Can You Ship Food Internationally? The Basics

Yes, you can ship food items internationally, but not all foods are allowed. The key question isn’t just “can you ship food abroad” but rather “what kind of food can you ship internationally” safely and legally.

The golden rule: Non-perishable foods have the best chance of reaching their destination successfully. Fresh, frozen, or perishable items face strict restrictions and often get rejected at customs.

What Food Items Are Allowed Into Different Countries?

What Food Items Are Allowed Into the UK from Nigeria?

The UK has specific regulations for food imports from Nigeria:

Generally Allowed:

• Dried and processed foods

• Commercially packaged snacks

• Spices and seasonings

• Non-perishable items in sealed packaging

Restricted or Prohibited:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Raw or cooked meat products

• Dairy products

• Foods containing meat or dairy

Other Popular Destinations

USA: Similar restrictions to UK, with strict rules against meat, dairy, and fresh produce Canada: Allows many processed foods but prohibits meat, dairy, and fresh items European Union: Generally follows UK-style regulations with country-specific variations

Always check current regulations for your specific destination, as rules can change.

Food You Can Ship Abroad from Nigeria

Here are Nigerian foods that typically ship well internationally:

Flours and Powders

• Garri – The ultimate Nigerian staple that ships beautifully

• Yam flour (elubo) – Perfect for making amala overseas

• Plantain flour – Great for baking and traditional recipes

• Cocoyam powder – Excellent for making fufu

• Powdered milk – If commercially packaged

Dried Goods That Travel Well

• Dried pepper soup ingredients – Your essential spices in one package

• Dried vegetables – Bitter leaf, scent leaf, and other traditional leaves

• Dried seafood – Shawa, bonga fish, and other favorites

• Dried fruits – Including dry breadfruit (ukpa)

• Dried beans – Various Nigerian bean varieties

• Melon seeds (egusi) – Essential for making egusi soup

Popular Nigerian Snacks You Can Send Overseas

• Chin chin – The beloved crunchy treat that ships perfectly

• Kokoro – Spicy corn snacks that survive long journeys

• Plantain chips – Crispy and delicious, travels well

• Kilishi – Nigerian dried meat snack (check destination restrictions)

• Packaged biscuits – Commercially made varieties

• Groundnuts (peanuts) – Raw or roasted

Essential Spices and Seasonings

• Suya spice – Bring that authentic suya flavor anywhere

• Jollof rice spice – For perfect jollof every time

• Curry powder – Nigerian-style curry blends

• Dried thyme – Essential for Nigerian cooking

• Locust beans – Properly dried and packaged

Foods You Cannot Ship Internationally

Understanding what you cannot send is just as important as knowing what you can ship:

Always Prohibited

• Fresh meat, fish, or poultry – Including fresh kilishi

• Fresh fruits and vegetables – Even dried versions may face restrictions

• Dairy products – Milk, cheese, yogurt

• Cooked foods – Including ready-to-eat meals

• Foods with meat or dairy ingredients – Check ingredient lists carefully

Items Requiring Special Permits

• Honey and bee products

• Some traditional medicines

• Certain plant-based products

Can You Ship Non-Perishable Food Internationally?

Absolutely! Non-perishable foods are your best bet for successful international shipping. Focus on items that:

• Don’t require refrigeration

• Have long shelf lives

• Come in sealed, moisture-proof packaging

• Are commercially produced when possible

How to Send Homemade Food Overseas

While challenging, you can sometimes ship homemade Nigerian foods if you follow these guidelines:

Best homemade items to ship:

• Properly dried and packaged chin chin

• Homemade spice blends in sealed containers

• Dried and ground ingredients

Important considerations:

• Package in airtight, professional containers

• Label all ingredients clearly in English

• Research destination country requirements

• Consider shelf-life during transit

General Guidelines for Shipping Food Successfully

Non-Perishable is Key

Focus on foods that don’t require refrigeration or freezing, as these are most likely to be accepted by customs.

Proper Packaging

• Use airtight containers to prevent moisture and spoilage

• Vacuum-seal items like dried seafood or locust beans to preserve freshness and extend shelf life

• Securely seal all packages to prevent spilling during transit

Clear Labeling

• Clearly label all ingredients in English for customs inspections

• Include expiration dates where applicable

• Mark packages as “Food Products” clearly

Destination Regulations

• Research and adhere to the specific customs and shipping regulations of the country you are shipping to

• Rules vary significantly between countries

• When in doubt, contact customs authorities

Documentation

• Obtain necessary regulatory documents, such as a phytosanitary certificate, which may be required for international food shipments

• Keep receipts and packaging information

• Provide detailed contents lists

Can You Send Food in the Mail Internationally?

Yes, but with important limitations:

Postal service restrictions:

• Most postal services have strict food policies

• Private couriers often have more flexible food shipping options

• Commercial food shippers specialize in navigating regulations

Best practices:

• Use experienced food shipping services

• Declare all contents honestly

• Package professionally to prevent damage

What Kind of Food Can You Send Overseas: Quick Reference

✅ Generally Safe to Ship:

• Garri, yam flour, and other flours

• Dried spices and seasonings

• Commercially packaged snacks

• Vacuum-sealed dried goods

• Properly packaged traditional ingredients

❌ Avoid Shipping:

• Anything fresh or perishable

• Cooked or prepared meals

• Items containing meat or dairy

• Foods requiring refrigeration

Tips for Successful Food Shipping

1. Start with small test shipments to learn what works

2. Use professional packaging – proper containers matter

3. Ship during cooler months when possible

4. Track your shipments to monitor delivery

5. Work with experienced shippers who understand food regulations

Why Choose Professional Food Shipping Services

While you can attempt to ship foods yourself, professional services like SendZira offer significant advantages:

• Knowledge of current regulations across different countries

• Proper packaging techniques that maximize success rates

• Experience handling customs and documentation

• Insurance options for valuable food shipments

• Reliable tracking and delivery confirmation

Making Your Food Shipping Dreams Come True

Shipping Nigerian food internationally is definitely possible when done correctly. The key is understanding what you can ship, how to package it properly, and working with services that specialize in international food delivery.

Whether you’re craving that perfect bowl of garri or need to send chin chin to family overseas, the right approach makes all the difference. Don’t let distance prevent you from enjoying the flavors of home or sharing them with loved ones abroad.

Ready to send your favorite Nigerian foods internationally?

Call/WhatsApp: 0809 100 0036
Email: info@sendzira.com

Let SendZira handle the complexities of international food shipping while you focus on choosing the perfect items to send. Your taste of home is just a shipment away!