HIDES AND SKINS REGULATIONS
Regulation · Trade
Regulations govern the processing, grading, and export of hides and skins from Nigeria, setting quality standards for cured and tanned products. They target abattoir operators, hide processors, curers, and exporters. This aims to improve export quality and maximise foreign exchange earnings from the leather sector.
What Is This Policy?
Regulations governing the processing, grading, and export of hides and skins from Nigeria, setting quality standards for cured and tanned products to ensure that Nigerian hides and skins meet the requirements of international leather markets.
Who Does It Target?
Abattoir operators and cattle traders Hide and skin processors and curers Exporters of leather and raw hides Nigerian Export Promotion Council
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To improve the quality of Nigerian hides and skins for export, maximise foreign exchange earnings from the leather sector, prevent export of sub-standard material, and support the downstream leather industry.
Key Features
Quality Grades: Prescribes grading standards distinguishing between first-quality, second-quality, and rejected material. Curing Requirements: Specifies permissible curing methods to prevent deterioration during storage and transport. Inspection at Origin: Products must be inspected and graded before leaving the area of slaughter. Export Certification: Only graded and certified hides and skins may be exported. Penalties: Fines for exporting below-grade material or circumventing inspection.
Current Status
In force. Enforced by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and quality inspection agencies at export ports, with grading and certification required for hides and skins before export.
Present hides and skins for grading at the scheduled inspection point Obtain an inspection certificate before shipping Register as an exporter with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council Application method: State Veterinary Departments; NAQS and NEPC at export ports
Important Terms
Below-grade material must be downgraded and sold accordingly, not exported as first-quality Exporters bear the cost of inspection False grading declarations are a criminal offence
Official Resources
Website: www.nepc.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative authority of the National Assembly pursuant to Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Hides and Skins Act, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act, and Nigeria's export trade regulations administered by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.