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NAVIGATING THE PATH TO INTERNATIONAL EXPORT MARKETS: ROLE OF NAFDAC AND OTHER AGENCIES Welcome back to our series dedicated to empowering Nigerian farmers, processors, and food manufacturers to thrive in international export markets! The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) plays a pivotal role in regulating and certifying food products in Nigeria. NAFDAC ensures that all food products meet safety and quality standards before they reach the market. This includes overseeing the production process, testing for contaminants, and verifying that labeling meets legal requirements. For international markets, NAFDAC certification is often a prerequisite, ensuring that Nigerian products comply with global safety and quality standards. Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON): SON is responsible for setting and enforcing product standards in Nigeria. They ensure that products meet national and international standards, providing a mark of quality that boosts consumer confidence and marketability. For exporters, obtaining SON certification can facilitate smoother entry into international markets. Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC): NEPC focuses on promoting Nigerian products in global markets. They provide support and resources to exporters, including market research, trade missions, and capacity-building programs. NEPC helps producers understand the requirements of different international markets and navigate the complexities of global trade. Process for Obtaining Necessary Certifications and Approvals 1. Application: Start by submitting an application to the relevant regulatory agency (e.g., NAFDAC or SON) along with required documents, such as product specifications, labels, and manufacturing process details. 2. Inspection and Testing: The agency will conduct inspections of production facilities and test product samples to ensure compliance with standards. 3. Certification: Upon successful inspection and testing, the agency will issue a certification confirming that the product meets all regulatory requirements. 4. Continuous Compliance: Regular audits and re-certifications are necessary to maintain compliance and uphold product standards. Regulatory compliance is essential for accessing international markets. Certifications from NAFDAC, SON, and NEPC not only ensure that products are safe and high-quality but also build trust with international buyers. Compliance with these standards demonstrates a commitment to quality, opening doors to new markets and boosting competitiveness. By working closely with NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies, Nigerian producers can ensure their products meet global standards, paving the way for successful international trade.

https://lnkd.in/ebAGri-V Checks or no checks is the question?? Not at all - the imported food checks need to be done - whether*goods coming from Europe or anywhere else it's a moral obligation to public health, biosecurity etc. Will the system be safe, sound workable and fit for purpose, is however a very separate question - to which answers should be sought in very open minded and transparent way. We need to ensure, that the best viable approach is in place for the consumer, trade and regulators. The implementation of any new process never come without difficulties, but open honest cooperation of key players is a "must" as well as a two directional dialogue-as so much is in stake. What could change? I.e. Wider targeted audience of consultations, timely. meaningful and specific responses to stakeholder's questions - preferably in public domain etc. No doubt, many hours of honest hard work, commitment and dedication as well as pure honest intentions were invested into this project. So let's tie the loose and and try to work openly together across professions and institutions. so the border checks systems are the best workable solutions we can possibly achieve. Food Standards Agency Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Cahal Milmo Cahal Milmo, Karin Goodburn MBE Hon FIFST The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health #importedfood, #foodimport #foodsafety, #porthealth #environmentalhealth, #foodsecurity #policy #regulation #food #costoflivingcrisis #foodbusiness #commoditymarket, #economics #internationaltrade

Happy to share an article titled "Export Restrictions: Balancing Global and Domestic Food Security" co-authored with Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma and Teesta Lahiri. #export Restriction is a policy tool used during times of #crisis to safeguard the food security needs of a nation and to stabilize escalating prices, among other objectives. Recently, India has implemented export restrictions on several #agricultural products, drawing scrutiny from various members of the #wto arguing that such measures could negatively affect #foodsecurity. Our article explores the rationale and significance behind India's adoption of export restrictions, highlighting the delicate balance it strikes between addressing domestic and #global food security concerns. #foodsecurity #wto #trade #agriculture Centre for WTO Studies Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gi5TBfyW

Thanks Alisha Goswami and Teesta Lahiri. In this article we argued that that export restrictions should be viewed as an exigency measure. Also, world hunger cannot be solely addressed through additional disciplines on export restrictions. Hence, if #WTO members are really concerned about global food security, then it is time to find a permanent solution to the issue of minimum support price backed public-stockholding for food security purposes. #foodsecurity #agriculture

Browse our entire collection of F&B reports, guidelines, videos and infographic in one spot! #China is the third agrifood export market for the European Union. #EU #agrifood exports to China reached EUR 15.8 billion in 2022, accounting for nearly 7% of the EU’s total exports to the country. That same year, China was the fifth supplier of agri-food products to the EU, with imports #foodandbeverage reaching EUR 9.8 billion. The 2019 #EUStrategicOutlook, which guides the EU’s engagement with China, has a strong focus on improving market access related to EU agri-food exports to China. This is the top priority for EU countries in China as far as #agriculture is concerned. In March 2021, the landmark EU-China agreement protecting #geographicalindications came into force to protect 96 European Geographical Indications (GI) in China and 100 Chinese GI in the EU against imitations and usurpation, bringing trade benefits and demand for high-quality products on both sides. A second list of 175 GIs on each side will be protected in 2025. Food & beverage is a key sector for the activities of the EU SME Centre: - More than half of the EU SME Centre’s market entry guidelines and market reports focus on the F&B sector, including specific product categories as well as horizontal issues. - 40% of one-to-one technical assistance requests (140+) received by the EU SME Centre since July 2022 were in the F&B sector, involving GACC/CIFER registration, labelling and technical requirements, as well as sales channels. One section of our Self-Diagnosis Tool business quiz is entirely dedicated to F&B issues, to help EU F&B exporters gauge their readiness to enter the #Chinesemarket. To support business representatives taking part in the EU High Level Mission to China in April 2024, the EU SME Centre has produced a dedicated page summarising our existing resources in the F&B sector – all free of charge. Browse it here: https://lnkd.in/evw6hPe9

https://lnkd.in/ecknMgd6 UK new TOMs are coming in to effect in Jan 2024, this includes changes to export health certificates for Imports not just from EU but ROW to standardise documents. This affects POAO, dairy and germinal products. Check your categories at high and medium risk, those likely on CED-D, CHED-P and CHED-A list in Government site. There will be documentation and cost implications.

New Checks on goods exported from Ireland to Britain will be introduced from the 31st of January 2024. The long-delayed implementation of the next phase of the EU Brexit trade deal with Britain will deliver more costs for Irish exporters particularly for agri-food products with the requirements for export health certificates. It is essential that all those in the export supply chain are prepared for the new requirements.

According to ONS trade data for 2023, the UK has lost about £1.9 billion of annual food exports to the European Union since Brexit. This should shock no one. Food was always going to be the export trade hardest hit by Brexit, since food production is what the EU most closely protects and controls. Is £1.9bn a big number? Not relative to the UK’s £364bn of total goods exports. Nevertheless, £1.9bn is a big shock for a small industry. And it’s a sector with high UK value-add, meaning that the goods involved often have a high UK input. So, lower exports impacts jobs or profitability (since some produce now stays in the UK and sells at a lower price). The new Labour government looks like it wants to do everything it can to encourage food exports to the EU. But does a trade rapprochement with the EU make sense? Given the numbers involved and given the concessions we’d have to offer – say, fishing quotas and national compliance with Single Market regulations in agrifood – might the UK be better off pursuing global markets instead? ✍️Phil Radford https://lnkd.in/gkMaa4mK

Less than 48 hours - that's how little time is now left until new import certification requirements start affecting food supply chains in Britain. Is everyone ready? I have spent the last 5 months engaging with stakeholders, importers, their suppliers, authorities, and writing to the Government with proposed solutions for encountered challenges. It is not an easy task. My most recent letter is in the comment of this post; I have proposed to the Cabinet Office a course of immediate action, which is needed to avoid the British fresh food sector taking a direct hit of short supply from the 31st of January. Daily imports of food products of animal origin, such as meat and dairy, are currently under a threat of disruption due to suppliers of British importers not yet being able to obtain new Export Health Certificates (EHCs) from authorities. These are multiple page documents containing a range of legal statements on the animal’s health and processing of the product, which need to be signed by an Official Veterinarian. It’s a requirement being introduced as part of the new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) - a set of changes to imports and exports following Britain leaving the EU. It’s purely a documentary requirement, the products remain unchanged. In some countries suppliers of British importers have not yet been provided by authorities with details of how to obtain the new Certificates, and with these documents being a requirement, they will not risk sending their goods to the UK, knowing they may be turned away at the border. Despite the imminent entry into force of these changes, it's still a dynamically developing situation. What challenges are you experiencing? Photo description: Michael Szydlo engaging on the new requirements with manufacturers and suppliers of beef products during a conference in an EU country, Poland.

Join the Food Export team for these upcoming back-to-back focused trade missions scheduled for March 4-8, 2024, in San Jose, Costa Rica, and Guatemala City, Guatemala! The registration deadline is December 15, 2023, with a cost of $625 each. Costa Rica, standing at #83 among major global economies, presents an excellent opportunity for U.S. exporters, boasting advantages such as geographic proximity and lower duties under the CAFTA-DR free trade agreement. Guatemala is ranked as #19 most important agricultural export market for the United States. Guatemala is the largest market for U.S. exports of consumer food products and processed in Central America. Consumers in the region also have a preference for U.S. imported products due to their reliability and high-quality. Joining this trade mission offers exclusive benefits, including one-on-one meetings with buyers, market briefings, retail tours, and more! Seize the chance to expand your business and gain valuable insights into these dynamic markets. Click the link to register now and embark on a journey of growth and collaboration. #TradeMission #CostaRica #Guatemala #ExportOpportunities #BusinessExpansion #GlobalTrade  #FoodExportNortheast