How non-compliance can destroy your bottom line to exporting to Nigeria.
If you’re importing goods into Nigeria, SONCAP (Standards Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program) compliance isn’t optional it’s a legal requirement. Skipping SONCAP certification can lead to massive financial losses, shipment seizures, and reputational damage. Here’s everything you need to know about the real costs of non-compliance.
What is the SONCAP programme
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) is a mandatory pre-shipment verification process ensuring that regulated goods meet Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or approved equivalents before export to Nigeria. It requires exporters to obtain two key documents: a Product Certificate (PC), validating the product’s compliance via testing and inspection, and a SONCAP Certificate (SC), issued per shipment to clear customs.
Consequences of Non-Compliance include.
Fines and Penalties: Financial penalties for non-compliance.
- Without certification, clearance stalls at ports. Storage fees, demurrage, and port congestion can multiply costs quickly, escalating into thousands of dollars.
Product Seizure: Seizure of non-compliant products.
- The Nigeria Customs Service reported 3,555 seizures in 2024, with product value reaching ₦28.46 billion (~$50 million CIF). [africanexaminer.com]
- In just Q1 2025, customs confiscated 135,474 bags of rice (₦939 million) and 65,819 liters of fuel (₦43 million). [legit.ng]
Licenses & Legal Risks:
- Non-compliant shipments may trigger import license suspension, criminal prosecution, and blacklisting.
Staying Compliant
Cotecna, is an accredited International Accredited Firm (IAF), plays a crucial role under SONCAP. Authorized since 2013, Cotecna conducts physical inspections, sampling, and laboratory testing in the country of export to verify conformity, then issues the required Product and SONCAP Certificates. They guide importers and exporters through the entire compliance journey helping them avoid delays, penalties, and seizures while facilitating smooth and legal entry into the Nigerian market.
To Stay compliant with SONCAP requirement includes:
- Product Certification: Obtain necessary certifications for regulated products.
- Labeling and Marking: Ensure products are labeled and marked correctly.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and complete documentation.
- Training: Ensure staff are trained in SONCAP regulations and requirements.
Cotecna can guide through these the process step by step ensuring compliance and smooth entry into the Nigerian market.
Why It’s Easier and Better to Comply
Complying with SONCAP saves you time, money, and stress. Here’s why:
- Avoid Costly Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to goods being seized, destroyed, or delayed at ports, plus fees like the $350 Non-Conformity Report (NCR) and mounting demurrage charges.
- Faster Customs Clearance: Certified shipments move through customs smoothly, reducing delays and storage costs.
- Protect Your Reputation: Compliance signals professionalism and reliability to partners and customers.
- Prevent Legal Risks: Avoid import license suspension, prosecution, and blacklisting.
- Lower Overall Costs: Certification fees (starting at $300) are far cheaper than the financial hit from seizures, fines, and lost goods.
For more information on the SONCAP programme and how to stay compliant download our free SONCAP exporter Guide or contact us.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.