Nafdac registration for packaged edible oil

In Nigeria, it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, import or sell unregistered edible oil products. Whether the production is micro, small, or large scale, all manufacturers and importers of edible oil must register their products with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Manufacturers or importers of packaged edible oil must also adhere to Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) to ensure product safety. In particular, micro-scale (with 1 to 9 employees) food enterprises in Nigeria must meet the minimum production standards.

Registration with NAFDAC is essential to ensure that edible oil products meet regulatory standards, guaranteeing consumer safety and compliance with Nigerian laws. This article provides a simple step-by-step guide to help you navigate the registration process smoothly.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Register Packaged Edible Oil with NAFDAC

Step 1: Online Application on the NAFDAC Portal

Applicants must submit an online application through NAFDAC Registration Portal by writing an Application Letter addressed to the Director of Food Registration and Regulatory Affairs (FR&R) Directorate and attaching the necessary documents.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documentation for NAFDAC Registration

Attach the following documents to the application on the NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS)

1. Certificate of Incorporation (CAC) and Tax Identification Number (TIN) verification.
2. Trademark Registration (Optional)
3. Product Labels
4. Product Samples
5. Certificate of Analysis: Includes Vitamin A fortification levels.
6. Facility Fumigation Certificate
7. Medical Fitness Certificates: Food handlers must undergo medical tests, including sputum, stool, urinary, Widal, and Hepatitis B tests.

Step 3: Submission of Application at the NAFDAC Office

Once the online application is completed, hard copies of the documents listed above must be submitted at the NAFDAC Office, including:

1. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Covering production, recall, distribution, and consumer complaint handling.
2. List of Raw Materials and Sources
3. Contract Agreement: Where applicable, between the supplier of the oil and the packaging company, ensuring compliance with fortification standards.

Step 4: Vetting of Documents

NAFDAC will review submitted documents before scheduling an inspection to the business facility or premises of the applicant.

Step 5: Facility Inspection

The next step will be for NAFDAC officials to inspect the production facility. If the facility does not meet standards, a Non-Conformance letter will be issued for necessary corrections. Approved facilities will have product samples taken for laboratory analysis.

Step 6: Sub-Approval Process

After a successful inspection and laboratory analysis, the product moves to the sub-approval stage. Products with identified lapses will be given time to correct and resubmit for review.

Step 7: Zonal Approval & Issuance of NAFDAC Registration Number (NRN)

The Zonal Approval Committee reviews the application and grants final approval. Approved products receive a Notification of Registration, accessible via the applicant’s NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS) account.

How much Does it Cost to Register Packaged Edible Oil Products with NAFDAC?

Below are the fees for the registration of Packaged Edible Oil Products with NAFDAC.

Table 1: NAFDAC Registration Fees for Edible Oil

Minimum Production Standard for Micro-Scale Food Facilities in Nigeria

1. Personnel must have at least basic education or training in food handling; be required to wear protective clothing (gloves, masks, head covers, etc.); and must undergo biannual medical examinations.
2. The manufacturing facility may be a purpose-built structure or an adapted section of a residential building; should have adequate space, ventilation, lighting, and be free from contamination sources; must maintain strict sanitation and hygiene.
3. Production equipment must be made of food-grade materials (stainless steel, PVC, polyethylene); and must be regularly cleaned and maintained in an enclosed, dust-free environment.
4. Raw & Packaging Materials must be sourced from traceable suppliers. Should comply with food-grade standards. Proper storage conditions and record-keeping are mandatory.
5. Facilities must also have proper hand-washing stations. Regular fumigation and waste disposal procedures must be in place.
6. Product distribution records must be kept for traceability purposes.
7. Lastly, transportation of the product must be in a way that prevents the product from deterioration or contamination.

Labeling Requirements

The labels of a packaged edible oil must comply with NAFDAC’s Prepackaged Food Labeling Regulations. See our article on NAFDAC Labelling Requirements for Prepackaged Food. Generally, labels must include:

• 1. Ingredients list
  2. Net weight/volume
  3. Manufacturer’s details
  4. Batch number
  5. Production & expiry dates
  6. Storage conditions
  7. NAFDAC Registration Number
  8. Eye logo with letter ‘A’ (for Vitamin A identification)

How Long Does It take to Register Packaged Edible Oil with NAFDAC?

The timeline for product registration from acceptance of submissions to issuance of Registration number is one hundred and twenty (120) working days, provided that all the documents are complete and in their correct formats. Also, the timeline may be longer where there is a need to comply with any directive from NAFDAC during registration.

Conclusion

Before production, the manufacturing facility must be inspected and issued a Certificate of Listing by NAFDAC. Registering packaged edible oil with NAFDAC is an essential compliance step for businesses in the food industry. By following the outlined guidelines, manufacturers and importers/distributors can ensure regulatory approval, consumer safety, and seamless market entry for their packaged edible oil products.

Kindly reach out Firmus Nigeria for the registration of your products with NAFDAC.

You may also read on NAFDAC Labelling Requirements for Processed and Pre-packaged Foods and Beverage