How to Export Cocoa Beans from Nigeria (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)
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How to export cocoa beans from Nigeria
To export cocoa beans from Nigeria you need a registered company, an exporter’s certificate from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), export-grade beans, a phytosanitary certificate from NAQS, and the right shipping documents. If you sell to Europe, you’ll also need to prove your cocoa wasn’t grown on deforested land, under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Step by step
Register your company
Register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (we can help with CAC registration) and get a tax ID. Export must be in your object clauses.
Get your NEPC exporter’s certificate
Register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. Banks and buyers will ask for it.
Source and grade your beans
Buy well-fermented, properly dried beans from farmers, cooperatives or licensed buying agents. Buyers usually specify moisture (commonly 7.5% or less), bean count per 100g, and limits on mouldy, slaty and insect-damaged beans. Get samples graded before you commit.
Prepare for EUDR if selling to Europe
Record the GPS location of each farm, keep supplier records, and make sure every lot can be traced back to its plot. NEPC is pushing exporters onto the Nigeria National Traceability System.
Fumigate, bag and inspect
Bag in clean jute bags, fumigate, and book an inspection by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) for your phytosanitary certificate.
Process your export documents
Through your bank, register the export (Form NXP). You’ll also need a certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, quality and weight certificates, and the bill of lading. Exports through Apapa go through APMT export verification.
Ship and get paid
Load at Apapa, Tin Can or Onne. Use a letter of credit or documentary collection so you’re paid against documents, not on trust.
What buyers check
| Check | What buyers look for |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Usually 7.5% or below |
| Fermentation | Well-fermented brown beans, few slaty or purple beans |
| Defects | Low levels of mould, insect damage and germinated beans |
| Bean count | Beans per 100g, set in the contract |
| Traceability | Farm GPS data and supplier records for EU buyers |
Common questions
What do I need to export cocoa from Nigeria?
What is EUDR and does it affect Nigerian cocoa?
Which ports export cocoa?
What moisture content do buyers want?
Can I list cocoa for sale on Wigmore Wholesale?
Exporting cocoa?
Our trade desk can help with buyers, documents and shipping.
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