Nigeria Soncap Certification

What is Soncap certification in Nigeria

The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) is the Nigerian government agency responsible for formulating and implementing quality standards for imported goods and domestically manufactured products. In order to ensure that controlled products comply with the country’s technical standards or other international standards that have been approved for implementation, and to protect Nigerian consumers from unsafe or non-compliant products, the National Bureau of Standards of Nigeria has decided to implement controlled products exported to the country. Compulsory conformity assessment procedure before shipment (hereinafter referred to as SONCAP).

On March 1, 2013, the Nigeria Bureau of Standards officially released the new SONCAP operation process. In the future, each independent third-party organization will no longer directly issue SONCAP certification. Instead, exporters will apply for product conformity certification (CoC) in the exporting country. The importer then applies for the SC certificate to the Nigeria Bureau of Standards (SON) with a valid CoC.

Certified product range

According to the latest notice issued by SON (Nigeria Bureau of Standards) and CBN on July 29, 2009, all products and goods imported into Nigeria are classified as SONCAP, except for products regulated by the Nigerian Food and Drug Administration and Control Agency (NAFDAC). Plan-controlled products. In addition to the products regulated by NAFDAC, the following products do not need to be regulated by SONCAP,

Certified product process

Nigeria certification is mainly divided into three steps:

The first step: product testing;

Step 2: Apply for three modes of PC product certificate (A.B.C);

The third step: apply for COC certificate;

Three forms of CoC certification

Route A, for occasional shipments in one year

After the exporter's goods are produced, the inspector will inspect the goods, and then take samples from the bulk for testing. After the test is passed, a PR report will be issued, the installation will be supervised and the seal will be attached before shipment, and a CoC certificate will be issued after passing.

The documents to be submitted are as follows:

1. CoC application form

2. Product name, product photo, customs code

3. Packing list

4. Proforma invoice

5.FORMM number

Route B is for multiple shipments of the product in a year.

First, the exporter applies for a PC. The process of applying for a PC is as follows:

1.     PC application form

2.     Product name, product photo, customs code

3.     A qualified test report issued by an ISO 17025 qualified laboratory

4.     System audit of the factory

The PC is valid for one year after getting

After the factory has produced the goods, the process of applying for CoC is as follows:

1.     CoC application form;

2.     packing list

3.     Proforma invoice

4.     FORMM number

After the information is complete, a certain rate of inspection, sampling test and supervision of the goods shall be carried out, and the rate shall not be less than 40%, and a CoC certificate shall be issued if it is qualified.

Route C is aimed at frequent shipments in one year.

First, the factory applies for a license, the application conditions are as follows:

1.     On the basis of Route B, there are at least 4 successful applications;

2.     The factory has been audited twice and qualified;

3.     A qualified test report issued by an ISO 17025 qualified laboratory;

The validity period after obtaining the license is one year.

After the factory has produced the goods, the process of applying for CoC is as follows:

4.     CoC application form

5.     packing list

6.     Proforma invoice

7.     FORMM number

After the information is complete, a certain rate of inspection and supervision of the goods shall be carried out, no less than twice a year.

CoC certificate in exchange for SONCAP certificate

The exporter provides the CoC to the importer after obtaining the CoC, and then the importer applies the SC certificate to the Nigeria Bureau of Standards (SON) with the valid CoC for customs clearance.