A useful Government requirement both exporters and importers should know is the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), which is a product certification scheme implemented by SON since 2006.
Compliance with this standard ensures that all locally manufactured goods conform to the minimum Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and the nationally approved Code of Practice before being sold or exported.
Made in Nigeria products are now more strictly regulated for both promoting fair competition in the domestic and international market and, at the same time, protecting the well-being of Nigerian consumers. The aim of such measure is to enhance the country’s economic and industrial development while encouraging the respect of equal market conditions.
MANCAP certification procedures involve the following:
- Inspection of the production processes.
- Sampling and testing of the products according to the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
- Report of inspections and test results are handled by the State Offices and forwarded to the Product Certification Directorate for evaluation and recommendation and then SON Management’s approval for certification.
- If the products are deemed compliant, a MANCAP certificate with an official logo assigning a unique number to each product is issued, upon payment of applicable administrative charges.
- A MANCAP certificate is valid for three years after which the product must undergo a recertification process.
- The MANCAP logo is to be fixed on the smallest unit pack of the batch before its introduction in the market.
- The product is then monitored by SON officials through periodic factory inspections and testing to guarantee consistent compliance with the Nigerian Industrial Standards.
If you need any help with the export process in Nigeria, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be ready to assist you.