NAFDAC HERBAL MEDICINE AND RELATED ADVERTISEMENT REGULATIONS 2019

What Is This Policy?

Regulations requiring pre-approval of all advertisements for herbal medicines and related products in Nigeria, prohibiting unsubstantiated efficacy claims, and ensuring that consumers receive truthful information about traditional and herbal health products.

Who Does It Target?

Manufacturers and importers of herbal medicines Media houses, publishers, and online platforms carrying herbal product advertisements NAFDAC and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON)

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To prevent consumers from being misled by exaggerated or false claims for herbal products, ensure that advertised health benefits are supported by evidence, and protect public health from unsafe or ineffective self-medication.

Key Features

Mandatory Pre-Approval: No herbal medicine advertisement may be published or broadcast without prior NAFDAC clearance. Cure Claims Prohibited: Advertisements may not claim that herbal products cure, treat, or prevent specific diseases. Testimonials: Patient testimonials must be verifiable and not used to imply curative effects. Language and Presentation: Advertisements must be in clear, non-misleading language and must not target vulnerable groups inappropriately. Penalties: Fines, product withdrawal, and prosecution for advertising non-approved or falsely claimed products.

Current Status

In force. Actively enforced by NAFDAC in collaboration with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), with unapproved advertisements for herbal products subject to withdrawal and regulatory sanctions.

Submit advertisement scripts and supporting evidence to NAFDAC for pre-approval Pay the advertisement review fee Receive written clearance before publication Application method: NAFDAC headquarters, Abuja, and zonal offices

Important Terms

Approval is advertisement-specific and not transferable to different creatives Claims must remain consistent with the approved product registration Media houses broadcasting unapproved advertisements are also liable

Official Resources

Website: www.nafdac.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria

Legal Framework

The NAFDAC Herbal Medicine Advertisement Regulations are issued under the NAFDAC Act and operate alongside the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act 2022, the Consumer Protection Council Act, and the National Policy on Traditional Medicine. International alignment is with WHO Ethical Criteria for Medicinal Drug Promotion, the IFPMA Code of Practice, and the Africa Union Model Herbal Medicine Regulatory Harmonization Framework.