How to Get Your Business NAFDAC Certified in Nigeria
How to get your business NAFDAC Certified in Nigeria, that is Getting your business certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is one of the most important steps if you are producing or importing food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, or packaged water in Nigeria. Without NAFDAC registration, your products cannot legally be sold or distributed in the Nigerian market.
This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining NAFDAC certification for your product or business, step by step.
Table of Contents
- What Is NAFDAC Certification?
- Why You Need NAFDAC Certification
- Who Should Register with NAFDAC?
- Documents Needed for NAFDAC Registration
- Step-by-Step Process for Getting NAFDAC Certified
- How Long the Process Takes
- Common Reasons for NAFDAC Application Rejection
- Costs Involved in NAFDAC Registration
- Tips to Make Your NAFDAC Process Faster
- Final Thoughts
- Sales Note
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Key Takeaways
- NAFDAC certification is mandatory for businesses dealing in regulated products in Nigeria.
- You must apply online via the NAFDAC e-registration portal.
- Proper documentation and product testing are key steps in the approval process.
- Costs vary depending on the type of product and the scale of your business.
- Mistakes in documentation or formulation can lead to delays or rejection.
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What Is NAFDAC Certification?
NAFDAC certification is the official approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control that allows you to produce, import, distribute, or sell regulated products in Nigeria. It assures the public that your products are safe and meet quality standards.
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Why You Need NAFDAC Certification
- Legal Requirement: Selling products without NAFDAC approval is illegal.
- Market Access: Supermarkets, pharmacies, and export platforms require NAFDAC registration.
- Consumer Trust: Certified products earn the confidence of buyers.
- Protection Against Seizure: NAFDAC and Customs can seize uncertified goods.
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Who Should Register with NAFDAC?
You must register if you’re involved in:
- Packaged foods and drinks (e.g., snacks, beverages, spices)
- Drugs and herbal medicine
- Cosmetics and beauty products
- Household chemicals and disinfectants
- Medical devices and equipment
- Packaged water (sachet or bottled)
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Documents Needed for NAFDAC Registration
Some documents you’ll need include:
- Certificate of Incorporation (CAC)
- Trademark Certificate (if any)
- Evidence of payment (NAFDAC fees)
- Product labels and artwork
- Certificate of analysis (from a certified lab)
- Contract Manufacturing Agreement (if outsourced)
- Food handler’s test certificate and medical report
- Company’s organogram (for larger manufacturers)
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Step-by-Step Process for Getting NAFDAC Certified
1: Determine Your Product Category
Know if your product falls under food, cosmetics, drugs, chemicals, etc. This will determine the type of registration and department you’ll deal with.
2: Create an Account on NAFDAC’s e-Registration Portal
Visit www.nafdac.gov.ng and register your company to access the portal.
Step 3: Submit Pre-Registration Documents
Upload required documents and pay the appropriate fees through the online portal.
4: Facility Inspection
NAFDAC officials will inspect your production or packaging facility to ensure it meets hygiene and safety standards.
5: Product Sampling and Laboratory Analysis
NAFDAC will take a sample of your product for testing. You’ll receive a certificate of analysis if your product passes.
6: Label Review and Approval
Product packaging must comply with NAFDAC labelling standards (ingredients, expiry date, batch number, etc.).
7: Issuance of Certificate
Once all requirements are met and your product passes lab tests and inspections, you will receive your NAFDAC registration number and certificate.
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How Long the Process Takes
- Locally manufactured products: 3 to 6 months
- Imported products: 6 to 9 months
Timelines vary depending on the product category, completeness of documentation, and lab result turnaround.
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Common Reasons for NAFDAC Application Rejection
- Incomplete documents
- Poor product labelling
- Unsanitary production environment
- Failed lab test
- Using unregistered or dangerous ingredients
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Costs Involved in NAFDAC Registration
Costs depend on the product type and size of your business. Common charges include:
- Application fee (₦20,000 – ₦50,000)
- Product testing fees (₦30,000 – ₦150,000)
- Inspection fees
- Consultancy fees (optional, if you hire an agent)
- Renewal fees every 5 years
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Tips to Make Your NAFDAC Process Faster
- Get your product tested in advance by a NAFDAC-approved lab
- Hire a consultant or agent experienced in NAFDAC registration
- Ensure your facility is clean and well-documented
- Use proper labelling that complies with NAFDAC standards
- Submit complete documents from the start
Final Thoughts
Getting NAFDAC certification may seem complicated, but it is worth the effort. It positions your business for growth, legal compliance, and consumer trust. With patience, proper guidance, and complete documentation, you can successfully register your products and expand your brand across Nigeria and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I sell my product without NAFDAC certification?
No, it is illegal to sell regulated products without NAFDAC registration in Nigeria.
2. How much does NAFDAC registration cost?
The total cost ranges from ₦50,000 to ₦250,000 or more depending on the product type, testing, and whether you use a consultant.
3. How long does it take to get NAFDAC approval?
3–6 months for locally made products and 6–9 months for imported products.
4. Can I register more than one product at once?
Yes, but each product must go through a separate registration process and attract separate fees.
5. What if my product fails the lab test?
You’ll receive feedback from NAFDAC. You can reformulate or improve your product and reapply.
6. Do I need a factory to register with NAFDAC?
Yes, NAFDAC will inspect your production facility or that of your contract manufacturer.
7. Can small businesses or home-based producers get certified?
Yes, as long as your facility meets basic health and safety standards.
8. How often do I need to renew NAFDAC certification?
Every 5 years, with a renewal process similar to the initial one.
9. Can I get NAFDAC certified without registering my business with CAC?
No. CAC registration is a compulsory requirement.
10. Does NAFDAC registration allow me to export my product?
Yes, having NAFDAC approval is a major requirement for product export from Nigeria.
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