Agricultural Export Certification in Nigeria: What Exporters Need to Understand
Selling agricultural produce to an overseas buyer involves more than finding a market, agreeing on a price and arranging transportation. The exporter must also demonstrate that the shipment meets the applicable plant health, food safety, quality and documentation requirements.
This is where agricultural export certification becomes important.
For plant and plant-based agricultural commodities, the phytosanitary certificate is one of the most important regulatory documents. In Nigeria, it is issued by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, commonly known as NAQS. The certificate provides evidence that the consignment has been inspected and meets the relevant phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.
However, a phytosanitary certificate is not a universal quality certificate. Depending on what is being exported, the destination market and the condition of the product, an exporter may also need health certificates, laboratory test results, fumigation documentation, certificates of conformity, certificates of origin and other commercial or regulatory documents.
Understanding which authority is responsible for each requirement can help exporters avoid preparing the wrong documents or discovering compliance problems after the cargo has already been assembled.
A practical export process usually begins with the destination market rather than with the certificate itself.
Before purchasing or processing a large quantity of produce, the exporter should identify the destination country, commodity classification, buyer requirements and applicable regulatory conditions.
The next step is to determine which Nigerian authorities are relevant.
For raw plant products, this commonly brings NAQS into the process for phytosanitary certification. For applicable processed or semi-processed foods, NAFDAC may be involved. Other requirements may bring in SON, FPIS, DVPCS or other competent authorities depending on the commodity and destination.
After the applicable requirements have been established, the exporter can prepare the product for inspection and testing.
The shipment should then be presented for the relevant inspection or sampling process, laboratory testing should be conducted where required, and the applicable certificates obtained before shipment.
Finally, the exporter should compare the completed documentation against the actual cargo. Product description, quantity, packaging, batch information, labels and other details should correspond with the documents.
This final verification is important because certification does not correct an inaccurate shipment description.
What is a phytosanitary certificate?
A phytosanitary certificate is an official certificate confirming that an applicable plant or plant-product consignment meets the phytosanitary requirements established for the destination. In Nigeria, phytosanitary certificates for agricultural commodities are issued by NAQS.
Who issues phytosanitary certificates in Nigeria?
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, or NAQS, is responsible for phytosanitary certification of applicable plants and plant products exported from Nigeria.
Do I need a phytosanitary certificate for every agricultural product?
Not necessarily. The requirement depends on the product and the destination country’s phytosanitary rules. Exporters should confirm the requirements applicable to the specific commodity and importing country before shipment.
Do processed agricultural products need NAFDAC certification?
Applicable processed and semi-processed food products may require NAFDAC documentation, including a health certificate. The exact requirements depend on the product and its regulatory status.
Is laboratory testing required for agricultural exports?
Laboratory testing is required for some products and certification processes, but not every agricultural export requires the same tests. The appropriate tests depend on the commodity, destination requirements, applicable standards and regulatory authority.
Is the phytosanitary certificate a quality certificate?
No. A phytosanitary certificate primarily addresses plant-health and phytosanitary requirements. It does not automatically prove that the product meets every food safety, pesticide-residue, quality, packaging or buyer specification.
Where can I register as an agricultural exporter in Nigeria?
Formal exporters can register through the Nigeria Export Promotion Council’s e-registration platform. NEPC states that registration is required before exporting formally from Nigeria.
Does getting a Nigerian export certificate guarantee entry into another country?
No. Certification by a Nigerian authority does not replace the importing country’s requirements. Exporters must comply with the applicable requirements of the destination market as well as Nigerian export procedures.
