Requirements For NAFDAC Registration

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  • Overview

  • The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was established by Decree No. 15 of 1993 as amended by Decree No. 19 of 1999 and now the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act Cap N1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004. The act mandates the Agency to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, Medical Devices, Packaged Water, Chemicals and Detergents (collectively known as regulated products). The Agency was officially established in October 1992.

  • NAFDAC listed on its website about 7 categories of items that require registration with the agency. The requirement for each product is categorized into two broad groups:

    1. a. Food, and
    2. b. Drugs

  • This means that the documents you would need for each category will be slightly different. The registration requirement also depends on if the product is imported or manufactured locally in Nigeria.

  • Irrespective of the product you are registering, NAFDAC would only give you a registration number/certificate after your product has passed the quality and standard test carried out by the agency.

  • Requirement For Food Products

    1. i. Certificate of incorporation issued by the corporate affairs commission (CAC)
    2. ii. The certificate of inspection/recognition issued by NAFDAC.
    3. iii. Comprehensive Certificate of analysis of the batch of product submitted for registration from the manufacturer stating name and signature of the analyst.
    4. iv. Trademark approval for your brand name by Federal Ministry of Commerce (where applicable).
    5. v. Application form forwarded to the Director stating the name of manufacturer, brand name, and product or products (as the case may be).

  • Requirement For Drugs

    1. i. Certificate of incorporation issued by the corporate affairs commission (CAC).
    2. ii. A signed and endorsed certificate of Pharmaceutical Product.
    3. iii. Three samples of your product for quality analysis and inspection.
    4. iv. Original copy of the Power of Attorney from the product manufacturer (if imported).
    5. v. Completed NAFDAC application form.
    6. vi. Application letter for registration of the product.
    7. vii. Letter of invitation from manufacturer to inspect factory abroad, full names and site of plant.

  • The requirements for registration of imported food or drug products include all those stated above. Other terms and conditions that you would need to meet for a successful registration of imported products include:

    1. i. An applicant for a manufacturer outside Nigeria must file an evidence of Power of Attorney from the manufacturer.
    2. ii. You must provide evidence that the manufacturer of the imported food or drug product are licensed to sell such product in the country of origin and that the sale of the product does not constitute a contravention of the food laws of that country of origin.
    3. iii. Permit to import samples.
    4. iv. A letter of Invitation to inspect the factory abroad.
    5. v. The applicant must be based in Nigeria who must have a duly signed Power of Attorney from the manufacturer authorizing the Nigerian representative to act in their capacity in Nigeria and with the name of the product explicitly stated.

  • For more information about the NAFDAC registration procedure visit: http://www.nafdac.gov.ng/our-services/product-registrationevaluation/. For further information on requirements and NAFDAC state offices visit the website at: http://www.nafdac.gov.ng. Alternatively you could send an email to the agency at: nafdac@nafdac.gov.ng

  • How To Register

  • It is important to note that registration requirement for locally manufactured goods are slightly different form that of imported goods. It is also noteworthy that if your company produces different products you will need to register each of them separately.

    1. 1. Approach the closest zonal office of NAFDAC to get your factory inspected. You would be required to submit three samples of your product for analysis after which a certificate of recognition as a manufacturer would be issued to you.
    2. 2. Purchase a registration form from NAFDAC for each of the products and fill appropriately.
    3. 3. Write an application to the agency stating your intention to register a product. The application should give details of the product name (general name), brand name, and the name of the manufacturer. Address your application to:

  • The Director
    Registration and Regulatory Affairs
    NAFDAC
    Central Laboratory Complex
    Oshodi, Lagos.

  • Submit the application together with your completed registration form and attach the required documents.

  • Depending on whether or not one follows the right information and submits the required documents, the whole process should take you about three months. After a successful registration you will be offered a certificate of registration and NAFDAC registration number for the product.

  • Note: NAFDAC has set up an online registration portal at http://registration.nafdac.gov.ng/

  • Processing Time

  • Products registration timeline is sixty (60) days for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and 90/120 days for other companies.

  • Caution

  • See guideline for Micro-Scale Enterprises wanting to start with a food business. Click here.

  • Applicants are strongly advised to deal directly with the Commission in matters relating to Compliance to avoid being defrauded by touts. Applicants can contact the Commissions Compliance and Enforcement Department for further inquiries. Should you encounter any difficulties or are unable to process your Compliance Certificate please do not hesitate to contact any of our approved Professionals by clicking here

  • Benefits/Opportunities Of Getting Permit

  • It is necessary for local manufacturers to obtain certification from NAFDAC before exporting their products, as this would save them losses arising from product rejections in foreign markets. More so, the AGOA Trade and Development Act of 2000 signed into law on May 18, 2000 offers tangible incentives for local manufacturers in their efforts to open up the economy and build free markets.

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