Nigeria’s agricultural and processed food products are finding their way into the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and other international markets, indicating that the country has a lot of potential to become a major player in the global food export market.
But to successfully export a food product, you need more than just a quality product. Nigerian exporters need to meet regulatory requirements that certify that their products meet safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is one of the key regulatory bodies for food exports. NAFDAC regulates food products exported from Nigeria and ensures that products meet the required safety standards before leaving the country. Exporters can access information about NAFDAC export categories to understand the products covered under its export regulatory system.
No food product regulated by NAFDAC should be exported without the appropriate approval or certificate from the Ports Inspection Directorate (PID). NAFDAC certificates ensure the safety and conformity of products, but they do not guarantee acceptance in the destination country, as exporters must also abide by the rules of the importing market.
The Function of NAFDAC in Food Exports
NAFDAC is charged with ensuring that Nigerian food products exported internationally meet acceptable standards.
The agency confirms:
- Product safety
- Production conditions
- Cleanliness habits
- Standards of quality
- Proper documentation
- Export compliance
This is especially important to exporters of processed foods, packaged foods, beverages, agricultural products and other regulated food categories.
NAFDAC approval is just one part of the export process but exporters should be aware of this. International buyers may need additional certifications and compliance measures as required by the destination country.
Types of Food Products Covered by NAFDAC Export Requirements
Typically, Nigerian food exports fall into three major product categories.
Processed Foodstuffs
These are products which are ready-to-eat and usually packaged for consumer markets.
Some examples are:
- Packaged beverages
- Vegetable oils
- Condiments
- Smoked fish products
- Dairy products
Processed foods tend to be more highly regulated because they are sold directly to consumers.
Semi-Processed Food Stuff
These products have been processed in some way and may need further preparation before use.
Examples are:
- Sesame seeds
- Ginger
- Melon seed
- Yam flour
- Cassava flour
- Ogbono seed
- Shea butter
- Groundnut oil
These are common Nigerian exports and usually require certification of quality before they can enter foreign markets.
Food in Bulk
Bulk products are generally exported in large quantities for industrial or commercial use.
Examples of products packed in:
- Big bags – more than 50kg
- Containers greater than 25 litres
Certificates of NAFDAC for Exporters of Food
Depending on the type of product and the purpose of export, NAFDAC issues different types of certificates.
Certificate of Manufacture and Free Sale (CCMFS)
This certificate is issued for products manufactured in Nigeria and registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
It confirms that the product is legally manufactured and permitted to be sold in Nigeria.
Free Sale Certificate (CFS)
This is applicable to products registered and freely marketed in Nigeria but not necessarily locally manufactured.
Some importers demand this certificate before accepting Nigerian products.
Certificate of Health
Health Certificate is usually used for semi-processed food products.
It guarantees that the product meets the required health and safety standards.
Export Certificate
This certificate is generally used for NAFDAC registered products exported through land borders especially within the ECOWAS markets.
Export Licenses
Export approval may apply to quantities for personal use, not commercial shipments.
NAFDAC Export Approval Application Requirements
Before applying for export certification, businesses have to satisfy a number of requirements.
1. Registering Your Business
The exporter’s business must be legally registered.
Documents required can include:
- Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Certificate of Incorporation
- Company registration information
- Information about the company
2. NEPC Export Registration
Commercial exporters are also required to register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
NEPC registration recognizes the business as an exporter and allows it to participate in Nigeria’s formal export system.
3. Registration of NAFDAC Products
Most processed and retail food products require NAFDAC product registration.
Exporters are expected to apply through the proper NAFDAC registration channels. Different products require different applications.
4. Exporter Listing and Facility Inspections
Exporters must be able to maintain appropriate facilities that are in accordance with:
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
- Good Hygiene Practices (GHP)
- Good Warehousing Practice (GWP)
NAFDAC may conduct inspection of facilities and warehouses before approval of exporters.
Approval to export may not be given to those operating from unsuitable premises or informal production facilities.
Exporters can review the NAFDAC exporter guidelines for requirements relating to listing and compliance.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Get NAFDAC Export Certificates
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Exporters should be ready with:
- Evidence of NAFDAC product registration
- Analysis Certificate
- Registration proof with NEPC
- Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) form
- Proforma Invoice
- Packing list
- Samples of products
- Phytosanitary Certificate for plant products where applicable
Step 2: Apply Through NAFDAC Export Processing Channels
Applications are made through the proper NAFDAC export processing channels.
The exporter provides information on:
- Product description
- Quantity
- Details of packaging
- Country of destination
- Batch information
- Best before and manufacturing dates
Step 3: Inspection and Sample Collection
NAFDAC carries out inspection and can collect samples from the export consignment.
The inspection checks for safety and quality requirements.
Exporters can also review the NAFDAC port inspection information for more details on inspection processes.
Step 4: Laboratory Tests
Analysis in laboratories may include:
- Micro-organism safety
- Chemical contaminants
- Toxic metals
- Aflatoxins
- Pesticide residues
Certificates are issued to products satisfying the requirements.
Commonly Required Food Export Documents
Exporters may need, depending on the product:
- NAFDAC registration number
- Analysis Certificate
- Certificate of NEPC Exporter
- NXP form
- Commercial Invoice
- Checklist
- Samples of products
- Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS)
- Quality requirements of the importing country
The exact documents depend on the product category and destination market.
Export Food Labelling Requirements
Accurate labelling is required as international buyers and regulators expect accurate product information.
Export labels should have:
- Product title
- List of ingredients
- Allergen information
- Net weight
- Origin country
- Name and address of manufacturer
- Exporter information, where applicable
- Lot number
- Manufacturing date
- Date of expiry
- Storage directions
- Nutritional information, where required
Labels should be legible, accurate and comply with the requirements of both Nigeria and the destination country.
Exporters should follow the NAFDAC labelling guidelines to understand the expected information and standards for exported food products.
Avoid deceptive claims or unsubstantiated claims of product benefits.
Mistakes to Avoid as a Nigerian Food Exporter
A lot of exporters get stuck or rejected because of errors that are easily avoidable.
Typical problems are:
- Exporting without first getting approval
- Bad packaging
- Mislabeling
- No testing of product
- Lack of documentation
- Use of unqualified production facilities
- Ignoring the requirements of the destination country
Exporters are advised to always check requirements before producing large quantities for export.
Key Things to Think About for Different Products
Certain products require additional approval.
For instance:
- Phytosanitary certification from NAQS may be required for plant-based products.
- Honey might require additional testing for antibiotics.
- Seafood products may need additional fisheries-related certifications.
- Imported food products to the USA or Europe must comply with food safety regulations of the destination.
The NAFDAC approval does not take the place of foreign market regulation compliance.
Conclusion
Nigerian food products have significant export potential to international markets, but this potential can only be realized through appropriate preparation and regulatory compliance.
NAFDAC certification is crucial in ensuring that Nigerian food exports meet safety and quality expectations before reaching international buyers.
Companies that invest in correct registration, quality control, packaging, documentation, and international standards are better able to compete in markets such as the USA, the UK, and Europe.
For Nigerian exporters, knowledge of NAFDAC requirements is more than simply ensuring compliance; it is about building confidence with foreign buyers and building sustainable export businesses.
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