The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in collaboration with the National Single Window (NSW), has implemented immediate measures to address current delays in processing licences, permits, certificates and other documents (LPCOS) on the NSW platform.
Immediate Interventions to Support Trade
According to a notice issued by the NSW Project Secretariat yesterday, these interventions are designed to facilitate smoother trade operations and expedite goods clearance at the ports. The notice stated that NAFDAC has introduced a conditional release procedure for consignments with minor documentation issues, provided there are no significant regulatory risks. Appropriate administrative measures will be applied as needed.
Extension of 2025 E-Licences
As part of the interventions, the validity of 2025 e-licences has been extended. All 2025 e-licences that expired on December 31, 2025, and were used in the Ports Inspection Data Capture and Risk Management System (PIDCARMS) have been extended to May 31, 2026. The statement noted that these licences are now available for use on the NSW platform.
Special Consideration for Exhausted Quotas
The NSW Secretariat also announced special consideration for importers with exhausted quotas. Importers who have exhausted their quotas but have consignments at ports will receive special consideration upon submission of verifiable shipping documents, such as a Bill of Lading.
Conditional Release for Minor Documentation Gaps
Regarding conditional release for minor documentation gaps, the secretariat stated that consignments with minor documentation issues may now be conditionally released, provided there are no major regulatory risks. Administrative measures may still apply where necessary. These measures take immediate effect and are designed to reduce bottlenecks, support businesses, and keep trade moving efficiently. The statement concluded: "Your seamless trade experience starts with the right support."
