Nigeria SONCAP Certification Program - Overview

Nigeria’s SONCAP program plays a critical role in ensuring that imported goods meet national safety and quality requirements before entering the market. By requiring both product-level certification and shipment-specific verification, authorities can assess compliance at multiple stages of the import process.

For exporters and importers, understanding SONCAP requirements and completing all necessary testing, inspection, and certification steps prior to shipment is essential to avoid delays, penalties, or rejection at the border and to ensure efficient access to the Nigerian market.

1. Purpose and Scope

Nigeria operates the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP), a mandatory system designed to verify that certain imported products comply with national standards and technical regulations before entering the country.

The program requires regulated goods to undergo conformity assessment procedures in the exporting country prior to shipment. Following successful verification, a SONCAP Certificate (SC) is issued to confirm compliance with applicable requirements.

SONCAP was introduced by the Federal Government of Nigeria to address the presence of unsafe and substandard imported goods and to ensure that products entering the market meet defined quality and safety standards.

The scheme also supports regulatory control and facilitates smoother import processes by ensuring compliance before goods arrive in Nigeria.

2. Government Authority

The SONCAP program is administered by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, which is responsible for setting and enforcing standards for products imported into Nigeria.

To implement the program, SON appoints Independent Accredited Firms (IAFs) to carry out conformity assessment activities in exporting countries. These organizations perform inspections, testing, and certification processes to verify compliance with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and approved equivalents.

These authorized bodies operate internationally and support exporters in meeting SONCAP requirements prior to shipment.

3. SONCAP Certificate (SC) and Product Certificate (PC)

SONCAP requires two key certification documents for regulated imports into Nigeria:

• Product Certificate (PC): Confirms that a product complies with applicable standards and is issued in three categories—unregistered, registered, or licensed—depending on compliance history.

• SONCAP Certificate (SC): Issued for each shipment to verify that the specific consignment meets Nigerian requirements.

The Product Certificate is required for opening the Form M (import declaration), while the SONCAP Certificate is mandatory for customs clearance of goods upon arrival in Nigeria.

Each shipment of regulated products must be accompanied by a valid SONCAP Certificate. Shipments without this document may be subject to penalties, delays, or enforcement actions.

4. Products Subject to SONCAP

SONCAP applies to a wide range of regulated product categories that must comply with Nigerian standards.

Examples of product groups covered by the program include:

• chemical products

• textiles and textile products

• footwear

• toys and childcare products

• electrical and electronic products

• mechanical products

• automotive spare parts

• household and industrial items such as tools and fittings

Certain goods are excluded from SONCAP, including:

• food products

• pharmaceuticals

• most medical consumables

• some raw materials for manufacturers

• used goods (with limited exceptions)

Exporters should confirm whether their products fall within the regulated scope before shipment.

5. Conformity Assessment Process

To obtain SONCAP certification, exporters must complete a series of verification steps before shipment.

Step 1 – Product Certification

The exporter applies for a Product Certificate (PC), providing documentation such as product specifications and test reports. The certificate type depends on the product’s compliance track record.

Step 2 – Document Review

The conformity assessment body evaluates submitted documentation to determine applicable standards and compliance requirements.

Step 3 – Inspection

Pre-shipment inspection may be conducted to verify product details, quantities, and consistency with documentation.

Step 4 – Testing

Where required, product samples are tested in accredited laboratories to confirm compliance with relevant standards.

Step 5 – SONCAP Certificate Issuance

After successful verification, a SONCAP Certificate (SC) is issued for the shipment. This certificate must accompany the goods for customs clearance in Nigeria.

If products fail to meet requirements, a Non-Conformity Report (NCR) may be issued instead.

6. Certification Routes

SONCAP provides multiple certification routes depending on the exporter’s compliance history and product risk level.

• Route A – Unregistered Products: Each shipment undergoes full verification, including inspection and testing.

• Route B – Registered Products: Applies to exporters with a history of compliant shipments, allowing reduced verification requirements.

• Route C – Licensed Products: Intended for manufacturers with strong quality systems and consistent compliance, enabling streamlined certification and periodic surveillance.

These routes provide flexibility while maintaining regulatory oversight.

7. Objectives of the Program

The SONCAP program is designed to achieve several key regulatory objectives:

• Consumer protection: preventing unsafe and substandard products from entering the market

• Quality assurance: ensuring imported goods comply with Nigerian Industrial Standards

• Market protection: safeguarding local industries from unfair competition

• Trade facilitation: enabling smoother import procedures through pre-shipment compliance

• Regulatory enforcement: strengthening control over imported products

How SANTIQ Can Assist

SANTIQ supports exporters and importers in navigating Kenya KEBS certification requirements by leveraging our global network of trusted certification, inspection, and testing partners. We assist with documentation, product testing, and pre-shipment verification to ensure full compliance with Kenyan standards and a smooth certification process.

In addition, SANTIQ provides expert guidance on Nigeria SONCAP certification, helping clients manage Product Certificates (PC) and SONCAP Certificates (SC) efficiently through our partner network.