SONCAP certification is a mandatory conformity assessment procedure implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria. It is designed to check and control the entry of substandard and unsafe products into the Nigerian market to protect the rights and safety of consumers. SONCAP came into effect on 1 September 2005 and was officially implemented on 1 December 2005 after a 90-day grace period.
SONCAP certification is a certificate required for customs clearance in Nigeria and is issued by the Nigerian Bureau of Standards (SON). The certification consists of two parts: PC (Product Certificate) and SC (SONCAP Certificate). Before exporting products to Nigeria, exporters or manufacturers must first apply for and obtain a PC Certificate to prove that their products comply with relevant Nigerian standards and regulations. Importers must then apply to SON for an SC Certificate with a valid PC Certificate and other necessary documents for customs clearance at the Nigerian Customs Service.
The SONCAP certification process is divided into three different routes, depending on the frequency and nature of product shipments:
1: Applicable to occasional shipments throughout the year. After the exporter has completed production of the goods, the inspector will examine the goods and take samples for testing. After the test is qualified, a PR report will be issued and the goods will be supervised and sealed before shipment. Finally, a CoC certificate is issued for customs clearance by foreign customers.
2: Applicable to multiple shipments in a year. First, the exporter must apply for a CoC certificate, which is valid for one year. After the production of the goods is completed, the process of applying for a CoC certificate includes submitting a CoC application form, product name, product photo, customs code and other documents, and inspecting, sampling and monitoring the goods at a certain rate. After passing the inspection, a CoC certificate is issued.
3: Applicable to frequent shipments in a year. In this case, the factory must first apply for a licence, which is also valid for one year. After obtaining the licence, the factory can apply for a CoC certificate in a process similar to Route B after the production of the goods is completed.
For exporters and manufacturers, SONCAP certification is not only a necessary condition for entering the Nigerian market, but also an important way to enhance product competitiveness and brand image. Through SONCAP certification, exporters can demonstrate that their products meet Nigeria’s stringent standards and regulations, thereby gaining the trust and favour of consumers.
In short, SONCAP certification is an important way to ensure product safety in the Nigerian market. Exporters and manufacturers should fully understand the process and requirements of SONCAP certification, actively apply for and obtain relevant certificates to enhance their product competitiveness and market position. At the same time, when writing relevant articles, it is also necessary to choose keywords wisely to ensure the accuracy and readability of the article.
