Before you send money to a foreign supplier, you must check the 2026 Import Prohibition List. Importing banned items leads to absolute forfeiture and potential prosecution. In 2026, the list has been updated to protect local ‘Green’ industries and food security.
1. Absolute Prohibitions (Banned Items)
These items are 100% prohibited. No permit can bring them in:
- Refined Vegetable Oil: To protect local oil palm processors.
- Bagged Cement: Importation remains banned to support local production.
- Used Clothing & Small Carpets: Strictly prohibited for commercial resale.
- Specific Medicaments: Such as Paracetamol tablets and fruit juices in retail packs.
2. Restricted Items (Require Permits)
These are not banned, but you cannot clear them without specific 2026 digital certificates:
- Solar Panels & Batteries: Require a SONCAP Certificate.
- Drones & Scanners: Require an ‘End User Certificate’ (EUC) from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
- Processed Foods: Require NAFDAC registration.
3. The 12-Year Vehicle Rule
Remember that cars older than 12 years are restricted. While not ‘contraband’ in the sense of drugs, they attract the highest duty penalties and cannot be cleared through the standard VIN Valuation system.
Conclusion
Always verify your product’s status on the National Single Window portal before shipping. For the full list of over 40 categories, visit the Nigeria Customs Service website.