SONCAP Certificate - Nigeria

Fast-Track PC/SC with an Approved Technical Partner (IQS/IAF)

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, resulting in a Product Certificate (PC) and a shipment SONCAP Certificate (SC) recorded in e-SONCAP to support Customs procedures.

Product Scope under SONCAP (by NIS & HS Codes)

Regulated Products under the SONCAP Programme include, in line with applicable NIS and mapped to HS codes to define the PC/SC scope:
 

• 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 with documentation covering fibre content, flammability, and colourfastness in accordance with NIS.
• 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, evidencing mechanical/chemical safety and correct labelling to NIS for successful verification.
• Electrical and Electronic Products (including fittings): Household appliances, photocopiers, computers, printers, consumer electronics, lamp holders, switches, plugs. Covering electrical safety, EMC and performance tests among others.
• 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.)

SONCAP Exemptions (Official List)

In general, all products regulated by SON are subject to control, with the exception of the official SONCAP-exempt categories listed below:

– 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 (exempt/blocked under SONCAP controls).
– Used products (excluding automobiles)

Mandatory Requirements to Initiate the Certification Process

• Correctly filled Applus+ Request Form (recommended), to enable rapid case creation and route selection (A/B/C)
• HS Codes (preferably included in the product invoice), essential for NIS mapping, risk classification, and PC scope definition
• Conformity Documents, such as:
  – Technical data sheets (product specifications aligned to applicable NIS)
  – Laboratory test reports issued by ISO 17025-accredited labs (acceptance prerequisite for SONCAP)
  – Quality certificates and related documentation (QA/QC evidence supporting Registered or Licensed status)

Routes of Inspection for SONCAP Certification — Route A (Unregistered), Route B (Registered), Route C (Licensed)

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, which defines the testing requirements, factory assessment steps, and any FCL witnessing and sealing. There are three defined routes:

Route A - Unregistered / Unlicensed (PC1, Testing & FCL)

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), covering the specific product(s) and HS codes.

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. The SC is shipment-specific and mandatory for Customs clearance. If not satisfactory, the issuance of NCR is to be sent to SON, with corrective actions and retesting arranged to maintain shipping timelines.

Route B - Registered Products (PC2, Quality System)

Registration of product(s) after testing and assessment of the manufacturer’s quality system is in place, improving efficiency for multiple consignments during the certificate's validity.

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), typically corresponding to PC2 and covering multiple shipments.

Step 2: A Test Report issued by an accredited laboratory is to be received for every shipment. Sampling may be submitted to an approved laboratory or witnessed at the manufacturer’s premises, depending on risk.

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 documents; the SC is then posted on e-SONCAP for Customs use. If not satisfactory, the issuance of NCR is to be sent to SON, supported by CAPA guidance to avoid repeat non-conformities.

Route C - Licensed Products (PC3, Audit & Surveillance)

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, enabling streamlined SC issuance across covered product lines.

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), supporting recurring shipments to Nigeria.

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 documents; the SC is uploaded to e-SONCAP to complete Form M/PAAR requirements.

For further inquiries, please contact: uae@applus.com, and the team will advise on the optimal route (A/B/C), the required documentation to secure your PC/SC for Nigeria.