PRODUCE (ENFORCEMENT OF EXPORT STANDARDS) ACT
Act · Trade
An Act establishes export standards for Nigerian agricultural produce and empowers inspectors to enforce compliance before shipping. It targets agricultural exporters, traders, and inspection officials. This safeguards the quality of exports and protects Nigeria's international reputation.
PRODUCE (ENFORCEMENT OF EXPORT STANDARDS) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act that establishes export standards for Nigerian agricultural produce and empowers inspectors to enforce compliance before produce is shipped abroad.
Who Does It Target?
Agricultural produce exporters Commodity traders and merchants Produce inspection officials Port and border control authorities
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Safeguard the quality of Nigerian agricultural exports, protect the country's international reputation, and prevent the export of substandard produce that could harm trade relations.
Key Features
Standards Enforcement: Mandates that all produce intended for export must meet prescribed quality and grading standards before departure. Inspection Regime: Empowers designated inspectors to examine, sample, and certify produce at designated export points. Penalty Provisions: Prescribes fines and prosecution for exporters who attempt to ship produce that fails to meet required standards. Seizure Powers: Grants authorities the power to seize and detain non-compliant produce pending further action.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active - enforced at ports and land borders Coverage: Nationwide, with focus on export-designated points Beneficiaries: Export sector and international trading partners Funding: Federal Government appropriations
How to Access
Register as an exporter with the relevant regulatory authority Submit produce for inspection prior to export Obtain valid export certificate upon compliance Application method: Apply through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
Important Terms
Export without a valid certificate of compliance is a criminal offence Inspectors may condemn produce that fails quality checks Penalties include fines and forfeiture of produce
Impact & Metrics
Improved quality control of Nigerian agricultural exports, supporting the country's competitiveness in international commodity markets.
Official Resources
Website: https://www.son.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Act, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015, the Customs and Excise Management Act, and the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.