The federal government has put out a new list of things that can’t be traded, which shows that they are serious about protecting American businesses and controlling the flow of foreign currency.
The Nation adds that the updated list of items that can’t be brought into the country, which is dated April 1, 2026, includes seventeen broad groups of items that can’t enter the country through any port of entry.
This new order from the Federal Ministry of Finance has big effects on importers, clearing agencies, and the general people because it covers a wide range of goods, from basic dietary staples to life-saving drugs.
The long list of drugs that are not allowed under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 through 3004.90.90.00 is one of the most sensitive parts.
The government has completely stopped the importation of popular drugs like metronidazole, cotrimoxazole, and chloroquine, as well as paracetamol tablets and syrups.
Local producers can only make few health items that are quite popular, like multivitamin capsules, aspirin, folic acid, and different ointments like penicillin and gentamycin.
This action puts the indigenous pharmaceutical sector in charge of providing the country’s key healthcare needs. Importing pharmaceutical trash under HS Code 3006.92.00.00 is still completely illegal.
The agricultural and food industries also have very severe rules that are meant to improve food security and local farming. The list shows that birds, whether they are alive or dead, are still not allowed, even if they are frozen. This includes poultry with HS Codes 0105.1100 to 0210.99.00.00.
This includes pork, beef, and bird eggs, however the government has made an exception for hatching eggs from grandparent stock that are meant for study and breeding.
Also, it is against the law to sell refined vegetable oils in retail packets of five liters or less. This includes soya-bean, palm, and sunflower oils. But for industrial usage, crude vegetable oil and certain fats, such hydrogenated vegetable fats under HS 1516.20.10.00, can come into the country.
The ban includes cane or beet sugar in retail packs and chemically pure sucrose with added flavoring or coloring in the retail and consumer goods category.
The cocoa sector is likewise protected. Cocoa butter, powder, and cakes, as well as chocolate bars or blocks that weigh more than two kilograms, are all on the list of things that can’t be sold.
Tomato paste, whole tomatoes for sale, and mineral and aerated waters are now only allowed to be made in the area. The hygiene sector is especially affected because HS Codes 3401.11.10.00 through 3402.90.00.00 now prohibit the importation of any types of soaps and organic surface-active products (also known as detergents) when they are meant for retail sale.
Even basic office supplies are affected. For example, ballpoint pens and their refills can’t be brought into the country, but the authorities did make an exception for importing pen tips. The new trade strategy also included commodities for industry and building.
Under HS Code 2523.29.00.00, bagged cement is still on the list of things that are not allowed, along with NPK 15:15:15 fertilizers and comparable products. The packaging business is still not allowed to use corrugated paper, paper boards, or cartons. The glass sector, on the other hand, is safeguarded by a ban on hollow glass bottles that hold more than 150 milliliters.
There are also limits on flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel goods, such as corrugated sheets that are broader than 600 millimeters.
Businesses in all industries must make sure that their buying practices follow these new rules set by the Nigeria Customs Service. If they don’t, their goods could be taken and they could face legal penalties.
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