Provisions of NAFDAC Guidelines For the Global Listing Of Supermarket Items (GLSI) in Nigeria

Supermarkets :- Provisions Of The NAFDAC Guidelines For The Global Listing Of Supermarket Items (GLSI)

Effective from 13/12/2021, the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) through its guidelines adopted the Global listing scheme which was introduced in 2003 to allow for the importation of specific regulated products (food and cosmetics items) subject to meeting established conditions or requirements. The consideration of this category became necessary because of the large number of items under the scheme and to meet special needs by certain groups or organizations in Nigeria.

This article will thus be focused on the provisions of the NAFDAC Guidelines For Global Listing of Supermarket Items in Nigeria.

Eligibility

This scheme is only open to specific entities operating in Nigeria with established retail outlets where applicable such as: –

1. Supermarket Operators

2. Fast Food Chains

3. Restaurants

4. Hotels

5. Embassies

6. International Organizations

Conditions to get Global Listing Approval

General Rules

– Items to be listed under the Global Listing of Supermarkets shall include Conventional cosmetics regulated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) sold in supermarkets/stores and such other specialties as required by Hotels and International Organizations e.g., Embassies.

– An applicant shall have an established supermarket (where applicable).

– Already registered items shall not be entertained for listing. Such items should be sourced from local agents, or a ‘letter of no objection’ shall be obtained from the local representatives of these brands.

– Quantity of each item to be imported shall not exceed 2500 cartons per annum. Any entity willing to import more than the approved quantity (2500 cartons) should register such product(s) in line with the relevant extant registration guideline.

– Supermarket operators shall sell the imported items only on retail basis and can only distribute to their own supermarket chain.

– Supermarket operators shall register 2 products per 100 items imported, evidence of product registration will be required for the renewal of Global Listing License after the first two (2) years.

– The importation of products banned by the Federal Government of Nigeria or on NAFDAC ceiling shall not be allowed. 

Categories

Categorization of supermarket operators under the NAFDAC Guidelines are as follows-

1. Category A (Limited) : 1-100(number of items)

2. Category B (Limited) : 101-250(number of times)

3. Category C (Limited) : 251-500(number of items)

4. Category D (Limited): 501-1000(number of items)

5. Category E(Limited):1001-5000(number of items)

Documentation

The following shall be submitted by the applicant to the office of the Director, NAFDAC :

– A completed Global Listing Form, “NAFDAC/1005” 

– A Notarized Declaration of indemnity in Favour of the Agency for any liability in case of false documentation/a false submission. 

– An application letter for the Listing of Supermarket items to include: –

1. Company’s valid Phone number and email address.

1. Company’s Representative’s valid Phone number and email address.

1. Letter stating outlet(s) and their location address (es).

– Two (2) copies of Inventory of products to be imported for the year stating the following in the order stated below: –

a).Serial Number

(b)Product Name

(c)Brand of product (Brand Only)

(d)Origin of product (Country)

(e)Product Description

(f)Units/Pack e.g., 10 X 125g

(g)Pack type e.g., can, sachet, bottle

(h)Number of cartons (per item, per shipment or annum)

(i)Total Quantity Expressed in Units (Pack No x No of Cartons).

– Certificate of Analysis for each product shall be made available, where applicable (from the manufacturer or a Government approved analyst from country of origin).

– Certificate of Business Registration/Incorporation in Nigeria.

– Form C07/CAC7.

– Receipt for Application Form purchased.

-Introduction Letter of the authorized person(s) to process the application.

– Confirmation of Membership from National Association of Supermarket Operators of Nigeria (NASON) where applicable.

– One rewritable CD-ROM containing the inventory of items (in excel) to be imported formatted in the order stated above.

Establishment Inspection

– Supermarkets/stores wishing to have items to be listed shall be inspected by NAFDAC after submission of an Application Form and evidence of payment of the appropriate inspection fee.

– The facilities shall be subjected to inspection by the Drug Evaluation and Research (DER) Directorates of NAFDAC to ensure compliance.

Tariff

As advised by NAFDAC.

Additional Items

– Additional items in replacement of unapproved items on the original list can be allowed provided it is within the category paid for.

– However, if the addition of new items exceeds the category paid for, the applicant will be required to pay the balance of the next category.

Labelling

– Labelling shall comply with international regulations for cosmetic products.

– Any product labelled in a foreign language (except those for embassies) shall NOT be considered for listing unless an English translation is included on the label and package insert (where applicable).