Here is everything you need to know about coated and uncoated paper use and how to import these SON regulated products into Nigeria.
Paper has a wide range of use, which makes it a popular imported product in Nigeria. This is one of the reasons why coated and uncoated paper are SON regulated products. Here is everything you need to know about importing coated and uncoated paper in Nigeria.
Coated paper is paper with a chemical agent added to its surface to create a glossy, semi-gloss, or matte finish. This type of paper can be used for magazines, photo books, catalogues, and various marketing collateral. Currently, SON does not prohibit or restrict any paper coating agents.
On the other hand, weight plays a regulatory role when importing coated and uncoated paper into Nigeria. Paper weight ranging from 56gsm up to 1400gsm. SON also differentiates its standard requirements based on paper size. For instance, the standard covers trimmed and untrimmed paper sizes differently with an emphasis on permissible deviation limits that the imported paper must comply with.
It is also common for coated and uncoated paper to be used together, for instance, book covers can be made of coated paper while the pages within are uncoated. Hard book covers are made from heavier stock paper like durable cardboard, while soft covers use thinner stock paper. Soft covers made from coated paper can easily be customized with different designs and colours.
However, uncoated paper does not have a coat filling between its fibres. As a result, uncoated paper is rougher than coated paper and tends to be more porous, which makes it very absorbent. Specifically, images printed on uncoated paper are softer and less crisp, but uncoated paper is ideal for novels and art presentations.
Finally, to import coated and uncoated paper into Nigeria you require a product certificate to initiate a Form M. In addition, you will need a SONCAP Certificate to process a Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).
As a trusted partner of Nigeria, Cotecna is authorised to issue both Product and SONCAP Certificates.
If you would like to learn more about exporting to Nigeria or to get a commitment-free quote, please contact us.