Plant Quarantine Procedures
Importation of Plants/Plant Products
Plant Quarantine Department of NAQS applies the following Phytosanitary measures to regulate plants/plant products importation:1) Prospective Importer applies through the Coordinating Director NAQS, to the Director Plant Quarantine.
2) Prospective Importer completes Request for Plant Importation Permit, stating:
• Where the plant material will be used
• Purpose or reason for the importation
• Mode of Transportation e.g. Air, Sea, Land
• Port of Entry
• Supplier’s Name/Address
• Full Name of Importer and Address
• Common Name and Botanical Name of Plant Material/Quantity
3) Application is approved or rejected
4) If application is approved, an Import Permit is processed after Pest Risk Analysis, PRA is carried out
5) Import permit is issued stating all Conditions to be met by the exporting country.
Import Clearance at Port of Entry
1) Plants/Plant Products and Regulated Articles shall upon importation into Nigeria, be subjected to inspection by an Authorised Plant Quarantine Inspector.2) Authorised Plant Quarantine Inspector will verify that the consignment of plants/plants products is accompanied by an Import Permit and in some cases Phytosanitary Certificate of Country of Export.
3) An authorised Plant Quarantine Inspector may agree to carry out inspection at the final destination after ascertaining that the container is properly sealed with prescribed markings, and upon approval by Customs for the container to be transferred to the facility of the consignee.
Measures taken After Inspection
1) If upon inspection carried out, Authorised Plant Quarantine Inspector verifies that the documentation and consignment comply with the Phytosanitary requirements as stated in the Import Permit, he will issue a Phytosanitary Inspected and Released Certificate.2) If upon inspection, Authorised Plant Quarantine Inspector determines that the imported consignment is not accompanied by any relevant documentation for Plant Importations or does not meet Phytosanitary requirements established in the Import Permit, or presents any risk for the introduction or spread of pests, the imported plant/plant products will be subjected to:
• Laboratory tests
• Appropriate treatment for disinfection/disinfestation.
• Re-exportation
• Confiscation, or
• Destruction by a means to be specified at the importer’s expense.
Post Entry Quarantine
1) If upon inspection or as may be stated on the Import Permit, the Authorised Plant Quarantine Inspector determines that a consignment of plants/plant products requires further Phytosanitary Screening, he/she will direct that:• Consignment is moved straight to NAQS Post Entry Quarantine facility.
2) Consignment moved into Post Entry Quarantine facility, will be released after appropriate Phytosanitary Screening/treatment.
Charges for all Imports of Plants/Plant Products Charges for all Phytosanitary activities with respect to importation of Plants/Plant products will be according to the User Fees regime of NAQS.
Export, Re-export and Transit of Plants/Plant Products.
Export of Plants/Plant Products
Any person seeking Phytosanitary Certification for export or re export of plants, plant products or Regulated Articles from or through Nigeria shall:
1) Apply for Phytosanitary Certificate through the Coordinating Director to the Director Plant Quarantine.
2) Complete application form on Agric. Form 48 and provide following information:
• Company registration number with Nigeria Export Promotion Council.
• Name and Address of Exporter
• Details of plants/plant products intended for export.
• Name and address of consignee in the importing country.
3) If approved, a Phytosanitary Certificate will be issued after Authorised Plant Quarantine Inspector/Inspectors have:
• Thoroughly inspected the consignment or field or storage where consignment will be packaged.
• Carried out treatment with appropriate fumigants.
4) Issued Phytosanitary Certificate will conform to import requirements of the country where plants/plant products will be exported.
Phytosanitary Measures for Re-export of Plants/Plant Products.
1) When a consignment is imported into Nigeria, and then exported to another country, NAQS shall issue a forwarding letter for re-export.
2) NAQS shall only use a letter forwarding the re-export of the imported consignment if it is confident that the importing country’s regulations are met.
3) The original Phytosanitary Certificate or its certified copy shall also accompany the consignment.
4) If the consignment imported into Nigeria has been exposed to infestation or contamination by pests in Nigeria, or has lost its integrity or identity, or has been processed to change its nature, NAQS shall issue a Phytosanitary Certificate indicating the country of origin instead of a forwarding letter.
Phytosanitary Measures for Transit of Plants/Plant Products
1) When a consignment is imported into Nigeria, but meant for a neighbouring country, Authorised Plant Quarantine Inspector will inspect and obtain copies of all relevant documents including Phytosanitary Certificate.
2) Authorised Plant Quarantine Inspector/Inspectors shall accompany the consignment to the nearest border post between Nigeria and the neighbouring country.
Charges for Export, Re-export and Transit of Plants/Plant Products
Charges for all Export, Re-export and Transit of Plants/Plant products will be according to NAQS approved user fees and will be borne by the exporter. (For the NAQS user fees regime, please click the link below: http://www.naqs.gov.ng/about-naqs/user-fee.html