NAFDAC Registration for Cosmetics and Skincare in Nigeria (2026)

Whether you make body butter in Abuja or hair oil in Ibadan, NAFDAC registration for cosmetics and skincare in Nigeria is the step that makes your product legal to sell. NAFDAC's guideline says cosmetics may not be manufactured, imported, exported, advertised, sold, distributed or used in Nigeria without registration. This article walks through the process as NAFDAC publishes it, read in October 2026. It gives no fees, because NAFDAC refers readers to its tariff and amounts change. NAFDAC guidelines are revised from time to time, so confirm the current version with NAFDAC before you start.

Which guideline applies to you

NAFDAC publishes a Guidelines for Registration of Cosmetics Made in Nigeria (reference DR&R-GDL-0013-01, effective 13 December 2021, review date 12 December 2026). An older version (R&R-GDL-OO16-OO, effective 2018) is also still online, so make sure you are following the newer one, and expect an update after its review date. Imported cosmetics have their own guideline; this article is for products made in Nigeria. Each product needs its own application.

The process, step by step

Prepare documents and apply on NAPAMS. Applications are filed on NAFDAC's NAPAMS portal. Documents are uploaded there, and originals must be shown on request.
Document review. NAFDAC reviews the application. Non-compliance can lead to rejection or considerable delay.
GMP inspection and laboratory analysis. The guideline says approval depends on good manufacturing practice (GMP) inspection of the production facility and laboratory analysis of the product where applicable.
Product approval meeting. After a satisfactory review, products go to the Food and Drug Registration Committee for approval.
Certificate. Approved products receive an electronic Certificate of Product Registration.

Our guide for food, NAFDAC registration for food products, follows a similar pattern.

Documents NAFDAC lists

An application letter addressed to the Director-General of NAFDAC, attention the Director, Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs, at the NAFDAC Office Complex, Isolo, Lagos.
Evidence of business incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission. See registering a business with the CAC.
A contract manufacturing agreement, where applicable. See contract manufacturing and private label.
Evidence of brand name registration with the Trademark Registry, in the trademark owner's name.
Product labels or artwork.
A comprehensive certificate of analysis on the letterhead of the quality control laboratory that tested the sample, showing relevant technical parameters, brand name, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, and the analyst's name, designation and signature.

The factory inspection

A regulated product should not be manufactured unless the facility has been inspected, according to NAFDAC's guideline for inspecting large and medium scale cosmetics facilities (reference DER-GDL-001-01, effective 29 April 2021, review date 28 April 2026). It covers products such as hair products, makeup, creams, lotions, soaps and nail products, and it points to NAFDAC's GMP guidelines for cosmetics. For inspection, have these ready: a company organogram, certificates of analysis for raw materials, finished products and water, personnel files, standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch formulations, lists of equipment and raw materials with their sources, medical fitness certificates for production staff and a fumigation certificate.

Very small producers have a separate path. NAFDAC's guideline for micro-scale cosmetics, herbal and household product facilities covers operations that make not more than five products from one approved class with no more than five staff, and its approved cosmetic classes include petroleum jelly, shea butter, oil-based hair cream, oils and soaps. NAFDAC's MSME page splits small producers into micro enterprises (1 to 5 personnel) and small or medium enterprises (six or more) and lists its own documents and timelines. Compare it with the main guideline before you choose your route.

Labelling

The registration guideline says labels must be informative and accurate and conform to NAFDAC's Cosmetic Products Labelling Regulations 2021. The inspection guideline adds that labels must be in English and show the product name, net weight or volume, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, a provision for the NAFDAC registration number, the list of ingredients, the exact factory address (not a P.O. Box), directions for use, storage conditions and cautions where necessary. Ask NAFDAC for the current labelling regulation before you print.

Timelines and validity

The guideline says registration takes 120 working days from acceptance of the submission to issuance of the registration number. The clock stops while NAFDAC's compliance queries are outstanding, and you must answer those queries within 90 working days or the application is automatically closed. Certificates are valid for five years or two years depending on the case, and NAFDAC may revoke, suspend or vary a certificate. Registration does not give you permission to advertise; that needs a separate application. Filing an application or paying a fee does not itself confer registration. For fees, the guideline refers you to the NAFDAC tariff, and the inspection guideline notes that fees attract 7.5% VAT.

Mistakes to avoid

Printing labels or advertising before approval.
Using a certificate of analysis that lacks a batch number or dates.
Starting without a registered trademark.
Producing in a space that cannot pass inspection. See starting a manufacturing business in Nigeria.

Frequently asked questions

How long does NAFDAC cosmetics registration take? The guideline says 120 working days from acceptance, with the clock stopped during compliance queries.

How much does it cost? NAFDAC refers to its tariff. Check the current tariff with NAFDAC.

Do I need a registered trademark? The guideline lists evidence of brand name registration among the documents.

How long is the certificate valid? Five years or two years, depending on the case, per the guideline.

Can I advertise after registration? Not automatically; advertising needs a separate application.

Can I sell skincare to other African countries? That depends on each country's regulator. See selling cosmetics and beauty products to Africa.

Next step

Once your product is registered, make it visible to buyers. Apply as a supplier at /apply-manufacturer, which is free. The form asks for your company registration number, tax number, business licence and registration certificate uploads, at least two sample product images, your mission, vision and core values and a B2B category. Review is stated as about 24 to 48 hours. Complete NAFDAC registration for your cosmetics and skincare first, then add your registration number to every listing.