SONCAP certification, full name Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program, is a certification system implemented by the Nigerian government to ensure that the quality, safety and performance of imported products meet national standards and regulations. This certification system is an essential and necessary step for products wishing to enter the Nigerian market.
SONCAP certification applies to most imported goods, including electronic equipment, toys, textiles, etc. However, certain specific products such as food and pharmaceuticals (which must be certified by NAFDAC) are not covered by SONCAP certification. For products that require SONCAP certification, the certification process usually involves the following key steps:
First, exporters must determine whether the product falls within the scope of mandatory SONCAP certification and identify the specific standards applicable to the product. These standards may cover safety, performance, environmental and other aspects. Exporters can obtain this information from the Nigerian Standards Organisation (SON) or from local consultancies.
Next, exporters must select a certification body authorised by SON (such as SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, etc.) to apply for a Product Certificate (PC). During the application process, exporters must submit technical documents such as product manuals, design drawings, test reports, etc. to prove that the products comply with the relevant standards. The certification body will test and evaluate the products to ensure that they meet the technical standards of the Nigerian market. Testing can be carried out at the manufacturer's premises, but the test report must be issued by an accredited laboratory.
Once the product certificate application is approved, the exporter can begin the process of applying for a SONCAP Certificate (SC). When the goods are ready to be exported to Nigeria, the importer or exporter must submit relevant documents such as product certificates, packing lists, commercial invoices, etc. to the certification body and apply for a SONCAP certificate. The certification body may conduct a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) of the goods to verify that the goods are as described in the product certificate. If the goods pass the inspection, the certification body will issue a SONCAP certificate, which is a necessary document for the product to clear customs in Nigeria.
The importance of SONCAP certification is obvious. It is not only a necessary condition for products to enter the Nigerian market, but also an important means of protecting consumer safety and maintaining market order. Through SONCAP certification, products can demonstrate compliance with Nigerian standards and regulations, thereby gaining consumer confidence and recognition. At the same time, SONCAP certification helps to improve the quality and competitiveness of products, creating more business opportunities for exporters.
However, SONCAP certification is not a one-off process. For product certificates that are valid for one or three years, companies should update them before they expire to ensure that the products continue to meet the requirements of the Nigerian market. In addition, SON will carry out spot checks on products that have entered the market to ensure that they meet the relevant quality and safety standards. Therefore, exporters must continue to monitor changes in relevant regulations and standards in Nigeria to ensure that products continue to meet the requirements of SONCAP certification.
In short, SONCAP certification is a necessary step to ensure the quality of products entering the Nigerian market. For products wishing to enter the Nigerian market, it is essential to understand and comply with the requirements of the SONCAP certification scheme. Through SONCAP certification, products can gain the trust and recognition of consumers, improve quality and competitiveness, and create more business opportunities for exporters.
Latest News
