Back to all guides
Customs4 min read

The cheapest way to send kilishi to your family in New York

Damilola Olanrewaju
Damilola OlanrewajuAuthor
July 16, 2026
The cheapest way to send kilishi to your family in New York

For Nigerians living in the United States, nothing beats the authentic taste of home. Among the most requested local delicacies is kilishi, the spiced, sun-dried beef jerky that is a staple of northern Nigeria. If you have family members living in New York, sending them a batch of this savory snack is one of the best ways to show you care. However, meat products are subject to strict border checks. To avoid having your package seized, you must know the rules and find the most affordable shipping method.

Understanding United States food import rules for kilishi

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintain strict regulations on importing meat products. Raw or improperly processed meat is generally banned due to disease concerns. Since kilishi is a fully dried, shelf-stable beef product, it is permitted under specific conditions for personal consumption. However, it must meet these criteria:

  • Completely dry: The meat must not contain moisture or require refrigeration. Moist or semi-dried meats will be confiscated immediately.
  • Commercial labeling: Standard retail packaging showing ingredients is highly recommended. Homemade or loosely wrapped meat is easily flagged by customs officials.
  • Prior notice: For commercial quantities, an FDA Prior Notice is required. For personal gifts, declaring the food items on the customs declaration form is mandatory.

To ensure your package clears customs smoothly, you should review the official guidelines on the US Customs and Border Protection website.

Step-by-step guide to packaging kilishi for shipping

To prevent your beef jerky from spoiling or getting damaged during transit, you should follow these packaging steps:

  1. Wrap in greaseproof paper: Wrap each piece of kilishi tightly in greaseproof or wax paper. This absorbs excess oil and prevents the meat from sweating.
  2. Use vacuum-sealed bags: Place the wrapped kilishi inside a thick, food-grade plastic bag and vacuum-seal it. This removes oxygen, which prevents mold growth and extends shelf life.
  3. Place in an airtight container: Put the vacuumed bags into a rigid plastic container to prevent the meat from being crushed by other cargo.
  4. Label clearly: Attach a clean label listing ingredients: beef, peanut cake, garlic, ginger, and spices. Avoid complex chemical terms.
  5. Pack in a sturdy cardboard box: Place the container in a double-walled shipping box and fill empty spaces with bubble wrap.

Haulam shipping options: Express Export vs. Value Export

When sending food items to New York, choosing the right logistics service is key to keeping costs low. Haulam offers two distinct air freight routes designed to suit your budget and timeline:

  • Haulam Value Export: This is the cheapest way to send kilishi to your family in New York. Since kilishi is shelf-stable and does not spoil easily, you can take advantage of our cost-effective shipping rate. Delivery takes 5 to 15 working days, allowing you to save money while keeping your family stocked. Learn more about shipping from Nigeria to the USA.
  • Haulam Express Export: If you are sending kilishi for a special event or need it delivered urgently, this service delivers right to the doorstep in New York in 3 to 5 working days with full tracking.


Ready to scale your global shipping?

Whether you need fast Express Import from over 200 countries or cost-effective Value Export to the UK and USA, Haulam makes logistics seamless. Stop worrying about customs delays and hidden fees.

Get a Free Shipping Quote Today and let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on growing your business!

Related Shipping Guides & Articles