By 9jaDirectory Legal Team | Updated: November 2025
If you manufacture or sell regulated products in Nigeria, NAFDAC registration is not optional—it’s a major trust signal and often required by distributors, supermarkets, and corporate buyers.
Scope: This is a practical overview, not legal advice. Requirements can vary by product category. Always confirm current requirements on the official NAFDAC portal.
What Products Need NAFDAC Registration?
NAFDAC regulates products that can affect health and safety. Common examples include:
- Packaged foods and beverages
- Cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products
- Water and packaged drinks
- Medical/health products and supplements
- Pharmaceuticals (usually stricter requirements)
Before You Apply (The Real Requirements)
Many applications fail because businesses apply too early. Make sure you have:
- CAC registration: you typically need a registered business. If you haven’t done CAC yet, start here: CAC registration guide.
- Production location: a verifiable factory/production address (even small scale needs clear processes).
- Basic documentation: SOPs, quality control plan, and clear labeling.
- Product consistency: same formulation, same packaging, consistent batch records.
Documents Commonly Requested (Checklist)
Exact documents vary by category, but these are frequently required:
- CAC documents: certificate + status report/forms.
- Trademark (optional but useful): brand protection can reduce disputes.
- SOPs: Standard Operating Procedures (production, cleaning, quality checks).
- Facility documents: fumigation certificate and/or facility suitability evidence (as required).
- Medical tests: food handlers test/medical fitness (for food categories).
- Label artwork: ingredients, net weight, manufacturer details, batch/expiry format.
Step-by-Step: NAFDAC Registration via NAPAMS (2025)
- Create an account on the official portal: registration.nafdac.gov.ng.
- Select your product category and application type.
- Complete the online forms (company details, product details, facility information).
- Upload required documents in clear, readable format.
- Pay the required fees as displayed on the portal (fees differ by product category).
- Prepare for facility inspection (NAFDAC may inspect your production space).
- Submit samples for laboratory analysis (where applicable).
- Track your application status and respond quickly if clarifications are requested.
- When approved, your product receives a NAFDAC registration number.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Timelines vary by category, your preparedness, and inspection scheduling. Plan for weeks to months. The fastest approvals usually happen when:
- Your documents are complete and consistent
- Your facility is inspection-ready
- Your labeling meets requirements
- Your samples pass laboratory analysis
Common Reasons Applications Get Delayed
- Inconsistent info: business name/address differs from CAC documents.
- Poor scans: blurry or incomplete documents.
- Label issues: missing manufacturer details, ingredients, batch/expiry format.
- Facility gaps: no clear production process, hygiene issues, missing SOPs.
After You Get the NAFDAC Number (Don’t Stop There)
- Use the number correctly on packaging and marketing materials.
- Maintain batch records and quality control—this protects your brand.
- Build distribution: supermarkets, hotels, wholesalers, and online sales.
Labeling Checklist (Common Requirements)
Label requirements vary by product category, but many regulated products need clear, consistent information. Before you print thousands of labels, confirm requirements on the official portal. Common items include:
- Product name and brand
- Ingredients list (where applicable)
- Net weight/volume
- Manufacturer name and address
- Batch/lot number and manufacture/expiry format
- Storage instructions and warnings (where applicable)
- NAFDAC number (added only after approval)
Facility Readiness (What Inspectors Look For)
You don’t need a massive factory to be compliant, but you do need a controlled process:
- Clean production area with documented cleaning routines
- Basic SOPs for production, packaging, and quality checks
- Batch records (so you can trace issues)
- Safe storage for raw materials and finished goods
FAQ
Can I sell while my NAFDAC application is pending?
Some businesses sell small locally while preparing compliance, but large distributors and supermarkets may require registration depending on the product. Confirm what your target buyers require and plan accordingly.
What causes the biggest delays?
Incomplete documents, inconsistent company/product details, poor labeling, and facilities that are not inspection-ready. Clear scans and consistent information reduce delays.
Cost Planning (Avoid Surprise Expenses)
Costs vary by product category and can change over time. Plan beyond portal fees:
- Label redesign and printing adjustments
- Facility improvements (cleaning, basic equipment, storage)
- Laboratory tests and sample preparation (where required)
- Professional support (optional, but helpful for some categories)
FAQ
Should I use an agent/consultant?
Some businesses do it themselves successfully. Consultants can save time, but choose carefully: use someone with verifiable experience, keep your portal access, and avoid anyone promising “instant approval”.
Common Rejection/Delay Triggers
- Mismatch between CAC details and application details
- Labels missing required information or making unverified claims
- Facility not ready for inspection
- Unclear product formulation or inconsistent batches
Practical Tip
Create a simple compliance folder (digital + printed): CAC docs, SOPs, batch records, label versions, test results, and portal receipts. When you’re asked for clarification, fast responses reduce delays.
Grow Visibility While You Wait
Even before approval, you can build your brand and customer base. Create a profile people can verify and share:
- List your business on 9jaDirectory (and update it once your NAFDAC number is approved).
- Explore related categories like Manufacturing, Restaurants & Food, and Shopping & Retail.
Need help? Find professionals in Legal Services.
Label Checklist (Basic)
- Product name and variant
- Net weight/volume
- Ingredients list (and allergens where relevant)
- Manufacturing/expiry dates and batch number
- Manufacturer address and contact details
Conclusion
NAFDAC registration becomes easier when your business details, labels, and facility are consistent and inspection-ready. Prepare early, document everything, and respond quickly to portal requests to reduce delays.
Next Step
While your application is processing, keep your records organized and build visibility. Update your directory profile with your NAFDAC number once approved to increase trust and conversions.
