Bureau Veritas Exits SONCAP: What Exporters Need to Do Next

Bureau Veritas has withdrawn from the SONCAP programme, meaning exporters who previously depended on them for Product Certificates (PCs) and SONCAP Certificates (SCs) must now transition to an alternative Inspection Agent Firm (IAF).

For many exporters, this raises urgent operational questions:

• How do we maintain continuity of shipments?

• What happens to existing Product Certificates?

• Will shipments be delayed at Nigerian ports?

• How quickly can we onboard a new IAF?

SANTIQ is already supporting affected exporters with structured transition strategies to ensure minimal disruption.

What This Means in Practice

SONCAP is administered by Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), but certification is delivered through approved Inspection Agent Firms (IAFs).

If your existing IAF has ceased operations:

• Product Certificates issued by that IAF may no longer be usable for new shipments

• SONCAP Certificates cannot be issued without a valid PC under an active IAF

• Shipment timelines may be impacted if transition is not handled quickly

Without a structured transition plan, exporters face:

• Shipment delays and port holds

• Additional testing requirements

• Duplicate certification costs

• Compliance gaps across product lines

How SANTIQ Supports a Smooth Transition

SANTIQ provides a fully managed transition approach, tailored to your product portfolio and shipment profile.

1. Immediate Portfolio Review

• Assessment of existing PCs and technical documentation

• Identification of reusable test reports

• Gap analysis against SON requirements

2. Transition Strategy Design

• Selection of the appropriate SONCAP route (PC1, PC2, PC3)

• Mapping of products to certification pathways

• Prioritisation based on shipment urgency

3. Fast-Track Certification

• Migration/re-issuance of Product Certificates

• Coordination of any required testing

• Direct handling of SONCAP Certificate issuance

4. Shipment Continuity Planning

• Alignment with your logistics timelines

• Coordination with importers and clearing agents

• Minimising disruption to goods already in transit

Why Exporters Choose SANTIQ

Exporters switch to SANTIQ because:

• Integrated online platform – centralised tracking of products, documents, and certificates

• Global account managers – coordinated support across regions

• Deep SONCAP expertise – we've been successfully handling SONCAP certifications for over 12 years

• Speed and responsiveness – certificates issued within 24 hours if all requirements are in place

• No admin fees – fees are aligned with the standard fees set by SON

Speak to SANTIQ

Our team is already supporting exporters across multiple sectors through this transition.

Contact SANTIQ today to:

• Review your current certification status

• Build a transition plan

• Ensure continuity of shipments to Nigeria