How to Export Dried Ginger and Spices from Nigeria to the USA

Exporting dried ginger and spices from Nigeria to the United States offers a profitable opportunity for local agribusinesses. Nigeria is one of the top producers of ginger globally, and the American market has a high demand for organic, split-dried ginger. However, shipping food items into the US requires strict adherence to regulatory guidelines to avoid customs delays or seizure.

Quick summary: How to export dried ginger to the USA

To export dried ginger and spices from Nigeria to the USA, you must register your food facility with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), obtain a Prior Notice for every shipment, and ensure your agricultural products are properly dried and packaged in clean bags. Working with a reliable logistics partner ensures smooth customs clearance and delivery.

Step 1: Prepare your spices for export

Quality control is the first and most critical stage of the export process. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) enforces strict standards regarding plant pests, dirt, and mold. You must dry your ginger thoroughly until the moisture content drops below 10% to 12%. This prevents the growth of mold during transit, which would lead to the shipment being rejected at the US port of entry.

Before packaging, clean the ginger to remove stones, soil, and insect infestations. You must only export stable dry goods since fresh ginger or other items requiring refrigeration are not eligible for standard air cargo. Learn more about plant health import requirements on the USDA Plant Health Import Portal.

Step 2: Register with the US FDA

Because ginger and spices are classified as food products, your business must comply with the US Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Any foreign facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food for consumption in the United States must register with the FDA.

You can complete the registration process online through the FDA Industry Systems portal. If you do not register, your cargo will be held at the port of entry upon arrival. Check the official instructions on the FDA Food Facility Registration Page.

Step 3: File a Prior Notice

For every food shipment heading to the USA, you or your agent must submit a Prior Notice to the FDA. This document tells the FDA what you are shipping, who manufactured it, and where it is arriving. You must submit the Prior Notice before your shipping company delivers the cargo to the carrier. The FDA will issue a confirmation number that must accompany the shipping documents.

Step 4: Package and label correctly

Pack your spices in breathable, food-grade bags. Polypropylene or clean jute bags are standard choices for dried ginger. Avoid reusing old sacks that may contain residues from other products, as this can trigger cross-contamination alerts during customs checks. Each bag must be clearly labeled in English, showing:

• The common name of the product (e.g., Dried Split Ginger)
• Net weight in kilograms and pounds
• Country of origin (Nigeria)
• Name and address of the manufacturer or exporter
• Batch number or lot identifier

Step 5: Choose the right shipping service

For high-value agricultural exports like spices, air freight is the fastest and most secure option. Using a specialized logistics partner like Haulam prevents unnecessary storage delays that could degrade your products. You can choose the service that fits your budget and timeline:

• Haulam Express Export: Delivers your spices in 3 to 5 working days, ideal for urgent orders or sample batches.
• Haulam Value Export: Offers a cost-effective air cargo option that takes 5 to 15 working days.

Ready to arrange your cargo shipment? You can easily schedule shipping from Nigeria to USA using either the Express or Value service. If you are also importing equipment or agricultural inputs, you can utilize Haulam Value Import to bring goods from the US to Nigeria with zero customs fees and delivery in 5 to 10 working days.

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