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Nigeria

Nigeria

Access Africa's largest economy with SONCAP certification and federal agency approvals. Navigate SON, NAFDAC, NCC regulations for successful market entry.

223M
Population
$472B
GDP (2023)
#1
African Economy

Key Requirements Overview

SONCAP Certification

Mandatory conformity assessment

NAFDAC Registration

Food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics

NCC Type Approval

Telecommunications & IT equipment

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Nigeria Africa's largest economy

Nigeria stands as Africa's largest economy and most populous nation, offering significant opportunities for businesses worldwide. With its complex regulatory landscape spanning federal agencies and state-specific requirements, proper compliance through SONCAP is essential for market success.

Market Advantages

Africa's largest consumer market with 223+ million people
Rapidly growing middle class and urban centers
Strategic gateway to ECOWAS markets
English-speaking business environment

Regulatory Framework

Nigeria operates with multiple federal agencies overseeing different product categories.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) manages the SONCAP program, while specialized agencies like NAFDAC and NCC regulate specific sectors, ensuring comprehensive product safety and compliance.

Quick Facts

Capital
Abuja
Currency
Nigerian Naira (NGN)
Official Language
English
Main Regulatory Body
SON
Key Program
SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme)

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Regulatory Bodies

Federal regulatory agencies

Understanding Nigeria's multi-agency regulatory framework

SONCAP

Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme

Required for imported products entering Nigeria. Ensures products meet Nigerian Industrial Standards before customs clearance.

MANCAP

Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme

Required for locally manufactured products in Nigeria. Ensures domestic production meets Nigerian Industrial Standards.

SON

Standards Organisation of Nigeria manages SONCAP (imports) and MANCAP (local manufacturing) conformity assessment for most consumer and industrial products.

Covers:
  • • Electronics & electrical goods
  • • Toys & children's products
  • • Textiles, furniture & automotive parts
  • • Building materials & machinery

NAFDAC

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ensures safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and chemicals.

Regulates:
  • • Food, beverages & consumables
  • • Pharmaceuticals & medical products
  • • Cosmetics & personal care
  • • Chemicals & lubricants

NCC

Nigerian Communications Commission regulates telecommunications and approves all communications equipment and network-connected devices.

Required for:
  • • Mobile phones & tablets
  • • Wireless & IT equipment
  • • Telecommunications equipment

NESREA

National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency protects the environment through regulations on e-waste, chemicals, and hazardous materials.

Covers:
  • • Electronic waste control
  • • Single-use plastics
  • • Environmental compliance

FRSC

Federal Road Safety Corps ensures safety standards for vehicles and automotive components.

Covers:
  • • Vehicle safety standards
  • • Tires & safety equipment
  • • Child car seats

NEPC

Nigerian Export Promotion Council manages pre-export verification and quality standards for imports.

Requirements:
  • • Pre-shipment inspection
  • • Clean Report of Findings
  • • Import prohibition list compliance

Multiple Agency Jurisdiction: Some products fall under multiple agency jurisdictions. For example, an electronic medical device may require SONCAP certification from SON, NAFDAC approval for medical use, and NCC type approval for wireless functionality. Always verify all applicable requirements.

Product Requirements

Requirements by product category

Understand which agency regulates your products and what's required

Food, Beverages & Consumables

NAFDAC Registration

NAFDAC-approved testing for safety, quality, and labelling. Certificate of Free Sale, GMP evidence, and factory inspection required.

Pharmaceuticals & Medical Products

NAFDAC Registration

Quality, safety, and efficacy testing. Technical dossier, clinical data, GMP evidence, and factory inspection required.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

NAFDAC Registration

Safety testing including microbiological analysis, heavy metals, and ingredient compliance. No therapeutic claims permitted.

Electrical & Electronic Products

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Electrical safety, insulation, EMC testing. Product specifications, test reports, and SON Certificate of Conformity required.

Telecommunications Equipment

SON + NCC Type Approval

Electrical safety, EMC, and network compliance testing. Requires both SON Certificate and NCC Type Approval.

Toys & Children's Products

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Mechanical/physical safety, chemical safety, flammability testing. Age warnings and safety labelling required.

Textiles & Apparel

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Fibre composition, colourfastness, shrinkage, strength testing. Care labelling and quality management evidence required.

Automotive Parts

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Mechanical performance, material quality, durability, and safety testing. Technical specifications and test reports required.

Chemicals

SONCAP/MANCAP + potential NAFDAC

Chemical composition, pH, toxicity, flammability testing. MSDS, labelling, and technical specifications required.

Building Materials

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Mechanical strength, load resistance, durability testing. Technical specifications and quality management evidence required.

Machinery

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Mechanical performance, electrical safety, operational reliability testing. Technical drawings and user manuals required.

Personal Protective Equipment

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Impact resistance, penetration resistance, durability testing. User instructions and quality documentation required.

Gas Appliances

SON Certification

Pressure/leakage, combustion efficiency, flame stability testing. User manuals and safety instructions required.

Footwear

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Material quality, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, slip resistance testing. Quality management evidence required.

Furniture

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Material quality, structural strength, durability, fire resistance testing. Technical specifications and labelling required.

Mechanical Devices

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Mechanical strength, load/fatigue resistance, moving-parts safety testing. Technical drawings and safety instructions required.

Paper Products

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Paper strength, brightness, durability, chemical composition testing. Quality management evidence required.

Plastic & Rubber Products

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Material composition, chemical safety, mechanical strength, flexibility testing. Quality management documentation required.

Food Contact Materials

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Chemical migration, heavy metals, plasticisers, phthalates, microbial safety testing. Material specifications required.

Packaging

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Material composition, strength, durability, chemical safety testing. Handling instructions and quality evidence required.

Batteries

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Electrical performance, capacity, leakage, toxicity testing. Safety data sheets and technical specifications required.

Lubricants

SONCAP/MANCAP + potential NAFDAC

Chemical composition, viscosity, flash point, toxicity testing. MSDS and technical specifications required.

Paints & Varnishes

SONCAP (imports) / MANCAP (local)

Chemical composition, viscosity, flash point, toxicity, heavy metals testing. MSDS and packaging details required.

Single-Use Plastics

NESREA Certification

Biodegradability, thickness, chemical composition, leaching testing. NESREA Certificate of Compliance required.

Multiple Agency Jurisdiction: Some products fall under multiple agency jurisdictions. For example, an electronic medical device may require SONCAP certification from SON, NAFDAC approval for medical use, and NCC type approval for wireless functionality. Always verify all applicable requirements.

Compliance Journey

Your SONCAP compliance process

Follow these steps to ensure your products meet all Nigerian requirements

1

Select SONCAP Route

Choose the appropriate SONCAP route based on your import frequency and business model.

Available routes:

  • • Route A: License for frequent importers (1 year, multiple products)
  • • Route B: Product Certificate for regular importers (1 year)
  • • Route C: Per-shipment certification for occasional imports
2

Obtain Test Reports

Get your products tested according to Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or acceptable international standards.

Accepted Labs

  • • ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs
  • • ILAC MRA recognized facilities
  • • SON-approved laboratories

Test Standards

  • • Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS)
  • • IEC/ISO standards
  • • Other internationally recognized standards
3

Apply for Product Certificate

Submit your application through approved certification bodies with test reports and technical documentation.

Required documents:

  • • Valid test reports from accredited labs
  • • Product specifications and photos
  • • Company registration documents
  • • Factory inspection reports (if applicable)

Obtain Certificate of Conformity

For each shipment, obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) required for customs clearance.

For each shipment:

  • • Apply for CoC through certification body
  • • Provide commercial invoice and packing list
  • • Link to valid Product Certificate (Route B/C)
  • • Present CoC at Nigerian customs for clearance

Simplify Your Nigeria Compliance Journey

Our platform streamlines SONCAP applications, connects you with accredited labs, and manages your certificates in one place.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Nigeria market access and SONCAP certification

What is the difference between SONCAP Routes A, B, and C?

Route A is for frequent importers with a license valid for 1 year covering multiple products. Route B is for regular importers with a Product Certificate valid for 1 year. Route C is for one-time or irregular shipments requiring both PC and CoC for each consignment. Most businesses choose Route B for efficiency.

Do I need a Nigerian entity to import products?

Yes, products must be imported by a Nigerian-registered entity. Foreign manufacturers typically work with Nigerian importers, distributors, or establish a Nigerian subsidiary. The Nigerian entity handles customs clearance and acts as the local representative for regulatory compliance.

Are international test reports accepted for SONCAP?

Yes, SON accepts test reports from internationally accredited laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025) including those with ILAC MRA status. However, tests must be conducted according to relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or acceptable international standards.

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  • Full SONCAP certification handling
  • Product testing management
  • Federal agency navigation support
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