We answered ten frequently asked questions about the Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) to guide you in your application for a certificate of conformity.
1. What do SON and SONCAP stand for?
SON and SONCAP stand respectively for the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme.
2. Who has to demonstrate compliance with the SONCAP programme and how that can be done?
Exporters to Nigeria must demonstrate compliance with the programme. This applies only to goods that are subject to the programme. The process of conformity assessment must take place in the exporting country. Please refer to the Certification Process section of this website in order to learn how you can demonstrate compliance with the SONCAP programme.
3. IS SONCAP THE SAME AS PRODUCT CERTIFICATE?
No. the Product Certificate is used to initiate the Form M processing while the SONCAP certificate is used for the PAAR process.
4. Do I need a SONCAP Certificate to import my goods into Nigeria?
It will depend on the products being imported into Nigeria. If your product is subject to the SONCAP programme, you will need to have a SONCAP Certificate. Please refer to the exempted product list in order to determine if your products are subject to the SONCAP programme or not.
5. In which country do I need to obtain the SONCAP Certificate?
The compliance process for obtaining the SONCAP Certificate must occur in the exporting country.
6. How much will it cost to get a SONCAP Certificate (SC) or a Non Conformity Report (NCR)? And who is responsible for payment?
Some fees are fixed, please see the table below. However, the full costs depend on the product type and can be determined when the exporter contacts a Cotecna office. Based upon the relevant documentation and the relevant information, a price/quotation can be issued.
*The fee for Product Certificate (Licensed) includes factory audit where applicable.
| Process | Description | Fees in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Registration and Licensing | PC (U) - Product Certificate Unregistered (validity 6 months) - Single model | 300 for 6 months per certificate |
| Additional model in PC(U) (5 USD/month) | 42 per model for 6 months | |
| PC (R) - Product Registration (validity 1 year) - Single model* | 300 per year per certificate | |
| PC (L) - Product Licensing (validity 1 year) - Single model | 1300 per year per certificate | |
| Additional model from the same product (when included in initial PC) | 84 per year / per model | |
| Additional model from the same product (if included after the first release = amendment) - All type of PC | 7 USD per month per model for the remaining months | |
| Shipment Certification | SONCAP Certificate (SC) | 300 per shipment |
| Others | Non Conformity Report (NCR) | 300 per shipment |
| Certificate Amendment | 100 per certificate | |
| New product on PCU, PCR and PCL | 300 USD |
7. Can a Manufacturer Association Member (MAN) apply for product certificate?
No. Product certificate is for importers that are not MAN members.
8. Can I get ROUTE B Product Certificate for electricals items or cables?
No. You can either fall under ROUTE A (Product certificate unregistered) or Product Certificate Licensed.
9. At what stage will the importers name appear on the certificates?
The importer’s name will appear on the SONCAP Certificate when the final is issued
10. What will happen if the importer does not comply with SONCAP requirements?
The SC is mandatory for Customs clearance of the shipment under the import requirements of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
All regulated products arriving at Nigerian entry points (ports, airports, land borders) without SONCAP Certificate will be rejected at the entry point and the Customs release will be refused.
The importer/exporter will then be required to re-export the goods or they will face delays while the goods are sampled and tested against to Nigerian requirements. The exporter/importer will bear all the costs related to this (sampling, testing, delay at the border point).
For more information about the programme, please contact us