AGRINFO Webinar: Essential EU Import Rules for Nigerian Agri-Food Exporters
What Was Covered
The 90-minute virtual session addressed four critical regulatory areas:
Part I: Food Safety Rules
1. Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH)
- New maximum levels expected by 2027 for contaminants in food products
- Focus on MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons)
- Products affected: oilseeds, cereals, tree nuts, pulses, cocoa, dairy products
- Testing challenges and compliance pathways for Nigerian exporters
2. Pesticide Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)
- EU’s evolving approach to import tolerances for non-approved pesticides
- Proposed stricter MRLs from 2028/2029 for hazardous substances
- How to use the AGRINFO Pesticide MRL Tracker for compliance monitoring
- Impact assessment for Nigerian agricultural sectors
Part II: Sustainability Initiatives
3. EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
- Application date: December 30, 2026
- Country risk categorization: Nigeria classified as “standard risk”
- Geolocation requirements and due diligence obligations
- Latest simplifications for downstream operators and micro/small enterprises
- Compliance resources and implementation support
4. New Packaging Rules (PPWR)
- BPA ban in food contact materials: Key deadlines July 2026 and January 2028
- Sustainability requirements: recycled content, recyclability, compostability
- Labeling obligations from August 2028
- Conformity requirements and documentation for agri-food exporters
Why This Matters for Nigerian Exporters
The EU market represents a critical destination for Nigerian agricultural products. These regulatory changes affect:
- ✅ Cocoa exporters – EUDR compliance and pesticide MRLs
- ✅ Fresh produce exporters – Packaging rules and contaminant limits
- ✅ Processed food manufacturers – Food contact materials and MOH limits
- ✅ Oilseed and nut producers – New mineral oil maximum levels
- ✅ Dairy and cereal sectors – Comprehensive food safety compliance
⚠️ Risks of Non-Compliance
- Border rejections and consignment delays
- Market access restrictions
- Financial penalties
- Reputational damage
Key Resources Highlighted
The webinar introduced participants to essential compliance tools:
AGRINFO Platform (www.agrinfo.eu)
- 180+ EU regulatory changes tracked annually
- Consolidates complex regulations into accessible guidance
- Free access for all stakeholders
AGRINFO Pesticide MRL Tracker
- Weekly updates on pesticide MRL changes
- Product-specific compliance overview
- Up to 3 years advance warning of regulatory changes
Guidance Documents Available:
- Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons in Food
- The EU Deforestation Regulation
- New EU Packaging Rules Explained
- BPA and PFAS in Food Contact Materials
Expert Presenters
Chris Downes – Policy & Law Lead Expert, COLEAD
Axelle Rupert – EU Policy and Regulations Expert, COLEAD
Both experts brought extensive experience in EU agri-food policy and have been instrumental in helping ACP countries navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
Watch the full Webinar Here
Download the Full Webinar Report
This blog post provides a high-level overview of the webinar content. For detailed technical information, compliance timelines, regulatory frameworks, and actionable recommendations, download the complete post-webinar report.
The comprehensive report includes:
- ✓ Detailed regulatory breakdowns for each topic
- ✓ Compliance timelines and deadlines
- ✓ Product-specific guidance
- ✓ Links to official EU documentation
- ✓ Contact information for follow-up questions
Take Action Now
Nigerian agri-food exporters should:
- Subscribe to AGRINFO Updates – Receive bi-weekly regulatory alerts (Subscribe here)
- Review your product portfolio – Identify which regulations affect your exports
- Assess compliance gaps – Use AGRINFO tools and guidance documents
- Engage with technical experts – Contact AGRINFO for specific questions: agrinfo@colead.link
- Plan for upcoming deadlines – BPA ban (July 2026), EUDR (December 2026), Packaging rules (2028)
About AGRINFO
AGRINFO is an EU-funded programme implemented by COLEAD, providing free, accessible information on EU agri-food regulations affecting low- and middle-income countries. The platform consolidates complex regulatory developments and offers practical guidance to help exporters maintain EU market access.
Website: www.agrinfo.eu
Email: agrinfo@colead.link
Related Resources
- AGRINFO Pesticide MRL Tracker
- EUNAP Advisory Centre
- EUNAP Trade Directory
- Export to EU Market Guide
- Upcoming Webinars and Events
Questions?
For technical questions about EU regulations covered in this webinar, contact AGRINFO directly at agrinfo@colead.link.
For broader trade facilitation support and EU-Nigeria agribusiness partnerships, explore EUNAP services.
Disclaimer: While AGRINFO is an EU-funded programme, this presentation does not reflect the official views of the European Commission.