Wine Regulation in Nigeria

Wine Regulation in Nigeria

The Complete Guide to Wine Regulation in Nigeria: NAFDAC Compliance Made Simple

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) introduced the Wine Regulations 2019 to standardize the production, importation, distribution, and sale of wine in Nigeria. These regulations repealed the 2005 version and introduced stricter controls on classification, labelling, advertising, and quality standards. Whether you’re a wine importer, manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, compliance is mandatory to avoid significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

This complete guide breaks down every section of the regulations with clear explanations and actionable compliance steps.

Key Scope and Prohibitions: What You Need to Know

📍 Regulation 1: Scope

The regulations apply to all wine manufactured, imported, exported, advertised, sold, distributed, or used within Nigeria. This includes:

  • Grape wines

  • Fruit wines

  • Fortified wines

  • Sparkling wines

  • Wine cocktails and flavoured wines

⚠️ Regulation 2: Prohibition

No person shall manufacture, import, export, advertise, sell, or distribute any wine listed in Schedule I unless it has been registered with NAFDAC. Schedule I includes all major wine categories (detailed below). Non-compliance constitutes a criminal offence.

Critical Compliance Areas for Wine Businesses

🏷️ Regulation 9 & 10: Labelling and Naming Requirements

Proper labelling is mandatory. The regulations specify that:

  • Country of origin must be clearly displayed

  • For wines blended/bottled in a different country than origin, labels must state: “blended by,” “bottled by,” or “packed by” followed by entity name and location

  • “18+” age restriction must be prominently displayed

  • No health claims are permitted on any wine labels

  • Wines with <10% alcohol must display a “Best Before” date

  • Wine names must accurately reflect the product’s nature

🍇 Regulation 4 & 5: Wine Classification and Vintage Dating

Wines must be correctly classified. Key categories include:

  • Table wine (6-17% alcohol)

  • Sparkling wine (visible CO₂, 14-21% alcohol)

  • Fortified wine (14-24% alcohol)

  • Liqueur wine (14.9-22.9% alcohol)

  • Fruit wine (from non-grape fruits)

Vintage dating rules:

  • 85% of grapes must come from the same crop year

  • Varietal wines must show identified crop year (except sparkling/fortified/liqueur wines)

📊 Regulation 6: Varietal Designation Rules

  • Single varietal wines: Must contain ≥75% of named grape

  • Two varietals: Must be 100% from both, listed in descending order, with minor grape ≥15%

  • Three+ varietals: Percentage of each must be declared on label

🚫 Regulation 12: Advertising Restrictions

All wine advertisements must be pre-approved by NAFDAC and:

  • Cannot be misleading or contain health claims

  • Cannot target children or use children, sportspeople, or pregnant women as models

  • Cannot appear during children’s programming

  • Promotional gifts cannot target children or athletes

Penalties for Non-Compliance: Serious Consequences

Regulation 13 & 14: Offences and Penalties

Individuals violating regulations face:

  • Up to 1 year imprisonment

  • Fines up to ₦50,000

  • Or both

Corporate bodies face fines up to ₦100,000

Additional consequences include:

  • Directors, managers, and partners can be held personally liable

  • Asset forfeiture to the Federal Government of:

    • Proceeds from illegal activities

    • Property used to commit offences

Complete Wine Classification (Schedule I Overview)

Wine Type Key Requirements Alcohol Content
Table Wine Min. 15°Brix at harvest 6-17%
Sparkling Wine Secondary fermentation in bottle 14-21%
Fortified Wine Added distilled spirits during/after fermentation 14-24%
Liqueur Wine From grape fermentation only 14.9-22.9%
Ice Wine Grapes harvested frozen (-8°C or lower) Varies
Fruit Wine From non-grape fruits As per standards

See full Schedule I in the regulations for complete details.

Sweetness Descriptors (Schedule 2 Compliance)

Label sweetness terms correctly:

  • Dry: Max 4 g/L glucose+fructose (or 9 g/L with high acidity)

  • Medium Dry: Up to 12 g/L (or 18 g/L with high acidity)

  • Semi-Sweet/Mellow: Up to 45 g/L

  • Sweet: Over 45 g/L glucose+fructose

Action Steps for Compliance

  1. Registration: Ensure all wines are NAFDAC registered before any activity

  2. Labelling Audit: Review all labels for mandatory elements

  3. Classification Verification: Correctly classify wines per Schedule I

  4. Advertising Review: Submit all ads for NAFDAC pre-approval

  5. Documentation: Maintain records of vintage, varietal percentages, and origin

  6. Training: Educate staff on compliance requirements

FAQs: Wine Regulation in Nigeria

Q: Do the regulations apply to online wine sales?
A: Yes, all sales and advertising (including digital) fall under these regulations.

Q: Can I import small quantities of wine without registration?
A: No, all wine imported into Nigeria must be NAFDAC registered regardless of quantity.

Q: What happens if my wine label has health claims?
A: This is prohibited and can result in fines, product seizure, and prosecution.

Q: Are there different rules for grape vs. fruit wines?
A: Both are regulated, but classification and standards differ—refer to Schedules.

Q: How do I apply for NAFDAC wine registration?
A: Contact NAFDAC directly or visit their official website for registration procedures.

Conclusion: Stay Compliant, Stay in Business

The NAFDAC Wine Regulations 2019 represent Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring quality, safety, and proper classification of wines in the market. With stringent penalties for non-compliance, including imprisonment and asset forfeiture, adherence is not optional—it’s essential for lawful operation.

Need help with compliance? Consult with regulatory experts or email at admin@ashtonlp.com.

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