NAFDAC SOFT DRINK REGULATIONS 2019

What Is This Policy?

These Regulations establish NAFDAC's standards for the manufacture, composition, labelling, importation, and sale of carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks in Nigeria.

Who Does It Target?

Soft drink manufacturers and beverage bottlers Importers and wholesale distributors of packaged soft drinks Retailers selling soft drinks to Nigerian consumers

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To ensure that every soft drink sold in Nigeria is safe, accurately labelled, and produced in a facility that meets Good Manufacturing Practice standards, protecting consumers from adulterated or mislabelled products.

Key Features

Composition Standards: Defines permissible ingredients, sweeteners, artificial colourings, and preservatives for different drink categories Carbonation Standards: Sets minimum and maximum carbonation levels for drinks marketed as carbonated beverages Labelling Requirements: Mandates disclosure of sugar content, artificial sweeteners, allergens, and calorie information on product labels Facility Standards: Requires all manufacturing facilities to achieve and maintain Good Manufacturing Practice certification Product Registration: Makes NAFDAC product registration compulsory before any soft drink product is distributed or sold

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Fully operational Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries to Date: Nigerian consumers and registered compliant soft drink manufacturers Funding: NAFDAC registration fees and government appropriations

How to Access

Manufacturers and importers must complete NAFDAC product registration before distributing soft drink products. Completed NAFDAC registration application form Laboratory composition analysis results Evidence of GMP compliance for the production facility Label artwork for review and NAFDAC approval Application method: NAFDAC zonal offices or the NAFDAC portal at nafdac.gov.ng

Important Terms

Selling unregistered or adulterated soft drinks is a criminal offence under the NAFDAC Act Non-compliant products are subject to market recall, seizure, and destruction at the manufacturer's or importer's expense

Official Resources

Website: www.nafdac.gov.ng

Legal Framework

Issued under the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 1993 (as amended), which empowers NAFDAC to make regulations, issue guidelines, and enforce standards. Operates alongside the Food and Drugs Act Cap F32 LFN 2004, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015, and the Codex Alimentarius Commission standards adopted by Nigeria. Draws on the Codex Alimentarius standard for carbonated drinks, WHO food safety guidelines, and the SON Nigerian Industrial Standards for soft drink production and labelling.