About CER
Chemical Evaluation & Research Directorate is one of the newest Directorates established on 7th November, 2012 following approval by the Federal Government to restructure NAFDAC into thirteen (13) Directorates.
The Directorate started its full operation on 15th April, 2013, moving to a newly allocated office and later relocated to NAFDAC office at Isolo Industrial Area.
The Directorate is structured into the following 4 Divisions and a Unit:
- Chemical Import Control Division
- Agro-Chemicals and Controlled Chemicals Division
- Chemical Monitoring & Risk Assessment Division
- Chemical Research and Review Division
- Documentation/IT Unit
The Directorate also operates outstations in ten states namely Ogun, FCT, Rivers, Kano, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kwara and Anambra States. top
Safer living through sound chemical management.
MISSION:-
To safeguard public health by ensuring that only approved chemicals are manufactured, Imported, exported, distributed, sold and used in Nigeria.
GOAL: – To ensure safe use and secured handling of Chemicals in Nigeria. top
- Regulate and control the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale and use of chemicals;
- Compile standard specifications and guidelines for the production, importation, exportation, sale and distribution of chemicals.
- Control the exportation and issue quality certification of chemicals intended for export
- Issue permits for Importation of Industrial and Laboratory chemicals.
- Issue permit for the Importation and Clearing of Restricted, Agricultural and Controlled Chemicals.
- Advise Federal, State and local governments, the private sector and other interested bodies regarding the quality, safety, and regulatory provisions chemicals;
- Undertake and co-ordinate research programs on the storage, adulteration, distribution and rational use of chemicals;
- Monitor the Risk Assessment of Chemicals
- Issues Authorizations/Licenses to Chemical marketers.
- Inspect warehouses for storage of chemicals.
- Generate relevant Reports & Statistics on chemicals.
- Investigate breach of Regulations on chemicals by companies or individuals.
- Safeguard the health of the populace and environment by ensuring sound chemical management.
- Ensure proper utilization of Chemicals in a manner that reduces risk to health and the environment.
- Encourage use of Chemicals that are less harmful /hazardous
- Strengthen collaboration with other MDAs, NGOs on life cycle management of chemicals.
- Ensure conformity to international standards for controlled and restricted Chemicals.
- Conduct surveillance and monitor hazardous and harmful chemicals in circulation
- Developing and promoting standards, regulations and guidelines on the handling of chemicals
- Investigating and inspecting premises for production, storage and use of chemicals. top
CATEGORIES OF CHEMICALS UNDER CER DIRECTORATE
* GENERAL CHEMICALS (Industrial and Laboratory)
* RESTRICTED CHEMICALS:
These chemicals fall under various International Conventions and Protocols. Some of them are nationally controlled due to peculiar problems associated with them.
I. BASEL CONVENTION- designed specifically to control trans boundary movements of hazardous waste and their disposal.
II. MONTREAL PROTOCOL: substances that deplete the ozone layer (e.g. Refrigerant gases)
III. STOCKHOLM CONVENTION on persistent organic pollutants (e.g. Aldrin, Chlordane)
IV. ROTTERDAM (PIC) CONVENTION
V. CHEMICAL WEAPON CONVENTION (CWC): (e.g. Triethanolamine)
NATIONALLY CONTROLLED CHEMICALS
These include:
- Restricted Chemicals: These are placed under control in Nigeria because of some problems encountered with their use. Examples are Propylene Glycol, Diethylene Glycol, Calcium Carbide, Copper Sulphate, Formaldehyde and etc
- Agrochemicals:Examples are Pesticides, Fertilizers and Growth Enhancers top