NAFDAC Food Import Registration in Nigeria: Permits, Labels and CoA
Packaged food imports into Nigeria are regulated by NAFDAC. Before an Indian food exporter dispatches biscuits, snacks or other packaged foods, the Nigerian importer should confirm product registration, import permit and port-clearance requirements for the exact product.
This article is general trade information, not legal, tax, banking or customs advice. Nigerian rules and portal workflows can change. The importer/exporter must verify the current requirements with the relevant authority, authorised dealer bank and licensed customs agent before committing or dispatching cargo.
Imported food registration
NAFDAC’s Food Registration and Regulatory Affairs Directorate oversees registration of imported food and feeds. The importer should follow the current guideline for imported food products and confirm whether each product, brand, pack size and manufacturing site requires registration or another approval.
Importer and manufacturer documentation
Prepare the manufacturer’s details, product composition, process and quality information, label artwork, certificate of analysis, free-sale or health documents where required, and any authorisation or power of attorney requested under the current NAFDAC guideline. The precise checklist can vary by product category.
Certificate of Analysis and quality controls
A CoA should identify the product and batch and report relevant test parameters against the applicable specification. A generic or unrelated laboratory report is not a substitute for a batch-specific certificate when one is required. Keep traceability between batch coding, production records, invoice and shipping documents.
English label and shelf-life checks
Nigeria’s import guidance requires goods to be labelled in English, in addition to any other language. For food products, confirm mandatory particulars such as product name, ingredients, allergens, net content, manufacturer, country of origin, batch/lot, date marking, storage instructions and importer details against the current NAFDAC rules. Shelf-life remaining at import must meet the applicable guideline; do not assume Arabic is mandatory.
Port clearance and arrival planning
The importer should obtain applicable NAFDAC import clearance or permit before shipment where required and coordinate document submission with the licensed customs agent. Ensure the shipment description, NAFDAC registration details, label, CoA, invoice and packing list all refer to the same product and batch.
Practical checklist before shipment
- Confirm the correct HS code, product description, origin and applicable tariff.
- Check current permits, product registration and conformity certificates before loading.
- Match invoice, packing list, transport document, origin evidence and bank/portal records.
- Ask the Nigerian importer and licensed customs agent to confirm the live clearance workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Is NAFDAC registration required for imported biscuits?
Packaged imported foods generally fall within NAFDAC’s food regulatory framework; the importer should confirm the exact registration and permit route for each product.
Must the label be in English?
Yes. Nigeria import guidance requires English labelling, with other languages permitted in addition.
Can the CoA be prepared after arrival?
Do not assume so. Confirm the required batch documents and timing with NAFDAC and the importer before dispatch.
Official resources and verification links
- CBN and import/export documentation
- Nigeria National Single Window
- Nigerian Trade Information Portal
- Nigeria Customs Service
- Customs valuation guide
- Current 2026 tariff variation order
- Import prohibition list
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria SONCAP
- SON 2026 National Single Window notice
- NAFDAC imported food guidance
- NAFDAC application forms and permits
- NEPC exporter registration
- NEPC export documents and procedures
- NEPC Export Expansion Grant
- ECOWAS ETLS legal documents
- NEPZA operational free zones
- NCS bonded warehouses
Related Nigeria import and export guides
Planning to export from India to Nigeria?
Ask your Nigerian buyer to confirm importer registration, NAFDAC or SON requirements (where applicable), Form M and customs-agent readiness before shipment. For Mannuji product enquiries, use the contact details shown in the website header or contact page.