PRODUCE ENFORCEMENT OF EXPORT STANDARDS AMENDMENT ACT 2016
Act · Trade
An Act strengthens enforcement of export standards for agricultural produce by updating penalties and inspection procedures. It targets exporters, merchants, and federal inspection officers. This ensures only quality produce leaves the country, protecting trade earnings.
What Is This Policy?
This Amendment strengthens the legal framework for enforcing quality and grading standards on Nigerian agricultural produce intended for export, updating penalty provisions and inspection procedures. Produce Enforcement of Export Standards Act (principal Act being amended); Export of Nigerian Produce Act; Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act; Nigeria Export Promotion Council Act; Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act
Agricultural produce exporters and commodity merchants Federal produce inspection and grading officers Commodity boards and export licensing authorities
Who Does It Target?
Farmers, agricultural exporters, and produce traders dealing in graded and certified Nigerian produce. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. Customs officers and port officials monitoring export consignments. International buyers and markets receiving Nigerian agricultural produce.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To tighten Nigeria's export produce inspection regime so that only produce meeting internationally accepted quality and grading standards leaves the country, protecting the nation's export reputation and trade earnings.
Key Features
Updated Penalties: Revises and increases penalty provisions for exporting substandard or misgraded produce Inspection Procedures: Updates mandatory pre-export inspection procedures for agricultural commodities at all export points Authorised Inspectors: Clarifies the categories of officers empowered to carry out produce grading and inspection Grading Standards: Reaffirms specific grade classifications for priority export commodities Border Enforcement: Strengthens controls at seaports, airports, and land borders to prevent non-compliant produce from being exported
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active enforcement Coverage: All export points, commodity markets, and produce warehouses nationwide Funding: Federal Government appropriations through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
How to Access
Exporters must submit produce for mandatory inspection and grading before export clearance can be granted. Valid exporter registration with the relevant commodity board or agency Presentation of produce lots for physical grading and laboratory inspection Payment of applicable inspection and certification fees Application method: Federal Produce Inspection Service offices at designated seaports, airports, and border inspection posts
Important Terms
Exporting uninspected or below-grade produce is a criminal offence under the Act Inspectors may reject, quarantine, or order the destruction of non-conforming produce
Official Resources
Website: www.fmard.gov.ng
Legal Framework
Produce Enforcement of Export Standards Act (principal Act being amended); Export of Nigerian Produce Act; Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act; Nigeria Export Promotion Council Act; Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act