EXPORT PRODUCE FEDERAL POWERS PRESCRIBED GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR CAPSICUMS REGULATIONS
Regulation · Trade
Regulations set specific grades and standards for capsicums exported from Nigeria, including criteria for moisture and color. They target capsicum farmers and exporters, as well as inspection officers. This standardizes export quality and enhances Nigeria's competitiveness in global markets.
What Is This Policy?
These Regulations prescribe the specific quality grades and export standards for capsicums (peppers) exported from Nigeria, setting the criteria for moisture content, colour, purity, and grading categories.
Who Does It Target?
Capsicum and pepper farmers producing for export Pepper processors, driers, and exporters Federal produce inspection officers grading capsicum consignments
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To standardise the quality of Nigerian capsicum exports, ensure that only produce meeting international buyer specifications is exported, and protect Nigeria's competitiveness as a capsicum supplier in global markets.
Key Features
Grade Classifications: Defines the specific grades for export capsicums including Grade 1, Grade 2, and substandard categories with clear criteria for each Moisture Content Limits: Sets maximum permissible moisture content levels for each grade of dried capsicum exported Foreign Matter Limits: Prescribes the maximum allowable percentage of foreign matter, stalks, and extraneous material in each grade Purity Requirements: Specifies the minimum percentage of the named capsicum variety that each grade must contain Inspection Marking: Requires inspected and certified consignments to carry the official grade mark before export shipment
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active; enforced at capsicum processing and export points Coverage: Nationwide at all capsicum export points Funding: Federal produce inspection fees
How to Access
Capsicum exporters must present consignments to a federal produce inspection officer for grading and certification. Consignment presented at the designated capsicum inspection point Payment of applicable inspection and certification fees Packaging and labelling conforming to the requirements of the Regulations Application method: Federal Produce Inspection Service, relevant commodity inspection offices
Official Resources
Website: www.fmard.gov.ng
Legal Framework
Issued under the regulatory powers of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture or the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) pursuant to the Export Produce (Federal Powers) Act (Cap E24 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015, the Produce Inspection Act, and the NEPC Act. Aligns with Codex Alimentarius standards for dried and dehydrated spices and the International Pepper Community (IPC) grade standards.