Nigeria – Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP)
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) is a regulatory initiative designed to ensure that all goods imported into Nigeria comply with the nation's standards before shipment.
This system enhances product quality, protects consumers, and supports fair competition across industries.
🧾 Overview of SONCAP
Since 2005, all regulated goods exported to Nigeria have required verification under the SONCAP scheme.
The program mandates that products comply with the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or equivalent approved international standards before they can enter the Nigerian market.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) implemented SONCAP to safeguard the economy and consumers from substandard, counterfeit, and unsafe goods.
An authorized inspection body conducts this pre‑export conformity assessment to certify compliance before shipment.
⚙️ Regulatory Framework
- Authority: Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
- Legal Basis: Central Bank of Nigeria Circular TED/AD/100/2005
- Purpose: Verify conformity of imported goods to applicable standards prior to arrival in Nigeria.
- Appointment: Authorized inspection entities are delegated by SON to perform certification and inspections across exporting countries.
The program is structured under two key certification schemes:
1- Product Certification (PC) – assesses and certifies specific products.
2- SONCAP Certification (SC) – validates compliance per shipment.
📦 Product Categories Covered
SONCAP applies to a wide range of regulated goods, including:
- Chemicals, fertilizers, and petroleum products
- Textiles, leather, footwear, toys, and childcare articles
- Electrical and electronic appliances (including fittings)
- Machinery, mechanical tools, and construction materials
- Household items, kitchenware, and hygiene products
- Automotive parts and vehicles
- Furniture, safety equipment, and recreation products
Exemptions apply to goods such as food, medicines, raw manufacturing chemicals, military equipment, and certain petroleum‑related products (e.g., LPG/CNG equipment).
Used products other than vehicles are not allowed.
🧩 The Certification Process
SONCAP involves two mandatory certification stages which work together to ensure compliance and traceability.
Step 1: 🏷️ Product Certification (PC)
This verifies product conformity to NIS or approved international standards.
Routes to Certification:
- Route A – Unregistered (PC1): For occasional exporters or traders.
- Route B – Registered (PC2): For exporters or manufacturers with an operational Quality Management System.
- Route C – Licensed (PC3): For manufacturers with certified and regularly audited systems.
Process Overview:
1- Submit a Request for Product Certificate (RFC) including detailed product information, test reports, and quality documentation.
2- Documents are reviewed, and testing may be conducted by accredited laboratories.
3- Once verified, a Product Certificate (PC1, PC2, or PC3) is issued electronically and activated on the SON portal.
Step 2: 🚢 SONCAP Certification (SC)
Before shipment, exporters must obtain a SONCAP Certificate (SC) for each consignment.
This confirms that the shipment matches the certified product data.
Requirements for SC Application:
- Valid Product Certificate (PC)
- e‑Form M (Import License)
- Final invoice and transport documents
- Importer’s RC and Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Inspection Process:
- Physical verification of goods
- Review of product labeling and packaging
- Witnessing loading and sealing for Full Container Load (FCL) shipments, where applicable
Upon satisfactory inspection and documentation review, the SC is issued electronically and activated on the SONCAP web portal.
The SC forms a mandatory component for the Pre‑Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) required by Nigerian Customs.
🧠 Technical & Labeling Requirements
- Products must adhere to NIS or recognized international standards (ISO, IEC, EN, ANSI, etc.).
- Electrical items must indicate voltage (220–240 V) and frequency (50–60 Hz) and be fitted with compliant UK‑type plugs or adaptors.
- All labels must be printed in English.
- For special categories like tobacco, fertilizers, and “life‑endanger” products (e.g., brake pads, cables, helmets), additional registration or inspection conditions apply.
💰 Applicable Fees
Certification fees are determined by the type of process:
- PC1: USD 500
- PC2: USD 1,000
- PC3: USD 2,000
- SONCAP Certificate (SC): USD 350
Additional costs may apply for testing, inspection witnessing, or amendments.
🌐 SONCAP Portal & Updates
In 2019, SON launched a new online SONCAP portal to streamline applications and certificate transmissions.
All certificates—PC and SC—are now electronically managed through this platform for transparency and traceability.
In 2022, SON renewed the appointment of authorized certification entities for the 2022–2026 period, ensuring continuous oversight and verification for Nigeria’s import compliance program.
🎯 Key Benefits of SONCAP
- Protects Nigerian consumers from unsafe and counterfeit goods.
- Promotes a level playing field for domestic industries.
- Prevents costly port delays and rejections through pre‑shipment verification.
- Encourages genuine investment and trust in Nigerian trade.
- Ensures environmental safety by preventing re‑testing or destruction of substandard imports.
🤝 How ComplyMarket Can Help
ComplyMarket simplifies SONCAP compliance for exporters and importers by offering:
- Expert guidance on certification routes (PC1, PC2, PC3, and SC).
- Preparation and review of documentation for quick approval.
- Coordination with authorized inspection bodies.
- Real‑time compliance tracking via the SONCAP portal.
With ComplyMarket’s support, your shipments to Nigeria can move faster, avoid delays, and maintain consistent regulatory compliance.