Resources · Country policies
Reading Nigeria's import prohibition list: trade bans and absolute bans
The two types of Nigeria's customs import prohibition list, typical goods listed over the years, how to look it up, and how to check before shipping.
About 2 min readContent checked on
Nigeria's import prohibition list has two types: trade bans (no import in commercial quantities, Schedule 3 of the tariff) and absolute bans (never allowed, Schedule 4). The list changes, so check the HS code against the latest version on the customs website before shipping.
Information updated: 2026-10-03
Two types of ban
| Type | Meaning | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| Trade ban (Schedule 3) | No import in commercial quantities | Live or frozen poultry, pork, beef, birds' eggs (except hatching eggs), some refined vegetable oils, cocoa butter, used vehicles over 12 years old, etc. |
| Absolute ban (Schedule 4) | Completely prohibited | Counterfeit currency, pornographic material, certain hazardous chemicals, waste pharmaceuticals, etc. |
FX restrictions are not import bans
The Central Bank of Nigeria once barred 43 product categories from buying FX on the official market for imports. That was an FX policy, not an import ban, and the central bank lifted it in October 2023.
How to check before shipping
- Determine the product's HS code.
- Check on the Nigeria Customs website whether that code is on the prohibition list.
- Confirm whether it's a regulated product needing SONCAP or NAFDAC.
- If unsure, send the description and use to your clearing party to confirm.