NAFDAC, or the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control as it’s formally known, is a federal entity in Nigeria. This agency exists under the Nigerian healthcare administration and oversees an assortment of tasks regarding food safety standards and health regulation procedures.

The roles they play are vast: not only do they manage local production elements but also supervise importation, and export activities alongside distribution processes.

From ensuring controlled sales to monitoring usage patterns concerning foods to drugs; from cosmetics all the way through medical appliances, nothing escapes their management radar.

If you own a registered company into imports or manufactures food, medicine, or foodstuffs and are looking to secure a NAFDAC number for your brand, then this post is meant for you.

Primary Functions of NAFDAC

Regulation and Guidelines: NAFDAC compiles and enforces requirements, rules, and guidelines for the development, import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of various products, including food, medicine, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals.

Export Oversight: NAFDAC oversees the export of foodstuffs, medicines, medical supplies, bottled water, and chemicals from Nigeria, providing assurance certificates for these products.

Quality Control: The agency establishes quality control standards and ensures compliance with specific group rules for food, medicine, cosmetics, medical equipment, water, and chemicals.

Research and Assurance: NAFDAC conducts research on food, medicine, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals to enhance the overall safety and quality of these products.

Now that you have a clear understanding of NAFDAC’s functions, let’s proceed with the steps to register your product and obtain an NAFDAC number.

Recommended Read: How To Get A NAFDAC Number For Your Skincare Brand

Procedures for NAFDAC Registration

The registration requirements for NAFDAC vary depending on whether your products are locally produced or imported. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the registration process:

Obtain the NAFDAC Registration Form

The initial step towards obtaining a NAFDAC number is to visit your nearest NAFDAC office. While the NAFDAC headquarters is located at Plot 2302, Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 7, Wuse, Abuja, Nigeria, there are local offices in various states. It’s advisable to find the local office in your state for convenience.

Once you are at the NAFDAC office, purchase the NAFDAC registration form that corresponds to your product type. It’s important to note that each type of registration corresponds to a specific product. If you have multiple products, you’ll need to purchase separate forms for each.

Submit the Registration Form

After obtaining the registration form, fill it out accurately and completely. Your application letter, which should state your intention to register your product(s), must include all relevant information about your product. This includes the product name, description, manufacturer’s details, and intended use.

Address your letter to the director in charge of the district where you are registering your product. Along with your application letter, submit the completed registration form and any other required documents.

Submit Product Samples

As part of the registration process, you will be required to submit three product samples for review and evaluation. This step is essential to ensure that your product meets the necessary safety and quality standards established by NAFDAC.

Payment

To move forward with the registration process, you will need to pay the required registration fee. It’s crucial to have the necessary funds prepared in advance to avoid unnecessary delays. The fees and tariffs for registration vary depending on the type and category of the product you intend to register.

Receive Your Certification

Upon successful registration, NAFDAC will issue you a NAFDAC registration number and a registration certificate for your product. This certification signifies that your product has met the agency’s rigorous standards and is cleared for sale and distribution in Nigeria.

Final Thoughts

Compliance with NAFDAC regulations is not optional but a legal requirement and a testament to your commitment to producing safe and high-quality products for consumers.