As part of efforts to curb the importation of substandard products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has appointed Cotecna Inspection Services as a Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) agent in India.
According to NAFDAC, the appointment is aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight and preventing the importation of substandard and falsified medicines and other regulated products into Nigeria.
The regulatory also noted that it complements the existing CRIA agents operating in India and China.
Speaking on the development, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye emphasised that the CRIA scheme has been instrumental in intercepting nearly 200 consignments of non-compliant products over the past five years.
Mrs. Adeyeye explained that the CRIA agents are responsible for inspecting, testing, and verifying the authenticity of products before shipment, ensuring compliance with the agency’s regulations.
“The agency has also introduced the Ports Inspection Data Capture and Risk Management System (PIDCARMS) to enhance document verification and streamline inspection reports,” she stated.
The DG reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to work with the Indian government to prevent rejected medicines from re-entering Nigeria through illicit means.
“With the appointment of Cotecna, the CRIA scheme in India now includes five accredited agents, strengthening the regulatory framework for imported pharmaceuticals and other NAFDAC-regulated products,” Adeyeye said.
She urged Nigerian importers to engage CRIA agents before shipping consignments, adding that only products that meet safety and quality standards will be permitted entry.
