What's SONCAP Certificate?
SONCAP stands for the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program.
With a rapidly expanding market for imports in Nigeria and to help fulfill its responsibility to protect Nigerian consumers, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
has implemented stringent and clear guidelines to inform exporters, and assure Nigeria consumers that imported products comply with applicable regulations.
All exports to Nigeria must comply. No SONCAP certificate, no entry.
What products are covered by the SONCAP?
From 5th September 2009, all products are covered by SONCAP except those regulated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). In addition to the products covered under NAFDAC, products that are also exempt from the SONCAP include:
- Chemical products
- Textile and textile products
- Foot wear
- Toys and child care products
- Electrical (including Electrical Fittings) and Electronics products
- Mechanical products
- LPG cylinders and accessories for gas & kerosene stoves
- Others (Hurricane Lamps, Mortice Locks, Nails Hand Tools, Bicycle, Auto spares Shock absorbers, Fan Belts, Safety Belts, Brake pads, Spark Plugs,Food Products,Drugs,Medical ProductsMilitary ware and equipment,Aviation related products,…)
SONCAP process
SONCAP requires two mandatory processes of verification:
1- Product certification:Product certificate 1 (PC1) for Unregistered Status or Product certificate 2 (PC2) for Registered Status or Product certificate 3(PC3) for Licensed Status.
2- SONCAP certification:SONCAP certificate (SC)
When applicate SONCAP Certificate,there must be provide detail doc with follow:
- A Valid Copy for Product Certificate for each product
- Application form for SONCAP Certificate application/request
- Proforma Invoice and Packing List
- E-Form M
Improve quality of products through compliance with the NIS or approved standards prior to export to Nigeria
Protect consumers against dangerous, sub-standard or counterfeit products
Protect domestic industry from unfair competition of poor quality imports
Ease trade operations by recognizing existing conformity proof to avoid unnecessary re-testing
IMPORTATION DOCUMENTS:FEES FOR SONCAP
The fees related to issuance of Product and SONCAP Certificates are borne by the Seller/Exporter based on the following scales:
◆ Product Certificate(Unregistere):USD 300
◆ The Product Certificate(Registered):USD 300
◆ Product Certificate(Licensed):USD 1300