Nohena Insights · Policy & Tariffs
How to get a NAFDAC import permit for Nigeria
Navigating NAFDAC import regulations requires obtaining a valid NAFDAC import permit through the e-Permit system for regulated products before initiating the import process and opening a Form M.
Nohena · 26 October 2026 · 8 min read
Navigating NAFDAC regulations for imports to Nigeria
Navigating the regulations of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) requires obtaining a valid NAFDAC import permit for regulated products before initiating the import process. This approval is a mandatory prerequisite for opening a Form M and is central to a compliant customs declaration for a wide range of goods entering Nigeria.
Understanding this process is not merely about paperwork; it is about respecting a critical public health safeguard. NAFDAC's mandate is to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water. For importers and their agents, compliance is non-negotiable and begins long before goods arrive at a Nigerian port.
What is a NAFDAC import permit and why is it required?
A NAFDAC import permit is a mandatory pre-shipment approval that certifies specific regulated goods are authorized for importation into Nigeria for a single consignment. The permit serves as a primary control instrument, confirming that the products in question have already met NAFDAC's standards through a separate product registration process. It is not a blanket approval for unlimited imports but a transactional permission tied to a specific proforma invoice.
The fundamental reasons for its requirement are rooted in public safety and traceability:
Health and safety. The permit system is NAFDAC's first line of defense against substandard, counterfeit, or harmful products entering the Nigerian market.
Traceability. By linking a specific shipment to a registered product and a licensed importer, the permit creates a clear audit trail from the manufacturer to the point of entry.
Regulatory alignment. It ensures that imported goods comply with Nigerian standards for quality, safety, and labelling before they are shipped, which aligns with international best practices.
It is crucial to distinguish between product registration and an import permit. Product registration is a one-time, in-depth approval of a product line, resulting in a NAFDAC Registration Number and a certificate with a validity of five years. The import permit, in contrast, is the transactional permission to import a specific quantity of that already-registered product.
Identifying NAFDAC regulated products
NAFDAC regulated products are goods that can impact human or animal health, including foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, chemicals, and veterinary products. An importer’s first responsibility is to determine if their goods fall under NAFDAC's regulatory scope, as this dictates the entire pre-import and clearance pathway. The definitive list is maintained by NAFDAC, and classification is often cross-referenced with the product's 10-digit Harmonized System (HS) code.
Major categories of regulated products include:
Food products. All processed, packaged, and raw food items for human consumption, including additives and supplements.
Drugs. Finished pharmaceutical products, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and other related materials for human and veterinary use.
Cosmetics. Skincare, hair care, makeup, and other personal care products.
Medical devices. Instruments, apparatus, and equipment intended for medical purposes, from simple bandages to complex diagnostic machinery.
Packaged water and beverages. Bottled water, juices, and other non-alcoholic drinks.
Chemicals. A broad category of industrial and laboratory chemicals that may pose a risk to public health.
Herbal preparations. Traditional and herbal remedies intended for therapeutic use.
An incorrect assessment at this stage, such as wrongly assuming a product is unregulated, leads to significant compliance failures. This can result in the rejection of the Form M, customs detentions, and the potential seizure of goods upon arrival.
The process for obtaining a NAFDAC import permit
The process for obtaining a NAFDAC import permit involves first completing product registration with NAFDAC, then applying for the permit for a specific consignment through the Nigeria Single Window for Trade portal. This sequential process ensures that no import permit is issued for a product that has not already undergone NAFDAC's rigorous vetting and approval.
The key stages are as follows:
Product registration. This is the foundational step. The manufacturer, through their appointed Nigerian representative, must submit a detailed application to NAFDAC. This includes providing administrative documents, such as a power of attorney, and technical documentation like the certificate of analysis, evidence of good manufacturing practice (GMP), and product samples for laboratory analysis in Nigeria. Upon successful evaluation, NAFDAC issues a Certificate of Registration valid for five years.
Permit application. With a valid product registration number, the importer can apply for an import permit for a planned shipment. This application is processed electronically. The importer submits a proforma invoice detailing the specific products, quantities, and value of the consignment.
Documentation and payment. The application requires uploading key documents, including the product's Certificate of Registration and the proforma invoice. The applicant must also pay the prescribed permit fees through the portal.
Permit issuance. NAFDAC reviews the application to ensure the details match the registered product's information. If everything is in order, an electronic import permit is issued. This permit contains a unique number that is essential for the next stage of the import process.
Integrating the NAFDAC permit into the customs clearance workflow
The NAFDAC import permit is a foundational document required at the very beginning of the customs clearance process, specifically for initiating the Form M. Failure to integrate the permit correctly into the workflow guarantees delays and regulatory intervention from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other agencies.
The permit's role is critical at several key checkpoints:
Form M initiation. The Form M is the mandatory declaration of intent to import. When applying for a Form M through an authorised dealer bank, the importer must provide the valid NAFDAC e-permit number for any regulated goods. The banking and trade portal systems will not validate a Form M for such goods without this number.
PAAR generation. The Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) is the primary tool used by the NCS for risk assessment and duty calculation. During PAAR generation, the NCS system cross-references the Form M data with information from NAFDAC's database. Any discrepancy between the product description, quantity, or manufacturer details on the Form M and the NAFDAC permit will trigger a query, halting the PAAR process.
Port inspection and release. Upon arrival of the goods, NAFDAC officials participate in the physical examination alongside customs officers. They verify that the imported goods physically match what is stated on the import permit, the product registration certificate, and the Single Goods Declaration (SGD). They also check for compliance with Nigerian labelling standards, including manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the NAFDAC Registration Number printed on the product packaging. They may draw samples for quality assurance testing. The final release of the consignment from a customs-controlled area is contingent upon receiving a formal release from NAFDAC.
Common compliance risks and how to prepare for them
Common compliance risks with NAFDAC imports include discrepancies between declared and actual goods, expired or invalid permits, and failure to meet labelling requirements. Proactive preparation and meticulous documentation review are the most effective strategies to mitigate these risks, which can otherwise lead to costly delays, seizures, and financial penalties.
Key risks to anticipate include:
Documentation mismatches. Even minor differences in product names, net weights, or manufacturer addresses between the NAFDAC permit, the commercial invoice, the Form M, and the bill of lading can cause significant problems.
Expired approvals. Attempting to import using an expired product registration certificate or an invalid import permit is a serious breach. Importers must track validity dates carefully.
Non-compliant labelling. Goods arriving with labels that do not meet NAFDAC's specific requirements, such as lacking English language text or a valid NAFDAC number, will be detained.
Unregistered product variations. Importing a new variant, such as a different size or flavor of an already registered product, requires a separate registration. Treating it as covered by an existing registration is a common mistake.
A robust pre-lodgement review helps identify these potential conflicts before a declaration is prepared. Decision support tools can provide foresight into how a customs risk engine will see a declaration, before you lodge. For further reading on managing import compliance, you can explore more analysis in our insights section .
Ultimately, successful importation of NAFDAC regulated goods depends on a disciplined, front-loaded compliance process. Nohena prepares a lodgement-ready declaration and document pack; the licensed agent lodges.
FAQ
How long is a NAFDAC import permit valid?
A NAFDAC import permit is typically valid for a single consignment and must be utilized within the validity period of the corresponding proforma invoice, which is generally six months. It is distinct from product registration; the Certificate of Registration for a product line is valid for five years and must be renewed to remain active.
Can I import NAFDAC regulated products without product registration?
No, for commercial quantities, product registration is a mandatory prerequisite for obtaining an import permit. Exceptions may be granted for products intended for personal use or as trade samples, but these are subject to strict quantity limitations and require a separate, specific approval from NAFDAC before shipment.
What is the difference between NAFDAC and SONCAP?
NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) are both pre-shipment regulatory schemes, but they cover different categories of products. NAFDAC regulates food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and other health-related products. SONCAP applies to a separate list of general goods, ensuring they meet Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) for quality and safety. An import may be subject to one, both, or neither, depending on the HS codes of the goods.
What happens if there is a mistake on my NAFDAC permit?
A mistake on a NAFDAC permit, such as an incorrect quantity or product description, will almost certainly cause the rejection of your Form M application or a query on your Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). It is critical to identify and correct any errors by formally amending the permit with NAFDAC before the import process proceeds. Discrepancies discovered during physical inspection at the port can lead to severe penalties, including seizure of the goods.