SONCAP Certification Service

1. Certification Introduction

The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) is the Nigerian government agency responsible for formulating and enforcing quality standards for imported goods and locally manufactured products. To ensure that regulated products comply with approved national technical standards or other international standards, and to protect Nigerian consumers from unsafe or non-compliant products, SON has implemented the SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for regulated products exported to the country.

Currently, SON has authorized CCIC to implement SONCAP operations worldwide. The elements of the SONCAP conformity assessment include pre-shipment physical inspection, sampling, testing and analysis in accredited laboratories, audit of product manufacturing processes and systems, document review, and other standard compliance assessments.

2. Regulated Products

(1) Electrical and electronic products

(2) Motor vehicle tires

(3) Automotive glass

(4) Vehicle spare parts

(5) Motor vehicle batteries

(6) Gas appliances

(7) Toys

(8) Certain galvanized steel products

(9) Food and food products

(10) Chemicals

The following products are not subject to SONCAP regulation, including: food, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies (excluding equipment and instruments), chemical raw materials, aviation-related products, industrial machinery for production, second-hand products (excluding motor vehicles), and components for bicycles, motorcycles, and motor vehicles supplied to legitimate manufacturers or assembly plants for assembly.

3. Certification Steps

(1) Product testing

There are two methods for SONCAP product testing: having a compliant test report or other certification (declaration), and an unverified declaration.

(2) Application for Product Certificate (PC)

Applicable for the first-time export of a specific category of regulated products to Nigeria. After obtaining a test report that meets the certification body's requirements, relevant documents can be submitted to apply for a PC.

(3) Application for Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Since April 1, 2013, Nigeria has implemented a new SONCAP policy. Exporters no longer apply for SONCAP for each shipment but instead apply for a CoC. After obtaining the CoC, the exporter provides it to the importer to apply for the SC. The SC is applied for directly by the importer at the local SONCAP office.

(4) Exchange for SONCAP Certificate

4. PC Certificate Categories

PC1: Unregistered PC certificate, valid for 6 months and can be used only once. Suitable for products with many models and shipments not exceeding once a year. For unregistered or unlicensed products, each shipment must undergo testing and inspection before the SC certificate is issued. Note: The certificate is only valid for the specific shipment applied for.

PC2: Registered status PC certificate, valid for 1 year with unlimited usage during the validity period. Suitable for most ordinary products not under high-risk regulation. Product registration involves type testing and assessment of the manufacturer's quality management system to ensure product compliance with relevant standards and the manufacturer's capability to consistently produce products of the same quality.

PC3: Licensed status PC certificate, valid for 1 year with unlimited usage during the validity period. Requires factory audit and is suitable for high-risk regulated products with frequent shipments within a year. Product licensing is based on detailed product evaluation, including testing, factory audit, and periodic monitoring. If the product complies with relevant Nigerian standards or their recognized equivalents, a license is granted. Product licensing applies only to the product manufacturer, not the exporter/supplier.

Note: High-risk regulated products (currently 31 categories) are only allowed to apply for PC1 or PC3 and must undergo inspection.

5. CoC Certification Forms

Route A, for occasional shipments within a year: After the goods are produced, an inspector conducts an inspection, samples are taken from the batch for testing. If the test is passed, a PR report is issued. Pre-shipment supervision and sealing are conducted, and a CoC certificate is issued upon compliance. Required documents: 1) CoC application form; 2) Product name, product photos, HS code; 3) Packing list, proforma invoice; 4) FORM M number.

Route B, for products shipped multiple times within a year:

1. First, the exporter applies for a PC (valid for one year). Process: 1) PC application form; 2) Product name, product photos, HS code; 3) Qualified test report from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory; 4) System audit of the factory.

2. After the goods are produced, the factory applies for CoC: 1) CoC application form; 2) Packing list, proforma invoice; 3) FORM M number. After documents are complete, a certain percentage of goods are inspected, sampled, and supervised (not less than 40%). A CoC certificate is issued upon compliance.

Route C, for frequent shipments within a year:

1. First, the factory applies for a Licence (valid for one year). Requirements: 1) At least 4 successful applications under Route B; 2) Two factory audits passed; 3) Qualified test report from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.

2. After the goods are produced, the factory applies for CoC: 1) CoC application form; 2) Packing list, proforma invoice; 3) FORM M number. After documents are complete, a certain percentage of goods are inspected and supervised, at least twice a year.

6. Certification Documents

PC certificate: Fill out PC application form, applicant's business license, ISO 9001, product description and usage description.

SC certificate: SC application form, PC certificate, FORM M, packing list, invoice, bill of lading.