…gives reasons why NAFDAC regulated goods are rejected
The National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says, the volume of exports of Nigeria products can only increase and improve on if every stakeholder in the export value chain collaborates.
This collaboration, the agency emphasized, is to ensure that export trade meets the requirements of the country’s trading partner in terms of quality, standards and quantity as the trade increases.
In a paper presentation entitled: ‘How to Improve Process to Increase Export in Nigeria’, at the CHINET 3rd Aviacargo Conference in Lagos, with the theme: ‘Unlocking the Logistics Barrier to Improve Agro Exports Products’, the Deputy Director, Export Division, Ports Inspection Directorate, NAFDAC, Mrs Sanwoolu O.A. said, all exported products that went through the export certification process have not been rejected.
She however noted that there are challenges to exportation of regulated products and reasons for their rejection at various destinations.
One of the major challenges listed amongst others are, non-adherence to standardized clearance procedure by stakeholders; Freight forwarders, Cargo handlers, Airlines/Carriers, Regulatory Agencies and Poor inter-Agency collaboration amongst sister regulatory agencies.
“Inadequate knowledge of stakeholders on approved packaging and labelling
requirements by stakeholders in the export corridor, inadequate logistics at the export terminal and exporting regulated products without recourse to NAFDAC processes”.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu also stated that, the rejection of NAFDAC regulated products at borders of importing countries borders on quality and standard due poor packaging, handling and non-compliance with regulatory processes by exporters.
She mentioned some of the commonly rejected Export food commodities from Nigeria from 2018 till date and in the top 10 to include, Sesame, Beans, Melon seeds, Peanut and Smoked Fish/ Fish meal.
Others are, Ginger, Spices paper, Hibiscus Flower Palm oil and Ogbono.
“Other rejected food commodities are, Instant Noodles, Watermelon seeds, Vegetables, Orange drink/soft drinks, instant Cereal, Snail 2 Utensil Set, Full cream milk, Curry Powder, Bentonite Clay, Dried Food, Yeast Powder, Calabash chalk and Ehuru Seed”.
“NAFDAC, is the National Repository for Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed(RASFF) for EU countries has continued to receive reject alerts”.
Explaining further, Mrs Sanwo-Olu said, poor product quality due to non adherence to good practices such as Good Agricultural Practices, Good Hygiene Practice, Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Storage Practices and Good Distribution Practice are also why some NAFDAC regulated products for exports are often rejected.
“Inadequate information on the requirements from the country of trade, poor packaging and labelling of products, Poor handling of product to maintain product integrity, exportation without recourse to NAFDAC processes and procedure and exportation without requisite document”.
The NAFDAC Executive Director, Ports Division stressed that, the impact of this rejection would mean, low foreign exchange for the exporters, Trade deficiencies for the country resulting in poor balance of,foreign trade, Country image is bartered in the international community and Low Gross Domestic Product growth in the country.
On the way forward, She said, there must be provision of dedicated corridors and a well structured process for export clearance and strengthening existing collaboration with key stakeholders at export terminals to ensure that regulated products are passed through the regulatory procedure.
“Restructuring of forwarding and clearing processes for small and medium scales cargo/packages using the trained consolidators to handle the export processes for regulated products”.
“Sharing of information with all relevant agencies on the requirements of the importing country to meet international market and standards and to attain the zero reject status for our products”, she added.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu also appealed to exporters to ensure products are packaged and labeled according to approved standards to maintain product integrity and quality to meet the country of trade’s requirements.
“Follow NAFDAC export processes and obtain relevant certification/document and ensure adequate information of trading partners are obtained and properly documented for traceability.
