certification for processed food items
- NEPC Exporter’s Certificate
- Certificate of origin for your shipment
Food items without proper certification are far more likely to be delayed, seized, or rejected at customs, both in Nigeria and at the destination country.
Step 3: Package Your Foodstuffs the Right Way
This is the step most first-time exporters get wrong. Food needs packaging that can survive weeks of transit (especially by sea), temperature changes, and customs inspection. Good foodstuff export packaging should:
- Be airtight and moisture-resistant, especially for powders and dried goods
- Use vacuum sealing where possible to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage
- Be clearly labeled with the product name, ingredients, production date, and expiry date
- Avoid materials that could raise a red flag at customs (e.g., loosely wrapped or unlabeled bags)
Poor packaging is one of the biggest reasons foodstuff shipments get rejected or damaged in transit.
Step 4: Choose the Right Shipping Method
- Air freight is best for smaller quantities or items with a shorter shelf life since it gets there faster.
- Sea freight is more cost-effective for bulk shipments, but takes longer, so packaging and preservation matter even more.
Many foodstuff exporters start with air freight to test a market with smaller orders, then move to sea freight once demand grows and they’re shipping in bulk.
Step 5: Prepare Shipping Documents
Every foodstuff export shipment typically needs:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- NAFDAC certificate (for processed foods)
- Bill of lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
Having these ready before shipping avoids delays once your goods reach the port.
Step 6: Customs Clearance and Shipping
Once your documentation and packaging are ready, your shipment goes through customs clearance before it can leave Nigeria. A logistics partner can manage this step for you, ensuring your paperwork matches your shipment and there are no unnecessary hold-ups.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Shipping food without proper labeling or expiry dates
- Using packaging that isn’t suited for long transit times
- Skipping NAFDAC certification for processed food items
- Not checking the destination country’s specific food import restrictions
- Trying to handle documentation and shipping alone without guidance
How STGB Logistics Helps You Export Foodstuffs
At STGB Logistics & Warehousing, we help foodstuff sellers export their products safely and legally — offering packaging guidance, air and sea shipping, documentation support, and customs clearance from start to finish. Spices, garri, snacks, condiments, whatever you sell, we help you reach buyers abroad without the shipping stress.
Need somewhere to store your foodstuffs before shipping? We also offer secure warehousing — contact us to learn more.
Ready to Start Exporting Your Foodstuffs?
Exporting foodstuffs from Nigeria doesn’t have to be complicated once you understand the packaging and documentation requirements, and have the right logistics partner handling the shipping.
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +2349134034148 🌐 Website: www.stgb.co.com 📍 Locations: Oko-Ogba, No 10 Airport Rd, Ogba, Lagos | Market Rd, Oka, Benin City, Edo