Product Certification for African Manufacturers: NAFDAC, SON, KEBS and GSA

Product certification Africa buyers ask about means a government agency or approved body checks that your product and factory meet a standard, then gives you a certificate, permit or mark. Buyers ask for it because it lowers their risk with customs, regulators and customers. The agencies differ by country: NAFDAC and SON in Nigeria, KEBS in Kenya, and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Ghana. This guide explains what each one does at a general level and how to get ready.

This is general information. Fees, forms and rules change, so confirm current requirements with each agency before you apply.

Why buyers ask for certification

A buyer who imports your goods is responsible for them in their own country. If a product is unsafe or has the wrong papers, the buyer may lose the shipment or face fines. A valid certificate is the quickest proof that you are serious. It also helps you earn trust with new buyers, as we describe in our guide on how to build buyer trust as a verified supplier.

NAFDAC registration in Nigeria

NAFDAC is Nigeria's agency for food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals and similar products. A published legal summary says the process starts with a registered company (CAC), a written application and a prescribed form with fees. The documents commonly include:

Company incorporation certificate
Trademark registration for the brand name
Product samples and a certificate of analysis from a testing laboratory
Product labels and artwork
Manufacturer details, and inspection papers for the factory

For NAFDAC registration, a factory inspection is part of the process, and foreign factories must invite NAFDAC to inspect. We could not verify how long a registration lasts, or current fees, so ask NAFDAC. Labels should be accurate and final before you apply, because changing artwork later costs time.

SON certification in Nigeria

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) sets and enforces standards for many manufactured goods. For locally made products, SON runs the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP). SON says it exists to make sure locally manufactured products meet Nigerian standards before they are sold in Nigeria or exported. SON has also said MANCAP certification is valid for three years, with periodic factory inspections and lab tests, and that certificates can be withdrawn if a company stops following the standard.

For goods coming into Nigeria, SON certification Nigeria importers need is done through the SONCAP scheme, with SON-authorised Independent Accredited Firms (IAFs). A vendor article from 2026 says one IAF will no longer process new SONCAP requests, so exporters to Nigeria must use another SON-authorised firm. That is a vendor report, so confirm with SON. Chinese factories selling to Nigeria should also see our guide to exporting from Nigeria for the local side.

KEBS standardization mark in Kenya

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) runs several marks. The KEBS standardization mark (S-Mark) is mandatory for locally made goods under the scheme. Permits last two years and rest on factory inspection and product sampling. The Diamond Mark is a voluntary mark for high quality and lasts four years. Fortified foods such as wheat flour need a Fortification Mark in addition. Importers use a different scheme, the Import Standardization Mark. Read our guide to exporting from Kenya for more.

GSA certification in Ghana

The Ghana Standards Authority handles certification of products and services and enforces standards. Customs guidance lists a GSA permit for manufactured and processed goods being exported. The Food and Drugs Authority handles approvals for items such as food, drugs and palm oil. News reports say the two agencies have worked to harmonise their processes. For GSA certification Ghana buyers expect, ask the GSA which certificate fits your product. See our guide to exporting from Ghana.

Which agency is right for my product?

Match the product to the agency. Packaged food, drinks, cosmetics and drugs usually go to the food and drug regulator: NAFDAC in Nigeria, the FDA in Ghana. Industrial and general consumer goods usually go to the standards body: SON, KEBS or GSA. Some products need both. A soap, for example, may touch both a cosmetics rule and a general standard. If you are unsure, send a short email to the agency with your product description, ingredients or materials, and target market, and ask which scheme applies. Keep the reply in your files.

Also remember that your buyer's country may have its own import rules on top of yours. A product certified at home can still need a local registration or inspection abroad. Ask your buyer early so there is no surprise at the port.

Quality marks for export: how to prepare

Whatever the agency, the preparation looks similar. Quality marks for export are earned by showing process, not only a good sample.

Identify the exact standard for your product and read it.
Write simple procedures: incoming materials, production steps, testing, storage.
Keep batch records, test results and complaint logs.
Make sure your factory is clean, organised and labelled, because inspectors visit.
Prepare final labels and packaging text.
Use an accredited laboratory for test reports where the agency requires it.
Diarise renewal dates early.

Management system certificates such as ISO 9001 can also help buyers trust you. Ask your buyer which certificates they actually need, so you do not pay for papers nobody asks for.

Frequently asked questions

Is one African certificate accepted everywhere? No. Each country uses its own agency. Some regional recognition exists, but you must confirm with the destination's regulator.

Who pays for certification? The manufacturer or the importer, depending on the scheme and the contract. Agree this early.

How long does it take? It depends on the agency, product and lab time. Start well before your first order.

Do I need certification to list on Comilmart? Companies go through a verification review. See the supplier pages for what is asked.

Getting started

Certification opens doors, and so does being easy to find. Ready to reach buyers? Apply as a supplier on Comilmart — there are no listing fees to get started.