The NAFDAC registration number is a vital indicator that a product has been vetted and approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
Unfortunately, some manufacturers or distributors may attempt to mislead consumers by using fake NAFDAC numbers on substandard products. Knowing how to spot a fake NAFDAC number is important for protecting yourself from harmful goods.
READ ALSO: NAFDAC Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
How To Verify Fake NAFDAC Number
1. Verify on the NAFDAC Website
The easiest and most reliable way to check the authenticity of a NAFDAC number is by visiting the official NAFDAC website. They offer an online portal where you can input the NAFDAC registration number and confirm whether it is valid.
2. Utilize the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS)
For ease of verification, you can use NAFDAC’s MAS which is also known as Mobile Authentication Service (MAS). Just scratch the panel on the product package to reveal a unique PIN after which you should send this unique PIN via SMS to a particular code.
You will get feedback that will show whether it is original or not. The Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) scheme was developed by NAFDAC in 2010 as a strategy to reduce the prevalence of substandard or fake (SF) medical products.
In January 2012, NAFDAC commenced the implementation of MAS for imported or locally produced antimalarial and antibiotics following the success of a pilot study conducted on it.
3. Confirm Credibility
Most counterfeited NAFDAC numbers are not consistent. True NAFDAC registration numbers are usually of a certain type that contains elements about the firm and the good. Please look out for very low short, very long or disorganized numbers.
Most times counterfeit NAFDAC numbers often lack some details and consistency. Some scammers may just come up with random number strings that are either too short, too long, or just plain disordered. Below are some pointers that will help you spot a fake NAFDAC number:
- Real NAFDAC Number: 04-1234L. This number follows a defined pattern. For example; “04” could signify the year for registering while “1234” stands as a unique identification number for a product and “L” may represent a product category like drugs or food items.
- Fake NAFDAC Number: 1234567890: There is excess length in the number and no pattern at all. It deviates from the regular NAFDAC format.
4. Inspect product packaging
Counterfeit products usually come with low-quality packaging. You should examine for example faded labels, poor printing of logos or misspelled words.
Authentic goods bearing actual NAFDAC numbers are mostly packed in a professionally appropriate way with clear indications.
5. Verify the Manufacturer’s Details
Check if the manufacturer’s name indicated in the product’s package corresponds with the one who owns or has registered for a NAFDAC number. These can be confirmed by paying a visit to the site or calling NAFDAC’s customer service.
6. Use the NAFDAC Consumer Complaint Channels
In case you are not sure of the genuineness of a NAFDAC number, you can report doubtful products to NAFDAC using their consumer complaint platforms. They can help you confirm the product and initiate any actions required.
