EXPORT OF NIGERIAN PRODUCE ACT
Act · Trade
An Act regulates the quality, grading, and certification of Nigerian agricultural produce for export. It targets exporters of commodities like cocoa and groundnuts, as well as produce inspectors and the Nigeria Export Promotion Council. This ensures that exports meet international standards and protect Nigeria's trade reputation.
What Is This Policy?
An Act regulating the quality, grading, and certification of Nigerian agricultural produce destined for export, ensuring that exported commodities meet international standards and protecting the reputation of Nigeria's export trade.
Who Does It Target?
Agricultural commodity exporters including cocoa, groundnut, palm oil, and sesame seed exporters Licensed produce buyers and produce inspectors Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and standards agencies
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To maintain the quality and international competitiveness of Nigeria's export produce, prevent sub-standard or adulterated produce from damaging Nigeria's trade reputation, and generate foreign exchange through quality exports.
Key Features
Produce Grading: Sets mandatory quality grades for scheduled export commodities. Inspection and Certification: All export produce must be inspected and certified before shipment. Licensed Buyers: Only licensed produce buyers may purchase scheduled commodities for export. Marking Requirements: Export consignments must be marked with grade, origin, and net weight. Penalties: Fines and licence cancellation for exporting below-grade or uncertified produce.
Current Status
In force. Enforced by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and produce inspection agencies at export ports, with mandatory grading and certification required for agricultural export commodities.
Register as a produce buyer or exporter with the relevant authority Have produce inspected and graded before export Obtain an export certificate accompanying each consignment Application method: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; NAQS inspection offices at ports
Important Terms
Exportation of below-standard produce results in rejection and penalties Produce buyers licences require annual renewal False certification of produce quality is a criminal offence
Official Resources
Website: www.nepc.gov.ng / www.naqs.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly. Operates alongside the Export Produce (Federal Powers) Act (Cap E24 LFN 2004), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Act, the Produce Inspection Act, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act, and the Nigeria Customs Service Act. Aligns with Codex Alimentarius standards on commodity quality and the WTO SPS Agreement requirements for agricultural exports.