Combating Counterfeits and Smuggling in Nigeria: The Role of SONCAP and How Cotecna Supports This Mission.
Counterfeit and smuggled goods continue to pose significant threats to Nigeria’s economy, public health, and national security. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP), implemented by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has been instrumental in addressing these challenges by ensuring that only safe, high-quality products enter the Nigerian market.
1. Reducing Counterfeits
Nigeria has long been a hotspot for counterfeit goods particularly in electronics, tyres and consumer goods. With SONCAP’s enforcement, a growing number of counterfeit imports are being intercepted.
2. Curbing Smuggling
SONCAP requires mandatory pre-export inspection of regulated products, closing entry points for undeclared or non-compliant goods.
3. Strengthening Consumer Protection
By certifying that imports comply with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS), SONCAP helps ensure consumer safety across critical sectors from electrical appliances to building materials. This is especially important in preventing life-threatening accidents due to faulty or substandard products.
4. Supporting Government Revenue
Counterfeit and smuggled goods deprive Nigeria of customs duties and taxes. With SONCAP enforcing compliance at the source, importers are less able to evade their obligations.
As one of the authorized service providers for SONCAP, Cotecna plays a key role in implementing conformity procedures to ensure compliant, safe, and quality goods enter Nigeria. With over 50 years of global inspection and certification experience, Cotecna brings robust technical capacity, international reach, and regulatory insight to the program.
How Cotecna Supports You Under SONCAP
- Pre-Export Verification
We inspect and test your products in the country of origin, ensuring they meet SON standards before shipping. Once verified, we issue the required conformity certificates swiftly and accurately. - Global Reach, Local Support
With offices across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Cotecna is always within reach connecting exporters, manufacturers, and importers with ease. - Expertise Across Sectors
From electronics and vehicle parts, our technical teams know SONCAP-regulated products inside out ensuring compliance every step of the way. - Smart & Efficient Processes
We offer digital tools, expert guidance, and responsive service to simplify your certification journey, minimize delays, and provide full traceability. - End-to-End Client Support
Whether you're new to SONCAP or navigating regulatory changes, our teams are here to help you stay compliant and confident.
For more information on SONCAP 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.