How Do I Register with Nigeria Export Promotion Council?

If you're a Nigerian entrepreneur or business person who wants to export goods or services from Nigeria, then you need to register with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC). This is a government agency that aims to promote non-oil exports from Nigeria and provide support services to exporters. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in registering with NEPC.

Step 1: Know the Registration Categories

The first step in registering with NEPC is to know the registration categories available. There are two types of registration categories, which are:

Exporter Registration Certificate (ERC)
Export Business Information Service (EBIS)

ERC is for companies that intend to export goods from Nigeria, while EBIS is for companies that provide services to exporters. Before you proceed with the registration process, you need to determine the category that is best suited for your business.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

After determining the registration category that is best suited for your business, the next step is to gather the required documents. Here are the documents you need to gather:

Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Bank reference letter
Proforma invoice
Export plan

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

The next step is to fill the application form. You can obtain the application form from any NEPC office or download it from the NEPC website. Complete the application form and attach the required documents.

Step 4: Submit the Application Form

After filling the application form and attaching the required documents, the next step is to submit the application form. You can submit the application form at any NEPC office or send it by mail.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

After submitting the application form, you need to wait for the processing of your application. The processing time varies depending on the registration category and the completeness of your application. You can follow up on the status of your application by contacting the NEPC office.

Step 6: Obtain Your Certificate

After your application has been approved, you will receive your certificate. The ERC certificate is valid for two years, while the EBIS certificate is valid for one year. You can renew your certificate by following the same registration process.

In conclusion, registering with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council is a straightforward process that involves determining the registration category, gathering the required documents, filling the application form, submitting the application form, waiting for processing, and obtaining your certificate. By following these steps, you can position your business for export opportunities and take advantage of the support services provided by NEPC.

FAQs

How much does it cost to register with NEPC?
The registration fee for ERC is N20,000, while the registration fee for EBIS is N10,000.
Can I register online?
No, the registration process is not available online. You need to visit any NEPC office or download the application form from the NEPC website.
Can I register if I am not a Nigerian citizen?
No, only Nigerian citizens or companies registered in Nigeria can register with NEPC.
What is the validity period of the ERC certificate?
The ERC certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue.
Can I export without an ERC or EBIS certificate?
No, you need to obtain either an ERC or EBIS certificate before you can export goods or services from Nigeria.