Doing business in Nigeria’s food, drug, cosmetics, or chemical industry? Then you must register your product with NAFDAC—no shortcuts, no excuses. But here’s the real challenge: how much does it cost to get a NAFDAC registration in Nigeria?
The cost of NAFDAC registration is not fixed. It varies based on your product type, business size, and whether you are a local producer or importer. The problem? Many entrepreneurs struggle to get accurate and transparent pricing. Some waste weeks chasing the wrong information. Others get stuck because they don’t know the hidden costs involved.
This guide clears the confusion. We’ll break down the cost of NAFDAC registration in Nigeria, covering application fees, inspection charges, laboratory testing, and extra expenses. Whether you’re a small business owner, manufacturer, or importer, this article gives you a full cost breakdown so you can plan your budget and register with ease.
See also: Steps to Follow in Getting a NAFDAC Registration for Your Business
Categories of Products Requiring NAFDAC Registration
Not every product needs NAFDAC approval, but if you deal in any of the following categories, registration is mandatory:
- Food and Beverages: All packaged foods, drinks, and water must be registered. This includes bakery products, beverages, bottled water, processed foods, and dairy products.
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: If you produce or import drugs, herbal medicines, vaccines, or medical equipment, you must go through NAFDAC’s approval process.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Shampoos, creams, soaps, perfumes, deodorants and all cosmetic products need NAFDAC certification before they hit the market.
- Chemicals and Agro-Allied Products; This includes fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and industrial chemicals used in food production or manufacturing.
- Veterinary Products: Any medicine, vaccine, or feed for animals must be approved before sale.
Each category has different NAFDAC registration costs, and the price depends on whether you are a small business, manufacturer, or importer.
See also: How to Register with NAFDAC in Nigeria
Breakdown of NAFDAC Registration Costs in Nigeria
The cost for NAFDAC registration is not a single fee. It includes application, inspection, laboratory testing, and certification costs. Your total expenses will depend on product category, business size, and whether you are a local producer or importer.
1. Application Fees
The application fee is the first charge in the NAFDAC registration process. It covers documentation, administrative processing, and preliminary evaluation. The amount varies based on product type and whether the product is locally manufactured or imported.
Application Fees for Different Product Categories
| Product Category | Local Products (₦) | Imported Products (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Beverages | 52,750 – 84,500 | 500,000 – 750,000 |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | 35,000 – 84,500 | 300,000 – 600,000 |
| Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices | 84,500 – 105,000 | 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Chemicals & Agro-Allied Products | 50,000 – 100,000 | 600,000 – 900,000 |
| Veterinary Products | 40,000 – 90,000 | 400,000 – 800,000 |
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2. Inspection Fees
NAFDAC conducts facility inspections to ensure that manufacturers and importers comply with safety and hygiene standards. Fees depend on whether the business is local or foreign and the type of facility under inspection.
Facility Inspection Fees for Local Manufacturers
| Business Type | Inspection Fees (₦) |
|---|---|
| Micro & Small-Scale Businesses | 40,000 – 75,000 |
| Medium & Large-Scale Businesses | 100,000 – 250,000 |
| Pharmaceutical & Food Plants | 150,000 – 500,000 |
Inspection Fees for Imported Products
| Product Type | Inspection Fees (₦) |
|---|---|
| Foreign Food & Cosmetic Products | 585,000 – 800,000 |
| Foreign Pharmaceutical Products | 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Foreign Chemical & Agro Products | 800,000 – 1,200,000 |
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3. Laboratory Testing Fees
Every product must undergo laboratory testing to confirm quality, safety, and compliance with NAFDAC standards. Testing costs vary depending on the product’s risk level.
Laboratory Testing Fees for Different Product Types
| Product Type | Local Testing Fees (₦) | Imported Testing Fees (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Products (cosmetics, soft drinks, herbal teas) | 10,000 – 50,000 | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| Moderate-Risk Products (packaged food, skincare) | 50,000 – 150,000 | 100,000 – 200,000 |
| High-Risk Products (drugs, vaccines, chemicals) | 150,000 – 300,000 | 250,000 – 500,000 |
4. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certification Fees
A Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificate is required for businesses that produce or import regulated products. This ensures compliance with international safety and quality standards.
GMP Certification Fees for Different Business Sizes
| Business Type | GMP Certification Fees (₦) |
|---|---|
| Small-Scale Businesses | 50,000 – 150,000 |
| Medium & Large-Scale Manufacturers | 250,000 – 1,000,000 |
| Foreign Manufacturers | 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 |
See also: How To Develop A Successful Business Model Using The Business Model Canvas (BMC).
5. Other Certifications & Permits
Some businesses need extra permits before launching or selling their products. Below is the price breakdown for these permits.
Additional Certifications & Permit Fees
| Permit Type | Local Businesses (₦) | Foreign Businesses (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Free Sale (for export) | 25,000 | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| Product Listing Permit (for small import quantities) | 50,000 – 100,000 | 100,000 – 200,000 |
| Marketing Authorisation Renewal (for expired NAFDAC registrations) | 75,000 – 250,000 | 150,000 – 500,000 |
| Advertising Permit (for promotional activities) | 50,000 – 150,000 | 100,000 – 300,000 |
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Step-by-Step Guide on How to Pay for NAFDAC Registration
NAFDAC registration fees are paid online using the Remita e-Payment platform, the official government payment system in Nigeria. Payment must be made before processing begins, and businesses must provide proof of payment when submitting their applications.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to pay for NAFDAC registration.
Step 1: Visit the NAFDAC Website
Go to www.nafdac.gov.ng and navigate to the E-Payment section.
Step 2: Generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR)
- Select the payment type (e.g., product registration, inspection, or GMP certification).
- Enter your business details, including company name and product type.
- The system will generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR)—a unique payment code.
Step 3: Make Payment
Online Payment
- Go to www.remita.net.
- Enter your RRR code and proceed with payment using a debit/credit card, USSD, or bank transfer.
Bank Payment
- Visit any commercial bank in Nigeria.
- Provide your RRR number and request a Remita payment form.
- Pay in cash or via bank transfer and collect a payment receipt.
Mobile Banking & USSD
- Use your bank’s mobile app or dial the bank’s USSD code.
- Select “Pay Bills”, enter your RRR code, and complete the payment.
Step 4: Print Your Payment Receipt
After payment, download and print your Remita payment receipt for submission.
Step 5: Submit Payment Confirmation to NAFDAC
- Attach your payment receipt to your application.
- Submit it via the NAFDAC online portal or at a NAFDAC office for verification.
Processing Timeline and Factors Affecting Cost of NAFDAC Registration
The NAFDAC registration process typically takes 60 to 90 working days for local products and up to 120 days for imported products. However, delays can occur due to non-compliance, incomplete documentation, or additional testing requirements. Below is a breakdown of the standard timeline and factors that may affect the cost of NAFDAC registration.
Standard Processing Timeline
| Registration Stage | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Application Submission | 1 – 5 working days |
| Payment Verification | 2 – 7 working days |
| Facility Inspection (if required) | 7 – 21 working days |
| Laboratory Testing & Product Analysis | 14 – 45 working days |
| Review & Approval | 30 – 90 working days |
| Certificate Issuance | 5 – 10 working days |
For imported products, the inspection and laboratory testing stages take longer, which is why registration can extend up to four months.
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Factors Affecting Cost of NAFDAC Registration
Certain factors can increase both the processing time and cost of NAFDAC registration. Being aware of these factors will help businesses avoid unnecessary expenses and delays.
1. Non-Compliance with NAFDAC Requirements
One of the biggest reasons for increased costs is non-compliance with NAFDAC’s regulatory standards. If a business fails to submit complete and correct documentation, NAFDAC will reject the application, forcing the applicant to pay additional fees for resubmission.
Similarly, if a manufacturing facility does not meet hygiene and safety requirements, NAFDAC will not approve the product. The business will need to make corrections and request a second inspection, which costs an additional ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, depending on the size of the facility.
2. Product Testing Failures
Every product undergoes laboratory testing to ensure it is safe and meets quality standards. If a product fails these tests, the manufacturer must make necessary adjustments and pay for retesting.
The cost of retesting depends on the product type:
- Basic products (cosmetics, soft drinks) – ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
- Moderate-risk products (packaged food, skincare) – ₦50,000 – ₦150,000
- High-risk products (drugs, chemicals, vaccines) – ₦150,000 – ₦300,000
If a product fails multiple times, these costs can quickly add up, making registration more expensive than originally planned.
3. Multiple Product Categories
Businesses that register more than one product type must pay separate registration fees for each category. For example, a company that produces both food and cosmetics will need to pay full registration fees for both product lines.
This applies to:
- Food & beverages + pharmaceuticals
- Cosmetics + agro-allied products
- Imported & locally produced versions of the same product
4. Penalties for Late Renewals
NAFDAC registration certificates expire every five years and must be renewed before the expiration date. If a business fails to renew on time, it will be charged a penalty in addition to the renewal fees.
The penalty for late renewal ranges from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000, depending on how long the registration has lapsed. Businesses should track their registration expiry dates to avoid these additional costs.
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5. Fast-Track Registration Fees
Some businesses need urgent NAFDAC approval to launch products quickly. To accommodate such requests, NAFDAC offers a fast-track registration option, which reduces processing time but comes at an extra cost.
The cost of fast-track registration ranges from ₦250,000 to ₦1,000,000, depending on the product type and urgency level. While this is expensive, it may be a valuable investment for businesses looking to enter the market quickly.
Key Takeaways from Cost of NAFDAC Registration in Nigeria
- NAFDAC registration is mandatory for all businesses dealing in food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, and agro-allied products in Nigeria.
- The cost of NAFDAC registration varies depending on product type, business size, and whether the product is locally produced or imported.
- Facility inspections and laboratory testing are additional costs that businesses must prepare for to avoid delays.
- MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) enjoy reduced fees, but they must still meet the necessary NAFDAC quality and safety standards.
- Failure to comply with regulations can lead to penalties, re-inspection fees, and increased costs due to re-testing.
- Fast-track registration is available for companies that need quick approvals, but it comes at an extra cost.
- All payments must be made through Remita, and businesses should avoid paying to third-party agents to prevent fraud.
Conclusion
The price of NAFDAC registration depends on several factors, including product type, registration category, and compliance with NAFDAC requirements. For small businesses, registration costs is low, while large manufacturers and importers may pay up to millions of naira for full approvals.
To avoid delays and additional costs, businesses must carefully prepare all required documents, ensure their facilities meet NAFDAC standards, and conduct pre-registration product testing. Failure to comply with any step can lead to rejections, penalties, and increased registration costs.
By understanding the full cost breakdown, registration process, and potential financial risks, businesses can navigate the NAFDAC registration system smoothly, ensuring their products are legally approved for the Nigerian market.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is NAFDAC registration for small businesses?
For MSMEs, the cost of food product registration starts at ₦36,737.50, while cosmetic product registration costs ₦41,000. These rates are lower than standard fees for large businesses.
Can I register my product with NAFDAC without a company?
No. You must have a registered business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) before applying for NAFDAC registration.
How long does NAFDAC registration take?
The standard processing time is 60 to 90 working days for local products and up to 120 days for imported products.
Does NAFDAC registration expire?
Yes. NAFDAC registration is valid for five years. Businesses must renew registrations before expiry to avoid penalties.
What happens if my product fails NAFDAC laboratory tests?
If your product fails initial testing, you will be required to pay for re-testing and make the necessary corrections before approval.
Can I fast-track my NAFDAC registration?
Yes, but it comes at an extra cost. Fast-track registration fees range from ₦250,000 to ₦1,000,000, depending on the product type.
Can I pay for NAFDAC registration in instalments?
No. NAFDAC requires full payment upfront before processing any application.
Where can I check the latest NAFDAC registration costs?
Visit the official NAFDAC website for the latest fees and registration requirements.
