Nigeria SONCAP Certification Service

The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) is the official government agency responsible for formulating and enforcing quality standards for imported and local products. To ensure regulated goods comply with Nigerian technical regulations and international standards, and to protect consumers from unsafe and substandard products, SON enforces the mandatory pre-shipment conformity assessment program known as SONCAP for all controlled imports.

Nigeria is located in Southeast West Africa and is the most populous country in Africa. All regulated products exported to Nigeria must complete SONCAP compliance procedures to achieve smooth customs clearance.

Introduction to SONCAP

Authorized by SON, we provide one-stop SONCAP certification agency services. Since March 1, 2013, SON has implemented updated operating rules: third-party institutions no longer issue SONCAP certificates directly. Exporters apply for the CoC conformity certificate in the country of origin, and the importer applies for the final SON SC customs clearance certificate locally with the valid CoC document.

Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON)

As Nigeria’s national standard management authority, SON implements mandatory pre-shipment inspection and conformity verification for imported goods. The SONCAP scheme covers most daily industrial and consumer goods to control product quality, safety and health risks.

SONCAP Certification Steps

Step 1 Product testing to obtain a qualified test report;

Step 2 Apply for PC Product Certificate, including three modes: PC1 (Unregistered), PC2 (Registered) and PC3 (Licensed);

Step 3 Apply for batch CoC pre-shipment inspection certificate for customs clearance.

01 Product Testing

a. Submit a valid test report issued by an ISO 17025 & CNAS accredited laboratory within 2 years.

b. We can assist in arranging qualified test documents to meet application requirements efficiently.
02 PC Product Certificate Application

1. Application form with signature and company seal on each page;

2. Product name, HS code, clear product photos, label and marking information, packaging and shipping mark photos marked with brand, model and Made in China;

3. Valid ISO 17025 test report;

4. Factory quality system review documents.
03 CoC Shipment Clearance Certificate

CoC application form with official seal;

Valid test report and ISO9001 quality certificate;

On-site inspection, sampling test and container loading supervision;

Bill of lading, commercial invoice and packing list;

Product nameplate, label and outer packaging photos;

Additional authorization letter required if the PC certificate is under another company’s name.

According to official SON and CBN regulations, products regulated by NAFDAC and special supplies are exempted from SONCAP control.

Food
Pharmaceuticals
Medical Supplies
(Excluding professional equipment)
Chemical Raw Materials
Military Supplies
Aviation Products
Industrial Production Equipment
Second-hand Goods
(Excluding motor vehicles)

All other daily consumer goods, electrical appliances, machinery, building materials and general industrial products must complete SONCAP certification to avoid customs detention and fines.