Product registration process with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

Items imported into Nigeria for commercial purposes require SON Product Registration. This process can be seamlessly carried out online as explained below.

What is Product Registration: Product Registration is a procedure that allows SON to make an inventory of all products imported into the country for sale. This is based on a Federal Government’s directive and has already been in place for a long time. It used to be done manually but, since the 20th of February, 2013, it has been converted to an e-Product Registration.

Why is Product Registration required: The importance of Product Registration is to guarantee transparency and traceability during the import process.

How to register products online:

• Visit www.son.gov.ng
• On the home page, click “e-Product Registration”, then “Continue”
• For a new company registration, click “New Account”, enter the RC/Business number (i.e. RC1234) and a valid email address
• Click "Sign Up". A six (6) digit password will be sent to your email
• Go back to the Sign In page and enter the RC Number, email address and six (6) digits password
• The next page requires you to fill in the company details. After doing it, click “Continue”.
• A payment advice will be issued. You may print it and take it to ANY bank where an RRR code will be generated to make the payment
• After making the payment, go back to www.son.gov.ng and click on the e-Product Registration Payment Details, then follow the input and fill in the required fields

Key benefits:

• Product traceability in the Nigerian market
• Detection of counterfeit products
• Barriers to the circulation of substandard goods
• The official SON Product Registration Logo and number are displayed on registered products

Penalties for not registering your products include:

• Seizure of goods by the Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate
• Payment of a fine
• Prosecution

Note: The above explained process for import items can only be completed in Nigeria by the importer and does not in any way replace the Product and SONCAP certificate procedures.