Introduction to Various Certifications

SONCAP(Safety) [Nigeria]

The SONCAP certificate is a legally required document for controlled products to go through the customs clearance procedures in Nigeria. The absence of a SONCAP certificate will result in delays in the customs clearance of controlled products or their rejection from entering the Nigerian domestic market. It is particularly important to note that SONCAP applies to controlled products, and other import procedures stipulated by the Nigerian government remain valid.

The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) is the government agency in Nigeria responsible for formulating and implementing quality standards for imported goods and products manufactured domestically. To ensure that controlled products comply with the country's technical standards that have been approved for implementation or other international standards, and to protect Nigerian consumers from being harmed by unsafe or non-compliant products, the Standard Organization of Nigeria has decided to implement a mandatory pre-shipment conformity assessment program (hereinafter referred to as SONCAP) for controlled products exported to the country.

After SONCAP has been implemented in Nigeria for many years, according to the latest notice, a new SONCAP policy will be implemented starting from April 1st, 2013. Compared with the previous SONCAP, there are significant changes. Exporters no longer need to apply for SONCAP for each shipment. Instead, they should apply for a COC. After obtaining the COC, the exporter should provide it to the importer, who will then apply for an SC. The SC should be directly applied for by the importer at the local SONCAP institution. In addition, on-site sampling for testing, inspection of goods, and supervision of loading are required according to the risk category requirements of the products.

Product Scope

1. All electrical and electronic products that could be used by members of the public whether in their homes or otherwise e.g in residential, office, retail, leisure etc environments. Examples include, but are not limited to, household appliances, IT products, communication products, lighting products, audio-visual products

2. Motor vehicle tyres

3. Automotive glass

4. Vehicle spare parts

5. Motor vehicle batteries

6. Gas Appliances

7. Toys

8. Certain galvanised steel products

9. Food and Food Products 10.Chemicals

For products on the mandatory list, provide the HS code to confirm whether the product is within the scope of controlled products.

Three Forms of Nigeria COC Certification

Route A: Applicable for the situation where goods are shipped occasionally in a year. After the exporter's goods are produced, an inspector will inspect the goods, then draw samples from the bulk cargo for testing. If the test is qualified, a PR report will be issued. Before shipment, the goods will be supervised for loading and sealed. After passing the inspection, a CoC certificate will be issued. The following documents need to be submitted:

1.CoC application form

2.Product name, product photos, customs code;

3.Packing list

4.Proforma invoice

5.FORMM number

Route B: Applicable for the situation where goods are shipped multiple times in a year. First, the exporter should apply for a PC. The application process for PC is as follows:

1.PC application form;

2.Product name, product photos, customs code;

3.A qualified test report issued by a laboratory with ISO 17025 qualification;

4.Conduct a system audit of the factory

The validity period of the PC after it is obtained is one year. 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 all the documents are complete, a certain proportion of the goods will be inspected, sampled for testing and supervised for loading. The proportion shall not be less than 40%. If it is qualified, a CoC certificate will be issued.

Route C: Applicable for the situation where goods are shipped frequently in a year.

First, the factory should apply for a Licence. The application conditions are as follows:

1.Based on Route B, there should be at least 4 or more successful applications;

2.Conduct two audits of the factory and pass them.

3.A qualified test report issued by a laboratory with ISO 17025 qualification; The validity period of the License after it is obtained 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 all the documents are complete, a certain proportion of the goods will be inspected and supervised for loading, not less than twice a year.

How to Charge

Route A

STEP 1, Product Report (PR)

a. An effective test report should be issued by a laboratory certified by ISO/IEC 17025.

STEP 2, COC: $300

All shipments (100%) need to be inspected, sampled for testing, and supervised for loading and container sealing. After passing the inspection, submit the final invoice and packing list.

Route B

STEP 1, Product Certificate (PC) Registration Certificate. Validity period: one year

a. An effective type test report should be issued by a laboratory certified by ISO/IEC 17025.

b. Factory inspection, once a year.

c. One PC for one factory.

STEP 2, COC: $300

At least 40% of the shipping invoices in each quarter need to be inspected, sampled for testing, and supervised for loading and container sealing. After passing the inspection, submit the final invoice and packing list.

Route C

STEP 1: LICENSE Permit. Validity period: one year

a. An effective type test report should be issued by a laboratory certified by ISO/IEC 17025.

b. Have two qualified factory inspection records and four qualified transaction records.

c. The permit is only granted to the manufacturer of a product, and this process is not applicable to exporters and/or suppliers.

STEP 2, Issue COC: $300

Conduct testing, inspection and supervision for loading at least once every six months. After passing the inspection, submit the final invoice and packing list.

Achievement Objectives

●Ensure that controlled products exported to and entering the market of Nigeria comply with the relevant regulations of the Nigerian Industrial Standards.

●Establish a quality platform for imported goods and domestically manufactured products to prevent unfair market competition.

●Prevent the dumping of substandard goods into the Nigerian market, thus avoiding losses to the country and importers.

●Avoid losses of life and property, including losses of foreign exchange paid to exporters.

●Prevent the negative impacts, such as environmental pollution, that may occur when relevant regulatory authorities destroy substandard products.

●Ensure the rapid customs clearance of imported goods, thereby facilitating trade.

●Contribute to encouraging genuine investors to invest in Nigeria.

Application Process

Provide samples - Issue an IEC report - Apply for a PC certificate - Apply for an SC for customs clearance