Starting even a small scale food business or importing food products from overseas takes a lot of preparation, and one of the most important steps is getting an official NAFDAC product registration. Find out how to get NAFDAC number right now!
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1. NAFDAC meaning and functions
1. NAFDAC meaning
You often hear the NAFDAC abbreviation in a relation to the food industry, but what exactly is the full meaning of NAFDAC? NAFDAC stands for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
2. NAFDAC functions
So now that you know what NAFDAC stands for, let’s look at the answer to the question: “What are the functions of NAFDAC?”
NAFDAC has been active since the early 1990s, but the government has significantly strengthened the NAFDAC authority in the recent years, when more and more health problems and even deaths of Nigerian citizens were linked to low quality or fake food products.
In an effort to prevent these tragic events, the Federal Government of Nigeria introduced a NAFDAC registration procedure that is required to be completed by every manufacturer or importer of food products or drugs.
The list of products regulated by NAFDAC includes food, drinks, drugs, cosmetic items, medical devices, and veterinary products, including animal food.
2. How to get a NAFDAC registration number
If you’re ready to register with NAFDAC, here is a step-by-step guide on getting the NAFDAC number.
- Find the nearest NAFDAC corporate or zonal office using their website. Notify the Agency that you want your facilities tested by the Inspection Directorate of NAFDAC – it’s the mandatory first step of the process.
- After your production facility successfully passes the inspection, you will be given a manufacturer’s Certificate of Recognition.
- The next step is purchasing and completing the NAFDAC application form and providing three samples of the product that will then be tested by the Agency. The prices for the application form vary depending on the product – for example, an application for a food product will cost you ₦50,000 + 5%VAT. Please note that an application is valid for a single product only – you need to purchase a separate form for each product you manufacture. The application should contain the manufacturer’s name, the type of product, and the product brand name.
- Submit the application along with other required documents. The list of documents required for the registration depends on the type of product: for example, in order to produce drugs, you will need more documents than required for food production. You can find the list of documents at the NAFDAC website.
- Make sure the labelling of your products meets the NAFDAC standards before submitting the samples to the Agency. The label of the product needs to be clear and informative, containing the information about the manufacturer, ingredients, expiry date, net content, and warnings. You should also have a dedicated box for the NAFDAC registration number.
- After you submit the application, the Agency can get back to you with follow-up questions – make sure to respond to their queries within the 30-day period, otherwise your application may be rejected.
- Once you successfully obtain the Certificate of Registration, you still need to get the Agency’s approval to advertise the product. Advertising the product without the permit will result in the Certificate being revoked.
Obtaining a NAFDAC registration number may seem like a complex and intimidating process, but with this guide and an understanding that this process is created for the benefit of the consumers, it shouldn’t be an obstacle on your way to your own food business!
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