The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released regulations in response to the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 (BTA) outlining specific requirements on the importation of food and food products.

This regulation has two major requirements:

1. Registration of Facilities
2. Prior Notice of Importation of Food

Registration of Facilities

The FDA requires that domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States register with the FDA.

Prior Notice (PN) of Imported Food

The FDA requires that U.S. purchasers or U.S. importers or their agents submit to the FDA prior notice on the importation of food before the import of food into USA. This information will be used to review, evaluate and assess whether to inspect the imported food.

• Prior notice must be submitted no less than four hours before flight arrival, but may not be submitted more than five days prior to shipment arrival
• Prior notice is required at the first port of arrival in the U.S.

The details of the prior notice include:

• The common, usual name or market name
• The quantity described from the smallest package size to the largest container (including the type of packaging used to package the food item)
• The lot or code numbers or other identifiers
• Complete name and address of the manufacturer or supplier and their FDA registration number (if available)
• Country of origin
• Complete name and address of shipper and their FDA registration number (if available)
• Complete name and address of the importer, purchaser or ultimate Consignee and their FDA registration number (if available)
• Clear food or food product identification marked on the Express Worldwide pre alert air waybill description and invoice description

Logistics, Documentation and Distribution

Most of those importing food into USA work with an International Freight Forwarder (IFF) to assist them in the logistics of shipping their products internationally. 

All import documentation must be precise and up to date. Slight discrepancies or omissions may prevent U.S. merchandise from being exported, result in U.S. firms not getting paid, or even result in the seizure of the exporter’s goods by U.S. or foreign government Customs.

Much of the documentation is routine for freight forwarders or customs brokers acting on the firm’s behalf, but the exporter is ultimately responsible for accuracy of the documentation. 

1. Import License – Import licenses are the responsibility of the importer and needed to import food into USA. Including a copy with your export documentation will sometimes help avoid problems with customs in the destination country. 
2. Commercial Invoice – In a domestic transaction, the commercial invoice is a bill for the goods from the buyer to the seller. A commercial invoice should include basic information about the transaction, including a description of the goods, address of shipper and seller, delivery and payment terms, etc.  The importer needs the invoice to prove ownership and to arrange payment.  Some governments use the commercial invoice to assess customs duties.
3. Bill of Lading – Bills of lading are contracts between the owner of the goods and the carrier.  You should be aware there are two types commonly used.  “Straight” bills of lading are non-negotiable.  “Negotiable” or “shipper’s order” bills of lading may be bought, sold, or traded while goods are in transit and are used for letter of credit transactions.
    The importer usually needs the original or a copy as proof of ownership to take possession of the goods. Freight forwarders, as well as commercial stationers, carry copies of the Bill of Lading.
4. Consular Invoice – Certain nations require a “consular invoice,” which is used to control and identify goods. The invoice must be purchased from the consulate of the country to which the goods are being shipped and is typically required to be completed in the language of that country.
5. Certificate of Origin – USA require a signed statement as to the origin of the imported food item. This is usually provided by the exporter or shipper. This certificate may be required even though the commercial invoice contains the same information.
6. Inspection Certification – Some purchasers and countries may require a certificate to import food into USA, usually completed by a third party, attesting to the specifications of the goods shipped. This certification is often obtained from an independent testing organization.
7. Dock receipt, warehouse receipt – These receipts are used to transfer accountability when the export item is moved by the domestic carrier to the port of embarkation and submitted to the international carrier for export.
8. Insurance Certificate – If the importer wants insurance, the insurance certificate states the type and amount of coverage. This is a negotiable instrument, and may be provided by the shipping company.
9. Packing List – Considerably more detailed and informative than a standard domestic packing list, an import packing list itemizes the material in each individual package and indicates the type of package, box, crate, drum, carton, etc. It lists the individual net, legal, tare, and gross weights and measurements for each package in both imperial and metric systems. The imported food into USA, must be well detailed on the packing list.

Suggestions to The Importers for Faster Clearance of Imported Food into USA

1. Include all information required on your customs invoices.
2. Prepare your invoices carefully for imported food into USA. Type them clearly. Allow sufficient space between lines. Keep the data within each column.
3. Make sure that your invoices contain the information that would be shown on a well-prepared packing list.
4. Mark and number each package so it can be identified with the corresponding marks and numbers appearing on your invoice.
5. Show a detailed description on your invoice of each item of merchandise contained in each individual package. 
6. Mark your goods legibly and conspicuously with the country of origin unless they are specifically exempted from country-of-origin marking requirements, and with such other marking as is required by the marking laws of the United States.
7. Comply with the provisions of any special laws of the United States that may apply to your goods, such as laws relating to food, drugs, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, radioactive materials, and others.
8. Observe the instructions closely with respect to invoicing, packaging, marking, labeling, etc., sent to you by your customer in the United States. He or she has probably made a careful check of the requirements that will have to be met when your merchandise arrives.
9. Work with CBP to develop packing standards for your commodities.
10. Establish sound security procedures at your facility and while transporting your goods for shipment. Do not give narcotics smugglers the opportunity to introduce narcotics into your shipment.
11. Consider shipping on a carrier participating in the Automated Manifest System (AMS).
12. If you use a licensed customs broker for your transaction, consider using a firm that participates in the Automated Broker Interface (ABI).

FDA restrictions by US Food & Drug Administration:

This is a very important keys to import food into USA. The scope of FDA’s regulatory authority is very broad. FDA’s responsibilities are closely related to those of several other government agencies. Often frustrating and confusing for consumers is determining the appropriate regulatory agency to contact. The following is a list of traditionally-recognized product categories that fall under FDA’s regulatory jurisdiction; however, this is not an exhaustive list.

Foods, including:

• dietary supplements
•  bottled water
•  food additives
•  infant formulas
•  other food products (although the U.S. Department of Agriculture plays a lead role in regulating aspects of some meat, poultry, and egg products)

Drugs, including:

• prescription drugs (both brand-name and generic)
• non-prescription (over-the-counter) drugs

Biologics, including:

• vaccines
• blood and blood products
• cellular and gene therapy products
• tissue and tissue products
• allergenics

Medical Devices, including:

• simple items like tongue depressors and bedpans
• complex technologies such as heart pacemakers
• dental devices
• surgical implants and prosthetics

Cosmetics, including:

• color additives found in makeup and other personal care products
• skin moisturizers and cleansers
• nail polish and perfume

Veterinary Products, including:

• livestock feeds
• pet foods
• veterinary drugs and devices

Tobacco Products, including:

• cigarettes
• cigarette tobacco
• roll-your-own tobacco
• smokeless tobacco

LIST OF CUSTOM BROKERS THAT CAN ASSIST TO IMPORT FOOD INTO USA

The post How to Import Food into USA appeared first on African Foods Export.

You may bring goods or import food into Australia with you when travelling from overseas or you may have them sent you by air cargo, sea cargo or international post. These are all classified as imports.

Goods with a value of less than $1000 are not subject to customs duty or GST, unless they are alcohol or tobacco products.

The supplier sending these goods to you must attach a customs declaration of the package to describe the contents and their value and these are generally delivered through the Australian postal system.

Do I Need to Pay Customs Duty or GST When I Import Food into Australia?

Goods valued at over $1000 will need to be assessed for customs duty and GST.  It’s important that you take the time to describe and find the correct tariff classification for the goods you are importing. 

Working out the correct tariff for your products can be very complicated – importing from specific countries with free trade agreements, or preferential duty rate agreements, may reduce your tariff rate.   

Duty is calculated based on the tariff classification for the goods and their customs value, which is usually the price you paid converted to Australian dollars.

GST is calculated on the Value of Taxable Importation (VoTi), which takes into account the customs value, any duty paid and the freight costs to bring the goods to Australia.

What Is the Minimum Documentation Required to Import Food into Australia?

To import food into Australia, you will be required to lodge an import declaration. 

Imports under $1000 are lodged as SACs (Self Assessed Clearance) declarations – these do

not incur import duty/GST or ACS (data processing) charges, with the exclusion of alcohol and tobacco.

Import Declarations are used by the Australia Customs Service to assess the goods for customs duty, GST and other taxes and charges, and to determine whether they require permits or other approvals, especially if they are classified as dangerous goods.

The minimum documentation required is an invoice, bill of lading/airway bill and any other papers such as AQIS Packing Declaration (for sea freight only) packing list, insurance documents, etc. relating to the shipment.  You must attach these documents to your Import Declaration, which must be lodged by the importer receiving the goods in Australia, or their chosen agent. If you choose to lodge your Import Declaration yourself you will be required to provide 100 points of identification. Please not that you must follow the guideline to import food into Australia to ease the clearing.

International Ports and Airports of Australia

Australia is made up of 6 states and 2 Territories. The capital of Australia is Canberra that is located the Australian Capital Territory (A.C.T.).

The A.C.T is a landbound territory in the southern part of New South Wales. The population of Australia is 25 million. Approximately 95% of Australia’s population live in 5% of the landmass around the coastline with the East Coast containing most of the residents.

Customs Regulations

All goods entering into Australia are normally subject to Australian Border Force (Customs) and Bio Security (Quarantine) inspection prior to clearance. 

Unaccompanied baggage and household goods may be imported into Australia free of customs duty providing the personal and household effects have been owned overseas for (12) twelve months or more preceding the customer’s departure for Australia.

Items not in this category, which have been owned for less than twelve months, will be subject to duty and Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T), these include and are not limited to, alcohol (all alcohol is dutiable and must be declared, even partly used bar stock.), tobacco products and road vehicles. The rates applicable vary and purchase receipts, invoices or the like will be required to substantiate values involved.

Australian Border Force and Bio Security (Customs and Quarantine)

A Customs form B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement must be signed and completed by the owner of the goods to clear the shipment when it arrives in Australia.

Photocopies of passport pages including Australian entry stamp and VISA together with a full descriptive inventory in English are required to clear Customs. (Original passport may be required by Customs for car clearance).

Please ensure that the completed Customs declaration, passport copies and inventory are attached with the shipping documents and received by Nuss prior to the arrival of the shipment.

(Quarantine Inspection Service) inspect every Personal Effects and Household Goods shipment prior to release for delivery to residence.

Customs will inspect based on the information in the B534 form and inventory, as well as on a random basis. Please note, the shipment must be cleared by both Customs and Bio Security before you can arrange delivery to residence.

Customs and Quarantine Overview Required to Import food into Australia

The procedures are governed by the rules, regulations and laws administered by Australian Border Force (Customs) and Australian Bio Security (Quarantine Inspection Service) which are necessary to Import Food into Australia. These rules or their interpretation can change from time to time and without notice however we provide the information below based upon our understanding at the time of writing.

General Guidelines

1. Shipments, air or sea, must receive clearance from Customs and from Quarantine before they are available for delivery.
2. Generally, household goods and personal effects which have been owned by the consignee and/or his/her family for at least 12 months prior to shipment may be imported duty and tax-free.
3. The consignee must complete a B534e Customs form “Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement” form. A clear and legible photocopy of the form is accepted by Customs. All questions must be answered including a street address in Australia (PO Box and business addresses are not accepted).

Procedures

Sea Shipments

1. Consignments – either FCL or LCL – are brought under bond from the port to a Customs bonded warehouse for clearance. It generally takes 2-5 days, depending upon which terminal the vessel arrived at and whether it is FCL or LCL, before consignments are available at the Wharf.
2. Once in the bond store the containers and lift vans are unloaded into the bond areas to await inspection.
3. Customs and then Quarantine officers visit on set days each week. Quarantine officers will always inspect certain items however, items inspected by Quarantine or Customs officers will be re-packed and/or re-wrapped by skilled removalists.
4. If items are assessed for duty/GST, client/another party will need to make payment to Customs prior to release.
5. If items are ordered for steam cleaning/fumigation/gamma-irradiation or destruction, we will arrange this and will normally seek instructions from the consigning mover on whom to invoice.
6. From vessel arrival to the time sea shipments are available for delivery, approximately 10-14 days will elapse.

Air Shipments

1. Quarantine officers will inspect all air shipments. We will bring the consignment under bond from the airport to our bonded warehouse for examination in the presence of our skilled removalists who will re-pack prior to delivery. From touchdown to being available for delivery about 5-7 days will elapse.
2. Items of Interest to Bio Security (Quarantine) Officers The following list is not exhaustive but a consignment containing any of these items is likely to be looked at by Quarantine Officers.
   • Outdoor item: furniture, garden tools, bicycles, sports equipment and the like. Before packing, these should be hosed down to remove all loose soil, grass cuttings or seeds etc.
   • Lawn mowers. These should be cleaned.
   • Cartons marked “kitchen misc”, “kitchen items”, “kitchen sundries” or “PBO”. These will be inspected as they may contain foodstuffs, the entry of which in a household goods consignment is prohibited (spices are generally allowed in).
   • Christmas decorations, dried flower arrangements, pine cones, twigs, bark etc may have seeds in them. These items are generally ordered for quarantine treatment or destruction.
   • Bamboo, rattan or antique furniture. These will be inspected for borer (worm). If evidence of recent infestation is found then the item(s) will be taken for fumigation or gamma irradiation and the costs are borne by the consignee unless the consigning mover accepts the charges.
   • Alcohol/tobacco.
3. Customs officers may inspect any items declared on the B534e form as well as other items selected at random. Items often selected from the inventory for inspection include alcohol, drugs, firearms, weapons, electrical items etc.

If a dutiable/taxable item has been omitted from the B534e form is discovered, a complex and time-consuming process will follow which may necessitate the consignee producing a Statutory Declaration by way of explanation, and penalty charges may apply.

List of Goods That Are Strictly Prohibited for Importation.

These items should not be included in any shipments into Australia.

• Dairy, eggs and egg products

Includes whole, dried and powdered egg and some products with egg as an ingredient (infant formula accompanying an infant, and NZ dairy products are allowed).

• Live animals

Includes birds, birds’ eggs, fish, reptiles and insects.

• Meat and meat products

Includes all uncanned or fresh, dried, frozen, smoked or salted meat.

• Seeds and nuts

Includes raw unroasted nuts, raw peanuts, chestnuts and popping corn.

• Fresh fruit and vegetables

Includes all fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables.

• Live plants

Includes cuttings, roots, bulbs, corns, rhizomes and stems.

• Handicrafts and souvenirs that contain or are made from seeds.
• Salmon and trout products – ask about special import conditions (canned salmon is allowed).
• Biological materials – includes human/animal vaccines and therapeutic goods (ask about special import conditions).
• Deer horn/velvet, edible birds nest packaged products – deer horn and/or antler from NZ are allowed (with certification).
• Soil and sand – includes items filled with soil or sand (rocks free of soil and sand are allowed)

Please note Quarantine will charge the importer for the destruction of prohibited items.

List Of Custom Brokers You Can Use to Import Food into Australia

 One of the steps to take on how to import food into Australia is to contact an experience custom broker and discuss your Africa food importation with them.

Here is the list of verified custom brokers in Australia that can handle your Australia food importations 

The post How to Import Food into Australia appeared first on African Foods Export.

In Nigeria there are at least 1,140 edible plant species.  Not all of these are yet well known.  

Many need developments as crops and often ways to cook and prepare them could be improved.   

Both good nutrition and stable food production are achieved by using a range of local or well adapted food plants. 

Categories of Foodstuff in Nigeria

Starchy staple crops, major foodstuff in Nigeria

Leafy greens

Vegetables as Popular Foodstuff in Nigeria

Beans

Fruits

Nuts

The post Foodstuff in Nigeria appeared first on African Foods Export.

Considering the state of the global economy and the changing face of international regulation policies, there has never been a better time to work with a certified and licensed customs broker.

A customs broker facilitates the food import from African and export of your shipments through international customs by dealing with the complicated requirements and standardized procedures that are involved.

It’s best to let an experienced customs broker handle the paperwork, tariffs, and other customs matters while you and your employees focus on your own strengths. In general, your customs broker will take care of all the loose ends between the importer, exporter and governmental authorities.

The Benefits of Using a Customs Broker for Your Food Imports from Africa

For any business that participates in high volumes of importing from Africa or exporting it is imperative to use a broker so that you can remain focused on what you do best.

Instead of spending your time overseeing subtle and complex customs procedures, let a professional leverage their experience to complete the job with precision, ease, and accuracy.

3 Specific Benefits of Working with A Customs Broker.

1. Stay Up-To-Date with Policy and Regulation Changes – If you take it upon yourself to manage your food imports from Africa without using a customs broker there is a good chance thing will be running smoothly one day and terribly the next.
   One of the main tasks of a customs broker is to keeps up with the policies and regulations specified by various agencies. Your broker will assume the responsibility of making sure your company is up-to-date in its compliance with these standards. By using an experienced custom broker your company avoids setbacks that cost time and money. 
2. Take Advantage of Trade Opportunities – The same way your customs broker steers your company clear of shipment problems, they will also seek out and take advantage of applicable trade agreement opportunities. Trade agreements like The African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA and others can reduce shipping duties and taxes, allowing your company to retain more money. 
3. Customs Brokers Come Equipped – A good customs broker comes equipped with all of the software, hardware and technology needed to manage your food imports from Africa, so there’s no need to shop around for the necessary resources. A quality broker has the tools to ensure timely delivery of goods to your customers and knows how to use them well.

appropriate for the job.  If your Not all customs brokers are cut from the same cloth, and some might be more experienced or more appropriate for the job.  If your company is unsure of how to select the best customs broker.

7 Guideline for Choose a Good Custom Broker

Use these guidelines to help you narrow down the choices and get started in the right direction.

1.  Choose a Specialty Broker. If you are importing food from Africa or exporting a specific type of product, a customs broker with experience in your niche or industry (i.e., automobiles, African foods, textiles, etc.) will be much more helpful than a generalized broker.
   Not all brokers are experienced with specific products or specific agencies, so it is important to find one with a resume that meshes well with your requirements.
   Not only will this save you headaches, but it saves you a considerable amount of time and money as well. 
2. Choose a Broker with Positive References. Business is too fragile to invest in the wrong broker, so it’s best to learn from the mistakes and successes of the people around you.
   When choosing a customs broker for your food imports from Africa, do your research and look beyond their marketing materials.
   Ask for testimonials from previous clients or ask an unbiased third-party source for opinions and reviews.
3. Choose a Broker with Representation at Your Ports. Depending on the size of your African shop business you may be operating out of just one or perhaps several ports. Save time, money, and avoid complications by choosing a broker that has representation at the ports you are working with.
   By choosing a broker who has ports at the correct locations you will have a great deal of control over food imports from Africa. On the other hand, if you chose a broker that doesn’t have a location at your port of choice, you lose an important aspect of control that your business needs to ensure things run smoothly. 
4. Choose an Automated Customs Broker for Your Food Imports from Africa. It is important to choose a broker that is completely connected to the computer systems, portals and tracking sites that your operation will depend on.
   By choosing a broker that has the tech resources to expedite your shipments, your company gains a significant competitive advantage.
   Technology can make a lot of things easier when it comes to dealing with customs and reduces the amount of work required on your part in almost every case.
5. Choose a Broker That Can Handle Your Volume. Are you working with a large volume of goods? If so, it’s worth it to pick a broker that can dedicate their resources exclusively to your account. Your broker should know the ins and outs of your company and its import/export requirements to ensure proper usage of energy, time and budget.
6. Draw Up A Contract. When working with a customs broker, it’s a smart idea to protect yourself and your assets by drawing up a contract to handle your food imports from Africa. Get a clear working agreement on paper that can be used if any issues arise.
   If your broker objects, explain the contract is intended to protect all parties involved! The agreement should include pricing, scheduling, services, ports of usage, methods of shipment, termination policies, and any other legalities that protect and promote a positive, long-term relationship. 
7. Shop Around. Never choose a customs broker without comparing at least a couple of different options. It is important to sacrifice some of your time in the short-term to shop around instead of rushing into a relationship with the wrong broker.

Depending on what your company needs it is important to compare pricing, experience, specialization, resource, and more. After speaking with several brokers, draw up a list of pros and cons that will help you visualize your decision.

Whomever you decided to work with, make sure they fully understand your company, its needs, and exactly what will be expected of them. Keep in mind that once you start working with your new broker, things may be a bit bumpy at the onset.

Allow time for your company and the broker to get used to one another before making any rash assessments. Communication is the key to success along with patience and a positive outlook. If a month passes and delays and setbacks haven’t subsided, it might be worth putting yourself back on the market for a broker that is a better fit for your operation.

11 Checklist of Documents Required for Customs Clearance of Food Imports from Africa

Food imports from Africa will be very profitable if your supplier from African can provide all the requirements needed by the country of destination. You can contact Feco Foods Industries Limited (www.fecofoods.com.ng) for your African foods supply and packaging.

The following are the essential documents for your food importation from Africa

1. Commercial invoice containing bellow info:
   • Invoice number and date of issuance, with the name INVOICE 
   • Place and date of issuance,
   • Full details of the selling and buying party,
   • Full terms of delivery, as according to INCOTERMS regulations, with the name of the place, where the ownership has been transferred/ with an indication of the place (delivery / destination) or port, 
   • Name of the cargo for every position, with indication of the currency,
   • Record defining the country of origin (ex. Country of Origin…, Made in… etc.)
2. Cargo specification (Packing list) containing bellow info:
   • Number of packages,
   • Type of packaging,
   • Net and Gross weight, followed by a summary
3. Transport document:
   • Bill of lading,
   • AWB
   • SMGS
   • CMR
   • or any other document concurrent with the Packing. List in terms of gross weight and number of the packages
4. DSK/ATB (Summary declaration) document from the customs warehouse; release form of full container / LCL shipment from the terminal system, or PIN number (f.e. at DCT terminal)
5. Commercial invoice’s translation – with the trade name, % composition and the HS codes of the cargo (the translation may be sent via e-mail)
6.  VAT invoice / statement about the costs of the transportation (incl. the costs of the insurance) in case of the INCOTERMS from “E” or “F” groups, the statement / VAT invoice should contain the info about the foreign costs.
7. Original power of attorney for customs clearance
8. Power of attorney for border inspection signed by authorized person.
9. Certificate of origin (Form A, EUR1, ATR) or invoice with country-of-origin declaration if preferential duty rate is applicable
10. Declaration or Certificate of Conformity
     Issued by producer or manufacturer of the cargo
11. Health certificate, quality certificate, test certificate:
    For food products, consumable goods from: Sanitary epidemiological station, Inspectorate of Health and Seed Inspection, Veterinary inspection

Food imports from Africa can be made easy when you have experience supplier and a reputable packaging company such as Feco Foods Industries Limited, we are registered and experienced African foods products supplier and packaging company.  See the list of some of the custom brokers

The post Food Imports from Africa appeared first on African Foods Export.

Imported goods may be released or directed for subsequent action based on a biosecurity officer’s assessment of documentation and the information in an import declaration.

Customs brokers, operating under an Approved Arrangement with the department, also release goods or direct them for subsequent action based on the documentation available to them. Hence its advised that an importer should present all the necessary documents to avoid seizure of import license or destruction of goods.

10 General Australia Import Requirements

 All documentation must meet the following general requirements when presented to the department as part of the import process.

1. Complete
2. Legible
3. Valid
4. In English
5. Free from erasures and non-certified alterations
6. Multiple paged documents
7. Endorsed
8. Date of issue
9. Consignment-specific link
10. On time Submission

Document Format Requirements

International trade documents include commercial and transport documents used in international trade and official government certification issued for food or plant health are part of Australia import requirements. These classes of document include, but are not limited to

• Bills of lading
• Air waybills
• Commercial invoices
• Phytosanitary certificates
• Health certificates

Letterhead/Company Stamp or Seal for Australia import requirements

Documents which are part of Australia import requirements that are not covered by international standards must be provided on the issuing company’s letterhead. The only acceptable substitute for a letterhead is the issuing company’s stamp or seal.

The letterhead, company stamp or seal must include the company’s name and address.

Documents to be presented in line with this requirement include:

• Packing declarations (including annual packing declarations)
• Container cleanliness declarations
• Treatment certificates
• Manufacturers’ declarations
• Beneficiary certificates
• Exporter declarations
• Importer declarations
• Supplier declarations
• Vessel cleanliness certificates
• Vessel cleanliness inspection reports.

General Information for Importer’s Declaration

An importer’s declaration will only be accepted from the company/individual that is importing the goods and will be ultimately in control of the goods.

An importer’s declaration must:

• contain the correct statement/s as required by the import conditions
• be specific to the product and consignment
• include the individuals name and company title.
• Be endorsed as per the overarching document requirements.

In addition to other requirements, where a declaration is required to be endorsed by the government of the exporting country, the declaration must also:

• be signed and dated by a government officer within the past six months (unless otherwise specified)
• include the government officer’s name and title
• be sealed with the stamp/seal of the applicable government department.

Commercial Documentation

In line with standard international trade requirements and practice, a commercial invoice may contain:

• supplier and purchaser details (including name and physical exporting and importing addresses)
• commercial reference numbers, such as invoice or order numbers
• quantity and description of the goods
• lot codes.

General information for a packing list/sheet/slip, a packing list may contain:

• supplier and purchaser details
• commercial reference numbers, such as invoice or order numbers
• description and quantity of the goods
• consignment-specific marks and numbers.

Transport Documentation

General information for a bill of lading (including interim bill of lading) , a bill of lading (or interim bill of lading) must be in accordance with the standard international trade requirements as specified by the International Chamber of Shipping.

A bill of lading must include:

• individual bill of lading number
• shipping line’s details
• consignor/shipper/export details (including name and address)
• consignee details (may be to order’)
• vessel and voyage details
• load port and discharge port
• weight, volume and description of the goods.

A bill of lading may also include:

• container or seal numbers (if goods are containerised)
• commercial reference numbers, such as invoice or order numbers
• shipped on board date
• marks and numbers to identify goods
• serial numbers
• batch or lot code numbers.

General information for an air waybill, in line with the standard international trade requirements as specified by the International Air

Transport Association, an air waybill must contain:

• individual air waybill number
• consignor details (including name and address)
• consignee details (may be ‘to order’)
• flight carrier and flight number
• airport of departure (address of first carrier) and requested routing
• airport of destination
• weight, volume and description of the goods.

An air waybill may also include:

• commercial reference numbers, such as invoice or order numbers
• marks and numbers to identify goods, such as serial numbers or batch numbers.

Air waybills are also acceptable in electronic format (e-AWB).

Documentation Issued by The Department

• Import permits

An import permit may only be used by (or on behalf of) the person or entity named as the holder of the permit and must be valid at the time the goods are landed.

Conditions stated on an import permit take precedence over any conditions stated in BICON. These conditions may include the addition of specific statement/s on commercial documentation. Import permits are not required to be presented for documentary assessment; the permit number is sufficient for the department to assess the documentation.

• Clearance letter

A clearance letter may only be used by (or on behalf of) the person or entity named in the letter and must be valid at the time the goods are landed. Clearance letters will only be accepted if issued by a national policy section or a service delivery assistant director (or higher).

General Information for Treatment Certificates

Certificates attesting to the performance of offshore treatments are required to meet the Australia import requirements

All certificates must contain:

• treatment provider’s letterhead including name and physical address
• description of goods/packaging treated
• quantity/volume of goods/packaging treated
• date treatment was performed
• any statement as required by the import conditions.
• Where the department has arrangements (such as AFAS) with overseas governments, treatment certificates must include:
• the government scheme under which the treatment provider has been registered
• the treatment provider’s registration number.

Validity Australia import requirements

All treatments must be performed by an acceptable treatment provider within the mandated timeframe before export as outlined in the Australia import requirements.

Below are the information requirements for each treatment type.

Fumigations:

• name of fumigant
• dosage expressed as mass per volume; for example, grams per cubic metre
• duration/exposure period; for example, hours or minutes
• minimum temperature and pressure (if applicable)
• date the treatment was conducted
• additional requirements for methyl bromide fumigations:
• for treatment providers that are registered under AFAS, treatment certificates must include the information required by the AFAS Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard

Methyl Bromide Fumigation Certificate Sample

The post Australia Import Requirements appeared first on African Foods Export.

As in any venture, there is an element of risk, which can be minimized by thorough research and the assistance of experienced service providers.

Incorporate importing into a sound business plan, and you will find that importing is just one more way to ensure a successful entrepreneurial venture.

Before importing into Canada, you must obtain from Canada Revenue Agency a Business Number (BN) for an import/export account. 

The Business Number is used for major government revenue programs such as GST (Goods and Services Tax), payroll deductions and corporate income tax.

Import accounts are identified by RM, for example 123456789RM002

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will use your import-export account number to process customs documents.

To avoid delays in releasing your goods at the border, open your import/export account with Canada Revenue Agency before you try to import or export goods.   

Overview of Importing into Canada

Much of the importing process will already be familiar to the Canadian entrepreneur:  activities such as researching the market, finding suppliers, arranging for delivery, and keeping paperwork, are part of all businesses. 

When you import goods as part of your business, there are additional considerations: 

Much of the importing process will already be familiar to the Canadian entrepreneur:  activities such as researching the market, finding suppliers, arranging for delivery, and keeping paperwork, are part of all businesses. 

When you import goods as part of your business, there are additional considerations: 

• Market research: Do you know if you will be able to sell enough of the products to cover your costs? The products may not be available already or imported into Canada, so it may be difficult to predict customer take-up, and the price they will be willing to pay.

• Supplier reliability: Will you be able to get the products in the quality and quantities that you need? Does your supplier understand Canadian labelling regulations? Is he used to completing Canadian import documentation correctly?

• Cash flow: Can you manage the financial demands of importing? There will be additional costs in transportation, insurance, foreign exchange etc. that you will have to build into your usual financial plans and cash flow projections. 

• Service providers: You will be familiar with working with your carrier, warehousing company, tax advisor and banker. To assist you in importing, you may have to engage additional service providers: customs brokers, international freight forwarders, translators, currency dealers, etc.

3 Important Considerations for importing into Canada

8 Ways to Check Import cost and ultimate pricing

The import cost of the goods includes more than the purchase price of the goods

themselves:

• The total cost will include the cost of packing, transport, insurance and   customs duties.
• The exchange rate may fluctuate between your placing the order, and paying for it.
• The method of payment may involve additional costs – for example, your bank may charge you for making a foreign currency payment.
• Delays in goods arriving at specified points en route may result in additional charges – for example, unanticipated storage costs.
• Canada Border Services Agency may examine your shipment, incurring   costs.
• There may be penalties for incorrect documentation or late accounting, or interest owed on late payment of duties.
• GST (goods and services tax) is payable on most goods at the time of importation.
• Excise tax or excise duty may be payable – for example on tobacco and alcohol products.

The price you set for your goods in the Canadian market should take into account all costs that are additional to the purchase price, as well as your profit margin.

4 Ways to Pay Your Supplier if you plan import into Canada

There are four main methods for paying foreign suppliers for the goods you import from them:

1. Open account
   The supplier ships goods and passes title to the goods to the importer, and then requires payment within an agreed period (30, 60, 90 days or even longer). 
2. Documentary collection
   When the goods are shipped, the supplier sends the shipping documents to the importer’s bank. Next, the importer pays the bank with a sight or term draft, in exchange for the documents. The importer then has title to the goods.
3. Letter of credit (LC)
   Letters of credit provide some security to both supplier and importer, because they rely on the supplier’s bank and the importer’s bank to receive and check shipping documents, and to guarantee payment. The importer’s bank guarantees to pay when presented with a set of specified export documents by the supplier’s bank. The bank guarantee is an added cost.
4. Advance payment
   The supplier ships only when payment has been received – this is also known as “cash in advance”. Payment methods and terms are frequently a matter of negotiation. For example, you might offer the supplier an import letter of credit, in return for an extended payment period, to match your cash flow requirements.

Canadian Customs brokers

Customs brokers are licensed by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to carry out customs-related responsibilities on behalf of the companies who are their clients. 

Importers may clear their own goods through Customs, but most importers use a customs broker to pull together all the required information and documents, and to clear the goods through customs. 

Using a customs broker can often speed up the clearance process involve to import into Canada, since most brokers have the online systems to submit paperwork ahead of time.

7 Duties of a Custom Broker

• Monitoring the status of shipments
• Obtaining release of imported goods
• Paying any duties that apply
• Obtaining, preparing and presenting or transmitting the necessary document
• or data
• Maintaining records, and
• Responding to any CBSA concerns after payment
• Advising the importer on changes in customs regulations.

The broker will charge a fee for these services, either a fixed charge or based on the value of the goods.

Customs Documentation & Clearance

Customs documents are the set of documents required by a customs authority to accurately and completely identify goods which are being imported. Some of the documents will come from the supplier, others will be provided by the carrier

• Accounting package
  • Before importing into Canada, you must submit a final accounting package with your shipment.  Contents of the accounting package:
  • Two copies of the cargo control document (CCD)
  • Two copies of the invoice 
  • Two copies of a completed Form B3 – Canada Customs Coding Form
  • Any import permits, health certificates, or forms that other federal government departments (OGDs) may require
  • If necessary, Form A – Certificate of Origin

• Cargo Control Document
  • Your carrier uses the Cargo Control document to report your shipment to Canada Border Services agency (CBSA), and will also send you a copy to inform you that your shipment has arrived.  The cargo control document may also take the form of a manifest, waybill or other approved document.

• Customs Invoice
  • The importer and seller should work together, if possible, to complete the customs invoice, as the information on this document will determine the duties and taxes owing.   You can avoid later reassessments by ensuring that the invoice has enough detail to identify the goods, determine the quantity, and establish the tariff classification correctly.
  • The invoice can be
  • A Canada Customs Invoice (CCI), completed by either you or the seller
  • A commercial invoice containing the same information as a CCI; or
  • A commercial invoice which indicates the buyer, seller, country of origin, price paid or payable, and a detailed description of the goods, including quantity, plus a CCI that provides the remaining information.

• Form B3 Canada Customs Coding Form
  • To account for commercial goods, you have to document the importation on Form B3 Canada Customs Coding Form.  
  • As a new importer, you may need help completing Form B3 – determining some of the elements, including tariff classification, value for duty, and the origin of your goods, can be complex.
  • Form B3 – Canada Customs Coding Form includes:
  • Your importer name and import/export account number
  • A description of the goods
  • The direct shipment dates
  • The tariff treatment
  • The country of origin of the goods to import into Canada
  • The value for duty
  • The appropriate duty or tax rates; and
  • The calculation of duties owing.

• Certificate of origin
  • The country of origin must be clearly indicated on the goods. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) uses the certificate of origin to support the tariff treatment you claim on Form B3.   Certificates of origin for NAFTA, CIFTA or CCFTA apply if you are claiming lower customs duty rates under those free trade agreements.

Release of Goods

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processes most shipments that are imported into Canada at the border (highway border, rail border, international airport, seaport or customs mail centre). 

The carrier reports your shipment to CBSA when it arrives at the international border entry point, or increasingly, prior to arrival.

Your carrier reports the goods either on an approved cargo control document (CCD), or in the case or marine and rail shipments, electronically submits the cargo information using EDI, before arrival at the Canadian border.  The goods are “released” when you have paid the duties and taxes owing. 

You can choose to have CBSA release the goods at an inland office – a customs office not located at the border.  For example, your shipment will arrive at Fort Erie, Ontario, but you want CBSA to release it to you in Toronto. 

In this case, your carrier reports the goods at Fort Erie, but must be a bonded carrier (have posted security with Customs) to carry non-duty-paid goods to one of the approved inland offices in Toronto.

Summary: Importing into Canada

Checklist to Import into Canada

 Before importing:

• Obtain your Business Number (BN) with Import/Export account
• Know the type of goods you want to import into Canada
• Identify the country of origin, manufacture and export
• Determine whether the goods are controlled, regulated or prohibited by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or any other government department or agency.
• Determine the 10-digit tariff classification number and the applicable rate of duty for your goods from the Customs Tariff
• Determine the value for duty that you plan to import into Canada
• Determine whether the goods are subject to any other duties or taxes
• Verify whether the GST (goods and services tax) is applicable
• Select the method of shipping and communicate with your transportation company on cross-border requirements.
• Determine if you are using the services of a broker or freight forwarder, and determine any associated costs.

To import:

• Obtain invoices, certificates of origin and other required documents
• Ensure that the goods are marked and labeled as required
• Await notification that your shipment has arrived. Shipments arriving by mail or courier, and valued at less than CAN $1600 may be assessed and cleared by the CBSA or the courier company
• Submit the required CBSA documents and pay duties and taxes, before the goods are released

Please Note:

• The shipment may be examined by government officials before you can import into Canada
• You can adjust your CBSA documents if errors are made during the release process
• The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) secures compliance with CBSA legislation
• Keep records of your imports for six years after the year you imported the goods

Incoterms Necessary to Import into Canada

Incoterms, which were developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), provide a common terminology for international shipments, and minimize misunderstandings. 

Incoterms signify to both the seller and the buyer what is, and more importantly what is not, included in the selling price. 

They also indicate where the exporter’s responsibility ends and the importer’s responsibility begins with respect to ownership, and insurance of the goods.

Which Incoterm will apply to a particular trade transaction is a matter of negotiation between seller and buyer?

However, inclusion of the appropriate term in sales quotations is crucial to determine the responsibilities of each party in the contract of sale.  

Brief definitions of Incoterms:

• EXW
  • Ex Works (named place)
  • This Incoterm puts the most responsibility on the buyer.
  • Title and risk pass to buyer including payment of all
  • transportation and insurance cost from the seller’s door.
• FCA
  • Free Carrier (named port)
  • Similar to FOB, except the seller’s obligations are met when the goods are delivered into the custody of the carrier at the port. The risk of loss/damage is transferred at the buyer at this time, not at the ship’s rail.
• FAS
  • Free Alongside Ship (named port of shipment)
  • Title and risk pass to buyer including payment of all transportation and insurance cost once delivered
  • alongside ship by the seller.
• FOB 
  • Free On Board (named port of shipment)
  • Title and risk pass to buyer including payment of all transportation and insurance cost once delivered on
  • board the ship by the seller. Free On Rail (FOR) and Free On Truck (FOT) are used when goods are carried by rail or road.
• CFR
  • Cost and Freight (named port of destination)
  • Title, risk and insurance cost pass to buyer when delivered on board the ship by seller who pays the
  • transportation cost to the destination port.
• CIF
  • Cost Insurance and Freight (named port of destination)
  • Title and risk pass to buyer when delivered on board the ship by seller who pays transportation and insurance cost to destination port.
• CPT
  • Carriage Paid To (named place of destination)
  • Title, risk and insurance cost pass to buyer when delivered to carrier by seller who pays transportation
  • cost to destination.
• CIP
  • Carriage Insurance Paid (named port of destination)
  • Title and risk pass to buyer when delivered to carrier by seller who pays transportation and insurance cost to destination.
• DAF
  • Delivered At Frontier (named place)
  • Title, risk and responsibility for import clearance pass to buyer when delivered to named border point by seller, but before they reach the “customs border” of the importing country named in the sales contract.
• DES
  • Delivered Ex Ship (named port of destination)
  • Title, risk, responsibility for vessel discharge and import clearance pass to buyer when seller delivers goods on board the ship to destination port.
• DEQ
  • Delivered Ex Quay (named port of destination)
  • Title and risk pass to buyer when delivered on board the ship at the destination point by the seller who delivers goods on dock at destination point cleared for import.

• DDU
  • Delivered Duty Unpaid (named place of destination)
  • Title, risk and responsibility of import clearance pass to buyer when seller delivers goods to named destination point. Buyer is obligated for import clearance.

The post A Step by Step Guide on How to Import into Canada appeared first on African Foods Export.

Feco Foods Industries Limited is responsible for sourcing, processing, packaging, branding and exporting of Nigerian food items to African stores and restaurants.

As one of the leading export companies in Nigeria, we are engaged in integrated export business and product development.  we have dedicated strategies for serving our overseas clients with good quality produces at the best competitive prices’.

We have dedicated strategies to collect produces from farmers, village markets, wholesalers and sort it for export as per specifications, pack and send it to Airport, or Sea port with no loss of TRANSIT TIME

List of Nigerian Food Items Export Companies

1.  Feco Foods Industries Limited

We primarily handle processing and packaging of Nigerian food items such as those on African grocery store shelves, or ready for use by institutional buyers. We also handle primarily bulk agricultural commodities such as cashew nuts, groundnut, kola nuts, moringa seeds, shea butter, soya beans, sesame seeds, fruits, spices, palm kernel oil, palm kernel shells and other grains, oilseeds, and products.

Our major contribution to the export process is long experience in international trade, and many contacts with potential foreign buyers. As one of the performing export companies in Nigeria, we have been in export business over 8 years, and have principal traders with more than 11 years’ experience.

Our export company has contacts with many foreign buyers, and purchase products from over 100 sources.

We seldom conduct formal market development. Relying on experience and extensive contacts with foreign buyers to produce products based on market requirements and consumer preferences.

As one of the performing export companies in Nigeria, we usually acquire goods from the suppliers, wholesalers and distributors. Process and package them based on customer’s specifications and market requirements , prepares documentation, and ships to the foreign buyer.

Below are some of the export companies in Nigeria that focus on food export. Some of the companies also offer packaging services.

1. Tiger Foods Ltd
   Address: 21/23 Onyebuchi Street, Awada Layout, Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria
2. Voc Royal Resources Nigeria Limited
   Address: 38, Denton Street, Oyingbo, Lagos Mainland, Lagos, Nigeria
3. De Luxe Flour
   Address: 1, Afolabi Otegbade Crescent, Anthony Village, Oshodi Isolo, Lagos, Nigeria
4. Huge Resources Limited
   Address: 65, Ikot Efa Street, Calabar, Calabar Municipal, Cross River, Nigeria
5. Shifol Bestway Food And Fisheries
   Address: Block 249, Flat 5, Abesan Housing Estate, Ipaja, Alimosho, Lagos, Nigeria
6. Benliz Foods Packaging Ventures
   Address: 3, Omobolaji Avenue, Odungunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos
7. Frosay Foods Limited
   Address: 8, Elder Sampson Amadi Crescent, Eligbolo, Obio Akpor, Rivers, Nigeria
8. Soldua Poundo n Elubo Yam Flour
   Address: 3, Otukpa Benue State, Ogbadibo, Benue, Nigeria
9. Noseta food Enterprise
   Address:

List of Charcoal Export Companies in Nigeria

The following export companies in Nigeria have traceable charcoal export

1. Nuel Charcoal Exporter Nigeria Ltd
   Address: 3 Prince Adeleke Adebayo Street, Oke-Afa, Isolo, Lagos State
2. Mojay Interlink Services Ltd
   Address: 4/6 Martins Street, The Plaza Suite 100, First floor, Lagos Mainland
3. Selitoph Company Limited
   Address: 228 Oron Road Oron, Akwa Ibom
4. Agrosure Africa Ltd
5. Address: 4, Armstrong Street, Odongunyan, Odagunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos
6. Joefel Nigeria Limited
   Address: 25, Eleganza Plaza, Alaba Suru , Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
7. Determination Nigerian Enterprises
   Address: 1 kanden baushe, sheik jafar road, Gwale, Kano
8. Jm Solutions Global Concepts Limited
   Address: 6, Adebanke Ajayi Street, Gbagada, Kosofe, Lagos
9. Tony Lee International And Company Limited
   Address: 4, Otubu Street, Ogba, Agege, Lagos
10. Librazain Enterprises
    Address: 19, Jogunosimi Street, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
11. Chamzan Ltd
    Address: 38A, Okunola Aina, Mende Maryland, Kosofe, Lagos

List of Sesame Seeds Export Companies in Nigeria

The list below are export companies in Nigeria that major in sesame seeds

1. Geora Agro Nigeria Limited
   Address: 4, Salami Street Afromedia, Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State
2. Transise Enterprises Limited
   Address: Zainab Crescent, Medina Estate, Gbagada Lagos.
3. ARS Rebus Trading Ltd
   Address: 44B, Oladipo Bateye, G.R.A, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
4. Ihechere Nigeria Enterprises
   Address: 26, Nta Road, Ikwere, Port Harcourt, Rivers
5. El Miraka Nigeria Limited
   Address: 60, Karimu Street, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos
6. KingKay Agro Resources Nig. Ltd
   Address: Business Center, Federal, Jalingo Road, Jalingo, Jalingo, Taraba
7. AhmediGrain Nigeria Ltd
   Address: No: 82, Club Road, Kano Municipal, Kano Municipal, Kano
8. Baba Sesame Seeds and Oil Processing
   Address: 13, Danjaji Street, Nnpc Road Leme Aboekuta, Nguru, Yobe
9. Abu Amad Limited
   Address: 4, Aghahowa Lane, Ugbowo, Benin, Edo
10. Onyx Investment Limited
    Address: 28, Segun Akinbuli Street, Bucknor Ejigbo, Oshodi Isolo, Lagos

List of Ginger Export Companies

1. Al Rasheed Group
   Address: 26, Oladipo Kuku Street, Omole Phase 1, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
2. Opifex Ventures Ltd
   Address: 7, Mobolaji Ajibola Avenue, Ajah, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos
3. Greenweb International Resources Limited
   Address: 1, Yola Road, Takum, Taraba
4. Kevylincoln Global Concept Limited
   Address: 1, Lagos Street,Sabo-Gari, Gusau, Zaria, Kaduna
5. Aostintus Tradings Company
   Address: 17, Aromire Street, Ademosun, Mushin, Lagos
6. Hac Seeds Enterprises Limited
   Address: 59, Sarah Street, Ejigbo, Alimosho, Lagos
7. West Supply And Trading Limited
   Address: Plot 1649, Olosa Street, Victoria Island, Eti Osa, Lagos
8. Wurasam Agric Export Limited
   Address: Suite A2, God Is Able Plaza, 24 Road, Alao Bus Stop, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos
9. Descintext Nigeria Limited
   Address: Suite A2, Bishop Howell Street, Games Village, Surulere, Lagos
10. Gerald Aguh Enterprises
    Address: Km18, Og Palace Along Aarishi Road, Adebayero, Wuse, Abuja

List of Cashew Nuts Export Companies

The export companies in Nigeria listed below do cashew nut exportation

1. Goldmine Global Services Ltd
   Address: 227 Ikorodu Road, Lagos, Lagos State
2. Dida and Muba Ventures Ltd
   Address: 2/4 , Salamotu Eniola Street Sadiku
3. Ihechere Nigeria Enterprises
   Address: 26, Nta Road, Ikwere, Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
4. Alternative Exports And Company
   Address: 2, Abayomi Street, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
5. Mcdeal Ventures
   Address: 1, Lewis Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos
6. Bolify Africa Ltd
   Address: 2, Ede Street, Apapa Wharf, Apapa, Lagos
7. Agro Premium Commodities
   Address: 23, Sunmola Street,Mende Maryland, Maryland, Kosofe, Lagos
8. Oranmba Global Company Ltd
   Address: 13, Alhaja Kuburat Street, Sango Otta, Ado Odo/Ota, Ogun
9. Egbogu I.C Trading Ventures
   Address: 39,ihodimeze road aba Abia state
10. Agro Export Nigeria Limited
    Address: 165, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Alimosho, Lagos

List of Cassava Chips Export Companies

If you are looking for export companies in Nigeria that handle cassava chips, the you should consider the list below

1. Adakawa General Merchant Limited
   Address: 28E, Ado Bayero Road, Faage, Fagge, Kano
2. Opifex Ventures Ltd
   Address: 7, Mobolaji Ajibola Avenue, Ajah, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos
3. Hac Seeds Enterprises Limited
   Address: 59, Sarah Street, Ejigbo, Alimosho, Lagos
4. Chia Agro Products
   Address: 5, University Of Agriculture Road, North Bank, Makurdi, Benue
5. Wisdomkay Enterprises
   Address: Aroje-Abaa Road Abepe Ogbomosho South Oyo
6. Isomac Global Resources Limited
   Address: 7, station road, Township, Port Harcourt, Rivers
7. Eden Arc Nigeria Limited
   Address: 26, Oyeleke Street, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
8. A Lawry B-Investment Limited
   Address: 10B, Fredoka Street, Effurun, Uvwie, Delta
9. Jigov and Tb International Importer and Exporter (Nigeria) Limited
   Address: Business Address: 32, Opebi Road, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos
10. Morlap Farms Limited
    Address: 2C, Oroki Road, Oyo Town, Oyo West, Oyo

List of Bitterkola Export Companies in Nigeria

1. Oju – Bash International Limited
   Address: 25, Olushola Farobi Street, Anthony Village, Oshodi Isolo, Lagos
2. Triple E International Ltd
   Address: 139, Apapa Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos Mainland, Lagos
3. Kp Heritage Limited
   Address: 5, Daramola Street, Behind Afribank Headquarters, Lagos Island
4. Bio-Boye International Nigeria Limited
   Address: 5, USC Street, Alabgado, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos
5. Seadex Agro Allied International
   Address: 23, Adekunle Street, Ikosi Ketu, Kosofe, Lagos
6. Multireejoy Global Venture
   Address: 8, Owowinkokko Street, Abule Aja, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos
7. Orchid Export Company
   Address: Suite 3B, POWA Shopping Complex, Falomo, Iko, Ikoyi, Eti Osa, Lagos
8. Sunday And Sons Limited
   Address: 8, Ogunyemi Lane, Sari Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos
9. Delson Impex Limited
   Address: 24, Oyekola Shopping Complex, Ikotun Egbe, Oshodi Isolo, Lagos
10. Showtyme International Nigeria Limited
    Address: 169, Ikorodu Road, Onipanu, Shomolu, Lagos

List of Hibiscus Flower Export Companies in Nigeria

1. Jamilu Umar Roja And Company Limited
   Address: 4, Warshu Hospital Road, Bompai, Nasarawa, Kano
2. Sampaul Worldwide Limited
   Address: Plot 7, Block 77, Cmd Road, Magodo, Kosofe, Lagos
3. Mida Strategic Nigeria Limited
   Address: Suite 11, Jungle Plaza, African Church Road, Iju Ishaga, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos
4. Olawaye Global Investment Nigeria Limited
   Address: Blk 275, Flat 4, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Alimosho, Lagos
5. Afritraders Commodity portal Ltd
   Address: Wosina Place, 32 Road, Fesatc Town, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos
6. Wizetrend International Limited
   Address: Plot 5, Abiodun Yesuf Street, Oniru, Eti Osa, Lagos
7. Toon Consolidated Company Limited
   Address: 18, Taiwo Street, Ojota, Kosofe, Lagos
8. Benat Trading International Limited
   Address: 8, Kokumo Estate, Alagbado, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos
9. Ebube Chukwu BHT Ultimate Global Ventures Limited
   Address: No 5, Omuchetu Road by AP Filling Station Omagwa, Omuolo Omagwa, Ikwerre, Rivers
10. Lemad Nigeria Ltd
    Address: 28, Olusoga Street, Ilasamaja, Mushin, Lagos
    

List of Soya Beans Export Companies

1. Dochase Solutions Limited
   Address: 4, Sokoto Road, Sabon Gari, Zaria, Kaduna
2. Bonaforis Nig Enterprises
   Address: Frank saw-mill, Amansea junction Awka, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka North, Anambra
3. Satin Farms And Agricultural Services
   Address: D7, Ayedoto Farm Settlement, Agric, Ojo, Lagos
4. Captiva Global Resources Limited
   Address: 18, Moloney Street, Onikan, Lagos Island, Lagos
5. Afroniger Trading Company Limited
   Address: 8, Sokoto Road, Kwangila, Zaria, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna
6. Efarmagro Enterprise Nigeria limited
   Address: House 1, 2nd Avenue infi, Ajah lagos, Ado Badore Road, Eti Osa, Lagos
7. El Miraka Nigeria Limited
   Address: 60, Karimu Street, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos
8. Oranmba Global Company Ltd
   Address: 13, Alhaja Kuburat Street, Sango Otta, Ado Odo/Ota, Ogun
9. Danjovicfam Ltd
   Address: Hop 1, Kogi State University Stadium Road, Ayingba, Dekina, Kogi
10. Agro Premium Commodities
    Address: 23, Sunmola Street,Mende Maryland, Maryland, Kosofe, Lagos

Always choose to work with performing export companies in Nigeria. Performing exporters will have experience to handle your job efficiently

The post Export Companies in Nigeria appeared first on African Foods Export.

In this export training, you will gain fundamental knowledge, benefits of export business and why attending a good export training will be good for you.

Why Should You Start Exporting?

Individuals and small business are wise to tap into the booming export market. With many Africans living in overseas (USA, Belgium, UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Dubai, South Africa etc.), a huge potential market for African goods and services have grown up abroad.

If your firm has the right product or service, exporting can be a very attractive option. You should also take into consideration the fact that exporting is getting considerable boosts from federal and state governments because of present imbalances in international trade.

If you are considering export training that will expose you to working strategies and experience then check out the export training on how to start a profitable export business in Nigeria

10 Reasons You Should Attend Export Training

1. Good export training will offer you a practical approach to starting your expert business
2. Export training will expose you to experience and special skills you will need to succeed
3. You will take advantage of their try and error if you attending export training organized by a performing exporter
4. You will access advisory service and continue mentorship by attending export training
5. You will receive Manual and rich content DVD on Exporting to specific areas by attending export training
6. You will be informed on the best markets to channel your products by attending a good export training
7. Export training will showcase a wide range of real-life scenarios that readily occur and can help sharpen and prepare you to properly execute export from Nigeria.
8. During a good export training, you will be introduced to reputable and genuine agencies to work with especially for Export logistics, Haulage, Warehousing and freight forwarding.
9. Good export training will also offer follow-up after training to ensure successful export business.
10. Export training will offer you practical modalities for getting foreign buyers, initiating transactions and how to combine current employment with export business by outsourcing your export contracts.

Looking for an export training that offers you all you need to succeed in export business. Check out this 3 in 1 Combo Export Training (How To Start Export Business In Nigeria, Food Processing and Packaging, Digital Marketing Skills for Exporters)

Finding Target Market for Your Products and Services

Once you’ve decided to go into export business, the next thing to do is identify a market where to sell your products or services and where you can reasonably expect to turn a profit.

Your first list will probably have several countries on it, so you’ll need to narrow it down to one or two markets that offer the most potential for success.

To do this, analyze the following characteristics of each market and try to determine whether they increase or decrease the market’s potential:

• How many potential customers are there likely to be?
• What is the current demand?
• Are there a lot of products already on the market that will compete with yours?
• Can you match or beat the prices your competitors are charging?
• Is the demand for your type of product likely to grow or shrink?
• Are there cultural factors that may affect the marketability of your product?
• Is the market industrializing rapidly? If so, can you develop new products to take advantage of this?

Online Methods for Finding Genuine International Buyers

The online method involves:

• Building a credible online presence and portfolio
• The use of online trade portals in locating trade leads posted on the internet indicating interest to purchase Nigerian products.
• The use of emails to respond to such offers to buy Nigerian products.
• Utilizing Social media platforms for your business
• Taking advantages of local strategies

How the Internet Can Help Your Export Business

At this stage, I feel delighted to mention that the roles of the internet, especially in international business, cannot be overemphasized

• It is the safest, fastest and cheapest means of communication.
• You can freely source for the contact of interested buyers of any product.
• Products can also be advertised to the whole world at a peanut if not for free.

Considering the above, therefore, the exporter must have a valid and functional email address and must know how to access it on the net, sending and receiving emails etc.

Useful Online Export Trade Directories

The most important step in establishing contact with foreign buyers in need of products of Nigerian origin is by signing up with any of the under listed trade directories

www.alibaba.com

www.howtrade.com

www.tradekey.com

www.busytrade.com

www.importers.com

www.india-mart.com

You can also search for more directories with the Google search engine at http://www.google.com.

How to Source Products for Export

Every exporter is strongly advised for their best financial interest to select products which they intend to export based on availability and accessibility.

The said export products should be procured from merchants who are based in rural areas where such products are either grown or produced. If the product is manufactured, hence the exporter should buy from the direct manufacturer.

The reason for the above exercise is such that the exporter could procure the export goods at a very cheaper price for profit maximization and also for the exporter to remain competitive in the international market.

With respect to the sensitiveness of export market requirements, prospective exporters are advised to source products from product merchant that understand the export market requirement of the commodity in question.

List of Exportable Products of Nigerian Origin

Nigeria’s export policy is focused on the non-oil export sector which comprises the following categories:

How to Calculate Product Export Price

Export Product Packaging

It is important to note that there is no standard packaging method for an export product. The reason being that it is only the prospective importer that can specify the packaging method approved for a particular product in their country home.

Therefore, exporters must seek the consent of their buyer before packaging. As a matter of fact, the packaging requirement will be clearly stated in the export contract which must be strictly adhered to.

In practice, most agro and allied commodities meant for export could be packaged in JUTE or POLYPROPYLENE (PP)/ MESH bags. Commodities like charcoal could be packaged in BULK such that the product is tipped directly into the container without the need for any packaging material.

Coping with Logistics and Customs

Delivering your goods to a foreign customer is much more complicated than delivering them domestically. Even if you don’t manage the process yourself, you should know how it works so you can build the appropriate expenses into your final quote to the customer.

Using freight forwarders

Freight forwarders specialize in moving goods around the world, and using one may save you a good deal of trouble and expense. You can hire these agencies merely to negotiate a rate with a carrier or, at the other end of the scale, have them do everything from arranging insurance to finding a reputable customs broker.

Using customs brokers

These are people who will clear your goods through customs. In most countries, a local, registered broker is the only person authorized to do this.

Providing documentation

Providing complete, accurate documentation of your shipment is vital. If anything is incorrect or lacking, your goods will not be allowed into the country until the deficiency is corrected.

The basic documents, required almost everywhere, include the following:

• commercial invoice
• packing list
• certificate of origin
• certificate of insurance
• bill of lading (for sea or land transport) or an air waybill
• certificates of inspection, if required
• import licences, if required

Other documents may also be necessary, depending on the goods and local customs regulations. Your customs broker and/or the customer will give you the details.

5 Checklist for Having A Problem-Free Customs Clearance

Following the general rules below will help your exports reach your customer as quickly and easily as possible:

• Complete all customs requirements before you ship the goods. Don’t wait until they’re at the border to discover that you’ve overlooked some vital document.

• Make sure the customs documents are consistent with each other and complete in terms of quantities, descriptions and so on.

• Make sure the customs documents exactly match what’s in the shipment. Undocumented items can cause problems for your customer, such as lengthy delays at the local port of entry.

• Be sure your goods comply with the standards, regulations and entry procedures of the target market. If they don’t, your customer may not be able to bring them into the country.
• Carry out due diligence before selecting a customs broker. If possible, choose a broker who deals with your type of product.

Ready to attend Export Training that will offer all you need to succeed?

• Attend the export training organized by a reputable exporting company in Nigeria
• The export training can help you every step of the way.

To find out more, call: +2349055805712 or visit: Export Business Combo Training.

The post Export Training appeared first on African Foods Export.

Introduction to NEPC

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council is the Federal Government of Nigeria’s apex institution for promoting the development and diversification of export trade. Established through the Nigerian Export Decree No. 26 of 1976, it was formally inaugurated in March 1977. The Council has over the years worked to achieve its mandate by coordinating and harmonizing export development and promotion activities in the country, taking the lead in all national export programmes and interfacing with international trade agencies on cooperation and capacity building.

You can join our training on how to start an export business for assistance in registering for export business in Nigeria

The vision of NEPC is to make the world a marketplace for Nigerians non-oil products while her mission is to spearhead the diversification of the Nigerian economy by expanding and increasing non-oil exports for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Nigeria Exporter Certificate Verification Portal

This is an online resource center for verifying exporter eligibility, claim status and more with Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Click here to verify an exporter

The Roles of NEPC

• To promote the development and diversifications of Nigerian’s export trade
• To assist in promoting the development of export-oriented industries in Nigeria
• To spearhead the creation of appropriate export incentives
• To actively articulate and promote the implementation of export policies and programs of the Nigerian Government.

Core Actives of NEPC

• Trade Information Service
• Products and Market Development
• Human Resource Training and Development on exports
• Coordination and co-operation with a multi-lateral institution

How NEPC Can Assist Your Export Business

• The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) provides advisory services to local exporters in such areas as export procedure and documentation, transportation, financing, marketing techniques, quality control, export packaging, costing and pricing, publicity, and other similar activities.
• NEPC pursues the simplifications and streamlining of export procedures and documentation on a continual basis.
• NEPC conducts training courses for current and potential exporters to enable them to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for export trade.

How To Register with NEPC

The starting point for becoming an exporter is to register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), which is responsible for the promotion of non-oil exports and helps exporters in accessing export markets.

Having met the requirements, a registration certificate is issued which qualifies you as an exporter in Nigeria.

Requirements for Export Registration with NEPC

Any individual or a business entity who wants to venture into export business in Nigeria needs to complete the NEPC registration form obtainable online at www.nepc.gov.ng pay the relevant processing fee, upload relevant documents:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum and Articles of Associations
• Current Certified True Copy of Particulars of Directors of the company (Form CO7)

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Certified True Copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association;
• Current Certified True Copy of Form CAC 1.1

CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY

• Certificate of Registration (Issued by Issuing Authority in the State and F.C.T)
• Bye-Laws of the Society

GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

• Certificate of Registration
• Constitution of the Government Organization and Non-Governmental Organization
• Memorandum for Guidance of Applicant

Step By Step For Exporter Registration

1. Click  “Exporter registration” on the Menu bar.
2. Create an account by filling in Name, Email address and Password and click register.
3. On the dashboard Click on Register New Certificate.
4. Fill in the details of the company seeking an exporter
5. Choose the type of company and upload the relevant documents. Note: Individual CAC documents should be scanned as a single document before uploading.
6. Choose Certificate delivery option; pick up or Courier. N/BCourier cost an extra N2500
7. Click on Preview to review the information supplied in the form then click on Submit and proceed to payment.
8. An invoice is generated then click on make payment
9. Copy down the Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) and choose your preferred method of payment
10. After payment, remember to confirm the payment by clicking on Log > Certificate, then copy down the order id and input it into the field, click on confirm payment and you will receive a notification of the status of the payment.
11. Your certificate will be processed after confirmation of payment. You will receive an SMS and Email alert once your certificate is ready. This would normally take within 24 working hours for Pickup and up to 72 working hours for delivery.

Important Notes

• Business names are not accepted and any company that registers and makes payment using a business name will not be refunded
• Also, payments made for manual registration before April 3rd, 2017 will no longer be refunded

Registering a company with CAC

It is required by law to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) if you want to do legitimate business in Nigeria. The categories for business registration with CAC are

• Business name registration
• Private Limited Company (LTD)
• Public Limited Company (PLC)
• Company Limited by Guarantee (LTD/GTE)
• Unlimited Company (ULTD)
• Incorporated Trustee

The process of registering a company begins with an identification of a new name and name search for the new company.

An application is then to CAC, the Federal Government body responsible for registration of business names and companies if the name is approved and other specified conditions have met the certificate of incorporation will be issued to you upon payment of a fee.

The CAC registrations confer a legal status on your business and it is a requirement for all other business-related registrations.

Nigeria Export Promotion Council Offices

Headquarters (Export House)

424, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja. P.M.B, Garki, Abuja

Website: www.nepc.gov.ng  Email: info@nepc.org.ng

Regional Offices Addresses

Lagos Regional Office

13/15 Ladipo Oluwole Road, off Marine Road, P.M.B 12776, Apapa, Lagos State

Emails: lagos@nepc.gov.ng, nepclagos@gmail.com

Enugu Regional Office

Agric Bank Building, Upper Presidential Road, Independent Layout, P.M.B 1611, Enugu, Enugu State

Email enugu@nepc.gov.ng, nepcenugu@gmail.com

Port Harcourt Regional Office

No. 7 & 9, Peremabri Street, D-line, Port Harcourt, River State.

Emails: portharcourt@nepc.gov.ng

Jos Regional Office

14, Langtan Street, P.M.B 2799, Jos, Plateaus State

Emails: jos@nepc.gov.ng, nepcjos@gmail.com

Kano Regional Office

39, New Court Road, Off Zoo Road, P.M.B 3498, Gyadi-Gyadi, Kano, Kano State

Emails: kano@nepc.gov.ng, nepckano@gmail.com

Yola Regional Office

49/50, West Wing Ground Floor, Federal Secretariat Complex, Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State.

Emails: yola@nepc.gov.ng , nepcyola@gmail.com

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