Shipping Rules Directory(67 items found)
Viewing all cargo categories
Dried Goat Meat
Rule Summary:
UK only. Prohibited for entry into the United States under USDA/CBP meat import rules. Must be fully dried with zero moisture.
Dried Crayfish
Rule Summary:
Accepted for both UK and USA. Must be thoroughly dry and free from sand or foreign matter.
Dried Shrimp
Rule Summary:
Accepted for UK and USA cargo. Must be completely sun-dried or oven-dried.
Stockfish (Okporoko / Cod)
Rule Summary:
Accepted for UK and USA. Both cut pieces and whole stockfish are accepted if bone-dry.
Dry Catfish
Rule Summary:
For USA shipments, the head must be completely removed before packing. Whole dry catfish is accepted for UK. Must be bone-dry.
Smoked Fish (General)
Rule Summary:
Subject to destination customs clearance. Fish must be thoroughly smoked until hard dry. Soft or moist fish is rejected.
Dried Snail
Rule Summary:
Accepted for UK and USA. Must be shelled, thoroughly washed, and oven or sun-dried to a crisp state.
Garri (Ijebu, White & Yellow)
Rule Summary:
Accepted for both destinations. Must be thoroughly dry and free from weevils or moisture.
Rice (Local & Processed)
Rule Summary:
Accepted for UK and USA. Grains must be clean, dry, and insect-free.
Beans (Brown, Honey / Oloyin)
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Beans must be completely dry and inspected for insects before dispatch.
Semovita / Semolina
Rule Summary:
Accepted for UK and USA. Commercial factory-sealed bags are best for swift clearance.
Poundo Yam
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Processed powdered poundo yam clears customs without inspection delays.
Yam Flour (Elubo)
Rule Summary:
Accepted for UK and USA. Must be finely ground, dry, and clean.
Cassava Flour (Lafun)
Rule Summary:
Accepted for UK and USA. Moisture-free powdered flour only.
Plantain Flour
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Unripe plantain flour is fully permitted for international shipment.
Corn Flour / Maize Meal
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Must be dry and properly labeled.
Oat Flour
Rule Summary:
Accepted for both UK and USA destinations.
Ogi / Akamu (Dry Powder Only)
Rule Summary:
Allowed in powdered dry form only. Wet, paste, or fermented ogi in liquid is prohibited.
Egusi (Melon Seeds)
Rule Summary:
Accepted as whole peeled seeds or ground. Must be bone-dry without damp odor.
Ogbono (Dika Nut)
Rule Summary:
Accepted whole or milled. Must be dry and clean.
Achi
Rule Summary:
Accepted traditional soup thickener for both UK and USA.
Ukazi / Afang (Dried Only)
Rule Summary:
Allowed in shredded dry form only. Fresh green leaves are prohibited by border agriculture inspectors.
Uziza (Dried Leaves & Seeds)
Rule Summary:
Must be dried. Fresh green leaves are not accepted.
Dried Bitter Leaf (Onugbu)
Rule Summary:
Accepted when washed, squeezed, and completely sun-dried.
Dried Scent Leaf (Efirin / Nchuanwu)
Rule Summary:
Accepted dried only. Fresh herbs with stems or soil are strictly forbidden.
Dried Okra
Rule Summary:
Accepted as sliced dried chips or ground powder (orunla).
Dried Vegetables (Ugwu, Waterleaf)
Rule Summary:
Must be completely dehydrated. Fresh green vegetables with moisture cannot clear plant health controls.
Ground & Dry Pepper (Cameroon, Atarodo)
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Bone dry whole dried peppers or finely ground Cameroon pepper.
Curry Powder & Thyme
Rule Summary:
Accepted in commercial jars, tins, or airtight food sachets.
Ginger, Garlic & Turmeric Powder
Rule Summary:
Accepted in dehydrated powder form.
Seasoning Cubes (Maggi, Knorr, Royco)
Rule Summary:
Accepted in factory packaging or cartons.
Cloves, Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Bay Leaves
Rule Summary:
Accepted in dry whole or powdered format.
Pure Honey
Rule Summary:
Accepted in strong, food-grade plastic bottles only. Glass bottles are not permitted on air cargo.
Milo, Bournvita & Ovaltine
Rule Summary:
Accepted in factory refill pouches or sealed tins.
Peak Milk, Nido & Cowbell (Powdered)
Rule Summary:
Accepted in dry powdered form. Liquid milk cans are subject to dent and burst limitations.
Custard, Golden Morn, Cornflakes & Quaker Oats
Rule Summary:
Accepted in factory-sealed retail containers.
Tea & Coffee
Rule Summary:
Accepted in retail packaging.
Noodles (Indomie) & Pasta
Rule Summary:
Accepted by carton or individual packs.
Biscuits, Crackers & Sweets
Rule Summary:
Accepted in original manufacturer packs.
Chin Chin & Plantain Chips
Rule Summary:
Accepted when completely dry and commercially or cleanly sealed.
Native Wear (Agbada, Ankara, Senator)
Rule Summary:
Accepted for export. Traditional clothing, custom tailoring, and embroidery clear customs without extra documentation.
New & Used Everyday Clothes
Rule Summary:
Accepted for adults and children. Clean and dry clothes only.
Shoes, Bags, Belts & Sunglasses
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Shoes and leather accessories require only standard customs declarations.
Fashion & Costume Jewelry
Rule Summary:
Accepted for non-precious costume jewelry and wristwatches. Solid gold bullion requires specialized secure express transit.
Human Hair Wigs & Synthetic Extensions
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Braided wigs, human hair bundles, closures, and synthetic attachments clear customs normally.
Hair Creams, Oils & Pomades
Rule Summary:
Accepted in plastic bottles only. No glass jars allowed.
Body Lotions, Skincare & Soaps
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Black soap (Dudu Osun), body creams, cleansers, and cosmetics with clear ingredient labeling.
Makeup, Lipsticks & Powders
Rule Summary:
Accepted in commercial retail packaging.
Pots, Frying Pans & Cooking Utensils
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Traditional iron pots, stainless steel cookers, mortar & pestle, and plastic bowls.
Bedsheets, Curtains, Blankets & Towels
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Clean household textiles pass without restriction.
Phones, Laptops & Tablets
Rule Summary:
Accepted with internal batteries installed. Spare or loose batteries are prohibited under air safety regulations.
Chargers, Cables, Keyboards & Accessories
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Computer accessories without batteries clear customs without extra paperwork.
Desktop Computers & Monitors
Rule Summary:
Accepted with physical inspection. Monitors and desktop screens need rigid foam or wooden crating to prevent panel damage.
Game Consoles (PS5, Xbox, Nintendo)
Rule Summary:
Accepted subject to serial number recording and physical inspection at our drop-off center.
Passports, Certificates & Legal Papers
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Passports and legal papers are handled in sealed, tracked envelopes.
Books, Bibles, Magazines & Study Materials
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Books, Bibles, and study materials usually enter the UK and USA duty-free.
Ankara, Lace & Fabric Bales
Rule Summary:
Accepted for commercial sellers. Provide a commercial invoice with yardage and value.
Small Business Retail Merchandise
Rule Summary:
Accepted. Ready-made fashion, packaged dry goods, custom cosmetics, and packaged souvenirs.
Fresh Meat, Fish, Fruits & Vegetables
Rule Summary:
Strictly prohibited. Fresh, raw, refrigerated, or frozen food will spoil in standard air cargo and violates border biosecurity laws.
Live Plants, Seeds for Planting & Soil
Rule Summary:
Strictly prohibited. Live plants, viable agricultural seeds for planting, and soil carry invasive pest risks and are confiscated by border agents.
Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene, Gas & Solvents
Rule Summary:
Strictly prohibited on all flights under international aviation safety regulations (IATA / ICAO).
Firearms, Ammunition & Explosives
Rule Summary:
Strictly prohibited. All firearms and ammunition will be seized and handed over to law enforcement.
Illegal Drugs, Counterfeit Items & Stolen Goods
Rule Summary:
Strictly prohibited. Any package containing illegal drugs or counterfeit money will be seized and reported to law enforcement.
Standalone Power Banks & Loose Batteries
Rule Summary:
Loose power banks and spare lithium batteries cannot fly on cargo planes due to fire safety rules. Batteries installed inside devices (like phones and laptops) are accepted.
Cash, Cheques & Bearer Instruments
Rule Summary:
Strictly prohibited. Currency, bank notes, lottery tickets, and signed cheques cannot be shipped by cargo.
Uncertified Prescription Drugs & Medical Waste
Rule Summary:
Prescription medications without official hospital documentation, patient prescription, and approved clearance are prohibited.
Tobacco & Alcoholic Beverages
Rule Summary:
Subject to strict destination customs limits, duties, and carrier carriage restrictions. Personal cargo limits do not permit undeclared liquor or commercial tobacco.
Key Border Differences: UK vs. USA
The UK and USA have different import rules for fish and meat coming from Nigeria. Keep these two differences in mind before packing:
Catfish Head Removal (USA Only)
US agriculture regulations require all catfish sent to the USA to have the head cut off before drying and packing. The UK allows whole dried catfish with heads on.
Dried Goat Meat (UK Only)
You can send dried goat meat to the UK for personal use if it is completely dried and vacuum-sealed. US customs strictly prohibits any goat meat or ruminant meat products from West Africa.
How to Pack Foodstuffs for Export
Follow these four packing steps to prevent customs holds, odor leaks, or spoiled food in transit:
Zero Moisture
Every food item must be bone-dry. Fresh, moist, or soft-centered fish and meats spoil in flight and border officers will seize them.
Vacuum Sealing
Double-bag and vacuum seal dried fish, crayfish, egusi, and ogbono. This locks in smells and protects other cargo on the plane.
Clear English Labels
Use transparent food bags with plain labels like “Ground Egusi” or “Yam Flour (Elubo)”. This lets inspectors verify items without cutting packages open.
Leak-Proof Bottles
Ship honey, hair oils, and lotions in sturdy plastic bottles only (no glass). Tape caps tightly and put each bottle in a ziplock pouch.
Customs & Compliance Rules
These rules apply to every Value Export shipment leaving Nigeria.
Customs Inspection & Duties
All shipments undergo physical screening and customs inspection upon arrival in the UK or USA. Import duties and taxes may apply depending on what you send and its declared value.
Foodstuff Regulations
Food items must be completely dried, properly packed, and labeled in English. They must comply with UK food import rules (DEFRA/APHA) or US regulations (USDA/FDA).
Commercial Cargo Documentation
Commercial quantities shipped for resale (such as fabric rolls, packaged cosmetics, or wholesale food lines) require an itemized invoice, packing list, and relevant business documentation.
Final Acceptance
Haulam and destination customs authorities reserve the right to inspect or decline any package that contains undeclared, hazardous, or restricted items.
Check Value Export Rates
Calculate your shipping cost by weight or box dimensions to the United Kingdom or the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about shipping food and general cargo abroad from Nigeria.
Can I ship dried catfish to the United States?
Yes. Under US Siluriformes inspection rules, dried catfish sent to the US must have the fish head cut off before drying and packing. The UK allows whole dried catfish. In both corridors, the fish must be bone-dry and vacuum-sealed.
Can I ship dried goat meat to the UK and USA?
You can ship dried goat meat to the UK for personal use if it is completely dried and vacuum-sealed. You cannot ship it to the USA, as US customs (USDA/CBP) prohibits all ruminant meats from West Africa.
Can I ship fresh food, fresh fruits, or live plants?
No. Fresh meat, raw fish, fresh fruits, vegetables, live plants, and planting seeds cannot go on cargo flights. All foodstuffs must be completely dry or processed dry goods from our approved list.
How should items like egusi, ogbono, and crayfish be packaged?
They must be bone-dry, double-bagged, and vacuum-sealed. Write clear English labels on transparent bags (like “Milled Egusi” or “Dried Crayfish”) so border inspectors can verify them quickly.
Does Haulam help with vacuum sealing at drop-off?
Yes. When you bring your parcel to any Haulam drop-off location in Nigeria, our team helps weigh, inspect, vacuum-seal, and box your items properly before they ship.
What documents are required for commercial export quantities?
Personal parcels for family and friends need only a simple declaration and delivery address. If you sell goods commercially, you need an itemized commercial invoice and a packing list.