- Home
- Business compliance
- NAFDAC Registration Agent in Nigeria
NAFDAC Registration Agent in Nigeria
Selling food, drugs, cosmetics, or packaged water without NAFDAC registration is illegal, and can get your stock seized and your facility shut down.
Who Needs NAFDAC Registration
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regulates every food, drug, cosmetic, medical device, chemical, and packaged water product sold in Nigeria.
- Packaged foods, drinks, bottled/packaged water, bakery and dairy products
- Pharmaceuticals and drugs (local and imported)
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Medical devices
- Chemicals and agro-allied products
The NAFDAC Registration Process
- Product documentation composition, formulation, intended use, and compliant labelling
- Manufacturer information for imports, a full manufacturer dossier and GMP certificate
- Application submission registered through NAFDAC's system with the applicable fee
- Facility inspection NAFDAC schedules an inspection of the manufacturing or storage facility
- Review and certificate once approved, NAFDAC issues a registration number and certificate
Cost
Official fees vary by product category and business type (local retailer vs. importer/dealer), it's worth getting a quote based on exactly what you're registering.
Validity
Product registration is generally valid for 5 years, after which renewal is required.
Questions people often ask
Straight answers to the questions we hear most often.
Do I really need NAFDAC registration for a small food business?
Yes. Any packaged food, drink, or bottled water product sold commercially in Nigeria requires NAFDAC registration regardless of business size.
What happens if I sell products without NAFDAC registration?
NAFDAC can seize your stock, shut down your production facility, and pursue prosecution. Most serious retailers and distributors will also refuse to stock unregistered products.
How long does NAFDAC registration take?
It depends on the product category and whether documentation is complete on first submission, incomplete applications are the most common cause of delay.
Is NAFDAC registration different from SON certification?
Yes. NAFDAC covers food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and chemicals. SON covers general product quality and safety standards for a much broader range of goods. Some products may need both.
Does NAFDAC registration expire?
Yes, typically after 5 years, at which point you need to renew to keep selling legally.
Ready to Get Your Product Compliant?
Lifehampers Global Consults can guide your product through NAFDAC registration, alongside CAC registration and other compliance needs.