How To Export Food Items From Nigeria To the USA

Introduction.

Starting a business that exports food items from Nigeria to the United States is a rewarding and potentially lucrative venture.

Nigerian foods—like spices, dried fruits, grains, and seafood—are growing in popularity abroad as the Nigerian diaspora and a broader interest in African cuisine expand.

The demand for unique and culturally rich foods is only expected to increase. But getting your products from Nigeria into U.S. stores, restaurants, and kitchens involves several steps and requirements.

To help you make sense of it all, I’ll break down the key things you need to know to start exporting Nigerian food products to the USA.

I’ll cover how to get the right certifications, understand U.S. import regulations, handle logistics, and build a strong business in the export industry. Let’s get into it.

How Do I Export Food Items From Nigeria To the USA?

Step 1: Understanding U.S. Import Regulations for Food.

The U.S. is strict about food imports because the government wants to protect consumers from any potential health risks. Here are some of the main agencies and rules to know:

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) – The FDA has strict guidelines for importing foods. Any company exporting food products to the U.S. must comply with FDA regulations. Registering your facility with the FDA is mandatory, and each shipment requires prior notice through the FDA’s Prior Notice System.
USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) – The USDA regulates specific food products, like meat, poultry, and eggs. If you’re planning to export anything in these categories, make sure it complies with USDA standards.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – CBP is responsible for checking imports when they arrive in the U.S. CBP makes sure imported products have the right documentation and don’t pose any threats to consumers or the U.S. agricultural sector.
Packaging and Labeling Requirements – All food products need accurate labels that meet FDA standards. That means listing all ingredients, nutritional information, and proper English translations if they’re originally labeled in another language. Mislabeling is one of the top reasons shipments get delayed or turned back, so be thorough here.

Step 2: Registering and Licensing for Exporting.

For you to start exporting, getting the right licenses and certifications is a must. Here’s how to do that:

Register with the FDA – All foreign food facilities need to be registered with the FDA. This registration is free and done online through the FDA’s website.
Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) – In Nigeria, the NEPC supports exporters by helping them find resources and providing necessary certifications. By registering with NEPC, you’ll get an export certificate that can give your products credibility in international markets.
Local Certifications and Permits – If you’re exporting specific items like seafood, getting a health certificate from Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) may be required.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Food Items to Export.

Exporting food successfully means selecting products that are in demand. Here are a few popular Nigerian items with good potential in the U.S.:

Dried Fish and Seafood – Dried fish is popular in Nigerian and West African cuisine and has a strong following among the African diaspora.
Spices – Nigerian spices, like ogbono seeds, crayfish, and ground peppers, are used in African dishes, making them popular in ethnic food markets.
Grains and Flours – Items like yam flour, plantain flour, and beans are commonly exported because they’re staples in Nigerian dishes.
Herbs and Vegetables – Bitter leaf, ugu, and other herbs are essential in many Nigerian recipes, so they’re always in demand.

It’s also a good idea to check market trends to see if any new products are gaining popularity. For example, more consumers are looking for gluten-free, organic, or non-GMO foods, so if you can market any Nigerian food products as fitting these categories, you may reach a wider audience.

Step 4: Packaging and Preserving Food for Export.

Packaging is essential in the export business. Since your products will travel long distances and potentially stay in warehouses, making sure they’re well-preserved is crucial.

Durable and Safe Packaging – Use packaging that keeps the product fresh and prevents any contamination. Dried items, for example, should be sealed in airtight packaging.
Preservation Techniques – For items like fish, consider drying or smoking them to extend shelf life. Grains can be vacuum-sealed to keep pests and moisture out.
Labeling – Make sure each package has a label that meets U.S. FDA standards, including the product’s weight, ingredients, and a nutrition facts panel. Also, list a “best before” date and contact information in case consumers need more details.

Step 5: Managing Shipping and Logistics.

Now that you’ve got your products ready, let’s talk about getting them to the U.S. You’ll want to ensure smooth, efficient shipping, so think about these points:

Freight Forwarders – Hiring a freight forwarder can be a huge help in handling the logistics. They’re experts in navigating customs, managing shipping routes, and ensuring that your goods reach their destination without issues.
Choosing the Right Shipping Mode – For bulky or non-perishable items, sea freight is usually more cost-effective, though it takes longer. For smaller, time-sensitive shipments, air freight might be best despite being more expensive.
Compliance at Customs – When your goods reach the U.S., they’ll be inspected by CBP. Having all your paperwork, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary certificates, will help avoid delays.

Step 6: Building Business Relationships in the U.S..

Getting into the U.S. market means more than just shipping products—you also need good business relationships. Consider reaching out to:

Distributors and Importers – Many U.S.-based importers specialize in ethnic foods. Partnering with them can help get your products into stores quickly.
Retailers and Specialty Stores – African and ethnic food stores are ideal places to sell Nigerian food items. Try to connect with stores and build a network within the African diaspora community.
Online Markets – Platforms like Amazon or African-specific online stores are another great option. Some exporters even launch their websites to sell directly to U.S. consumers.

FAQs

1. What Nigerian food products can I export to the U.S.?

You can export a variety of dried, canned, and non-perishable foods, including spices, herbs, dried fish, and grains.

However, fresh produce can be challenging due to strict USDA regulations on importing agricultural products.

2. Is FDA registration necessary to export food to the U.S.?

Yes, you must register your business with the FDA and ensure that each shipment has prior notice with the FDA. Failure to do this can result in your shipment being denied entry.

3. Do I need to work with a freight forwarder?

While not mandatory, a freight forwarder can simplify logistics and customs processes, especially if you’re new to exporting.

4. Are there specific labeling requirements for U.S. imports?

Yes, all food items must meet FDA labeling standards, which include listing all ingredients, nutritional information, and English translations.

5. How long does the export process typically take?

The timeline varies based on factors like shipping method, customs clearance, and processing time. Sea freight can take several weeks, while air freight is faster but more costly.