Importing Indonesian Food Products into Nigeria: What to Check First

Nigeria is a large market for imported food, but it is also one of the most restrictive. Before you discuss price or volume with any Indonesian supplier, check two things: whether your product is allowed in at all, and whether it can be registered with NAFDAC. This guide covers both.

1. Check the Import Prohibition List First

Nigeria keeps an import prohibition list for goods it wants produced locally. Spaghetti and noodles are on it, which means vegetarian noodles cannot be imported into Nigeria, whatever the supplier. NAFDAC has also warned publicly about prohibited food products such as pasta and noodles found in markets.

Raw crackers and spice powders are not named on the list, but some categories on it are broad (for example, processed vegetable products). Confirm the exact HS code of each product with the Nigeria Customs Service or a licensed customs agent before placing an order.

2. Register the Product with NAFDAC

Processed food sold in Nigeria must be registered with NAFDAC, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Registration is done per product and takes time, and NAFDAC does not accept new registrations for products on the prohibition list. The applicant is normally a Nigerian company acting for the foreign manufacturer, so plan it as a joint project with your supplier: they provide the manufacturing and product documents, you handle the application.

3. Prepare the Documents Your Supplier Must Provide

• Certificate of Analysis for the product
• Manufacturer's registration and food safety documents (in Indonesia, BPOM registration)
• Halal certificate, which many Nigerian buyers ask for
• Certificate of Origin and, for plant-based products, a phytosanitary certificate

What Fits Nigeria

• Raw prawn and cassava crackers — not named on the prohibition list; confirm the HS code first.
• White and black pepper powder — confirm the HS code and NAFDAC route before ordering.
• Vegetarian noodles — not possible while noodles remain on the prohibition list.

Pre-Order Checklist

• HS code confirmed and product checked against the current prohibition list
• NAFDAC registration route agreed, with supplier documents requested
• Certificate of Analysis, origin, halal, and phytosanitary documents confirmed
• Price agreed FOB Belawan, with your forwarder booked from Belawan

PT Arisyafood Global Niaga exports raw crackers and spice powders to importers outside Indonesia, quoting FOB Belawan, and can supply the manufacturer documents a NAFDAC application needs. See our raw crackers export page, or send an export inquiry.