SONCAP Certificate - Nigeria

The SONCAP program, established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2005, addresses the critical issue of unsafe and substandard products entering the Nigerian market. It mandates that all imported products, whose specifications have been declared compulsory by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), undergo inspection to verify their conformity to the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) before being released into the Nigerian market.

Regulated Products under the SONCAP Programme include:

• Chemical Products: Motorcycle tyres, bicycle tyres, pencils, latex rubber condoms, paper and paper products, soap and detergents, shoe polish, mathematical sets, safety matches, fertilizers, cement, etc.
• Textiles and Textile Products: Fabrics, garments, yarns, threads, blankets, upholstery, furnishings, rugs, carpets.
• Footwear: Made of leather, rubber, plastic, canvas, or combinations thereof.
• Toys and Childcare Products: All categories, including dolls, model toys, puzzles, and similar recreational products.
• Electrical and Electronic Products (including fittings): Household appliances, photocopiers, computers, printers, consumer electronics, lamp holders, switches, plugs, etc.
• Mechanical Products: LPG accessories for gas and kerosene stoves, hurricane lamps, mortice locks, nails, hand tools, bicycles, auto spare parts (shock absorbers, fan belts, safety belts, brake pads, spark plugs, etc.)

In general, all products regulated by SON are subject to control, with the exception of:

 – Food products
 – Medicines and pharmaceuticals
 – Medical items other than equipment and machines
 – Chemicals used as raw materials by bona fide manufacturers
 – Military wares and equipment
 – Imports classified as contraband by the Federal Government of Nigeria
 – Used products (excluding automobiles)

Mandatory Requirements to Initiate the Certification Process:

• Correctly filled Applus+ Request Form (recommended)
• HS Codes (preferably included in the product invoice)
• Conformity Documents, such as:

 – Technical data sheets
 – Laboratory test reports issued by ISO 17025-accredited labs
 – Quality certificates and related documentation
 

Routes of Inspection for SONCAP Certification

Each shipment of goods destined for Nigeria requires a SONCAP Certificate (SC). The process for issuing this certificate depends on the nature of the product and its associated risk profile. There are three defined routes:

Route A (Unregistered / Unlicensed Product -Conformity Verification):

Each shipment requires inspection and testing, witnessing the full container load (FCL) stuffing, and affixing seals to the FCL. Upon satisfying all requirements, a SONCAP SC is issued.
Step 1: Test Report issued by Accredited Lab (product sampling for testing or under inspector supervision). Before applying for SC, a Product Certificate (PC1) should be issued (valid for 6 months).
Step 2: SONCAP Certificate issuance after reception of the test report, satisfactory goods verification, and affixing the seals based on the risk assessment and satisfactory reception of final documents.
If not satisfactory, the issuance of NCR is to be sent to SON.

Route B (Registered Products (Registered Conformity Inspection):

Registration of product(s) after testing and assessment of the manufacturer´s quality system is in place.
Step 1: Test Report and Product Certificate (Registered Status), upon satisfactory assessment of the exporter or manufacturer´s Quality System and collection of acceptable test reports. (valid for 12 months).
Step 2: A Test Report issued by an accredited laboratory is to be received for every shipment. Sample for submission to the approved laboratory or to witness the sampling and testing at the manufacturer´s premises.
Step 3: SONCAP SC after PC issuance as per above. Satisfactory goods verification, witnessing of stuffing of FCL and seals (where feasible, at least 40% of shipments per quarter), and reception of final docs.
If not satisfactory, the issuance of NCR is to be sent to SON.

Route C (Licensed Products (Product Certification Systems):

The licensing of products is based on a detailed evaluation of the product, including testing and factory audits, as well as regular surveillance. License is granted to manufacturers only.
Step 1: PC3 is valid for 12 months after completion of the audit at the manufacturer´s factory. Manufacturers under Route B can move to Route C based on a good compliance history (minimum four fully compliant transactions and two factory verifications).
Step 2: A Test Report issued by an accredited laboratory is to be received for every product within the scope of the Licensed Product Certificate.
Step 3: SONCAP SC after PC issuance as per above. Satisfactory goods verification, witnessing of stuffing of FCL and seals (where feasible, at least one shipment every six months), and reception of final docs.

For further inquiries, please contact us at: uae@applus.com