Quick Answer
NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) regulates food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water in Nigeria. These products must be NAFDAC-registered before the first commercial import, with the NAFDAC number displayed on packaging. Registration is obtained before shipment, not retrospectively.
What NAFDAC Regulates and How
- Food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water
- Products must be registered before first commercial import
- Registration involves product documentation, testing, and review
- The NAFDAC number must appear on product packaging
NAFDAC registration takes time and must be planned before the first shipment. It is separate from, and additional to, SONCAP. See our importing to Nigeria guide and healthcare procurement hub.
Key Takeaways
- NAFDAC covers food, drugs, cosmetics, and devices.
- Products must be registered before first import.
- The NAFDAC number appears on packaging.
- Plan registration well before shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NAFDAC?
NAFDAC is Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, which regulates the import of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water.
Which products need NAFDAC registration?
Food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water must be NAFDAC-registered before they can be imported and sold in Nigeria.
When should NAFDAC registration be done?
Before the first commercial import. Registration involves documentation, testing, and review and takes time, so it must be planned well ahead of the first shipment.
Is NAFDAC the same as SONCAP?
No. NAFDAC regulates health products (food, drugs, cosmetics, devices), while SONCAP covers other regulated goods like electronics and building materials. A product may need one, both, or neither.
Can Plutonia help with NAFDAC registration?
Yes. Plutonia coordinates NAFDAC registration for regulated health products with local partners before the first shipment. Submit your product details to start.