LAGOS, Oct 5 – Indian customs authorities are investigating a surge in soybean imports declared as originating in Niger, amid concerns that some shipments may have been sourced from neighboring Nigeria and incorrectly labelled to qualify for duty-free treatment, Reuters reported on Monday, citing government and industry sources.
Niger emerged as India’s largest declared supplier of soybeans during the first seven months of 2026, despite producing only a negligible quantity of the oilseed.
India permits duty-free imports from countries classified as least developed, including Niger. Assessments within Africa’s soybean milling industry indicate that Niger produces less than 100 metric tons of soybeans annually, while Nigeria is Africa’s leading soybean producer and exporter, although it remains a relatively small player in the global market.
Indian customs authorities have asked importers to demonstrate that soybean shipments declared as originating in Niger meet the requirements for duty-free treatment, according to two government officials and two industry sources familiar with the matter.
If the shipments are determined to have been incorrectly declared, importers could be required to pay India’s 45% import tariff.
Imports Far Exceed Niger’s Production
The investigation follows a dramatic increase in India’s soybean imports this year. Total soybean imports reached 909,606 tons in the first seven months of 2026, compared with just 1,996 tons during the same period a year earlier.
Shipments declared as originating in Niger accounted for 380,868 tons, compared with zero in the corresponding period of 2025. In notices sent to importers, India’s customs department questioned the scale of the shipments relative to Niger’s domestic production.
“The production data of soybeans in Niger is very much less. Therefore, it appears that import quantity exceeds the usual levels of production and export capacity of Niger,” the department said.
The consignments were initially cleared after importers provided documents required for duty-free treatment, including certificates of origin and phytosanitary certificates issued by Niger, according to the sources.
Customs authorities are now seeking additional evidence, including records of inland transportation and transit permits for cargo moving through the region.
Because Niger is landlocked, shipments originating there can move through neighbouring countries, including Nigeria, before reaching export routes.
Importers Face Verification Challenges
Some Indian importers have told customs authorities that they do not possess all the transportation records being requested and have asked overseas suppliers to provide the documentation.
One importer said the company relied on documents supplied by its overseas partners. “We imported the soybeans after suppliers told us they originated in Niger and provided all the necessary documents,” the importer said.
The importer added: “It is not possible for us to physically travel to Africa to verify the origin ourselves.”
Indian importers began receiving customs notices late last month and have subsequently stopped purchasing soybeans declared as originating in Niger, according to a Dubai-based exporter.
The investigation could disrupt shipments already in transit. Cargo that has reached Indian ports but has not yet cleared customs could face delays if importers and exporters cannot establish eligibility for duty-free treatment.
The Dubai-based exporter said neither side wanted to absorb the 45% import duty if the shipments were ultimately determined to be ineligible for preferential treatment.
Opportunity for West African Suppliers
The investigation comes as India becomes increasingly dependent on imported soybeans following weaker domestic production after dry conditions that followed severe flooding the previous year.
The disruption could create an opening for Togo and Benin to expand soybean exports to India through established and verifiable trade channels.
For West Africa’s soybean industry, the episode also highlights the importance of traceable supply chains and accurate certificates of origin as international demand for agricultural commodities increases.
