Differentiating the SONCAP Product Certificate and the SON Product Registration
Differentiating the SONCAP Product Certificate and SON Product Registration is essential for importers to navigate the Nigerian import-export landscape successfully. In the import-export industry, there is often confusion surrounding the requirements and procedures for obtaining necessary certifications. One area of confusion is between the SONCAP (Standard Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program) Product Certificate and SON (Standard Organization of Nigeria) Product Registration.
Cotecna aims to provide clarity by highlighting the key distinctions between these two certificates.
SONCAP Product Certificate:
The SONCAP Product Certificate also called a PC, is issued by the country of origin to allow importers in Nigeria to open a Form M through any Authorized dealer Bank. This certificate is mandatory and obtained before the regulated goods are shipped to Nigeria. To acquire a Product Certificate (PC), the manufacturer or exporter must provide valid quality documents such as ISO 9001, test reports, datasheets, and other relevant documentation. These documents are then authenticated and evaluated by Cotecna, a leading Independent Accredited Firm (IAF). Once authenticated and evaluated in line with the procedure, the Product Certificate is issued, enabling the importer to proceed with the necessary import processes.
SON Product Registration:
On the other side, the SON Product Registration is a certificate issued locally within Nigeria. It is specifically required for goods to be ready for sale in the local market to ensure good product traceability. The process for obtaining SON Product Registration involves approaching the State offices of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to initiate the registration procedure.
Clarification and Benefits:
Understanding the differences between these two certificates can significantly assist in resolving common clearance challenges faced by importers when moving containers from the port to the warehouse.
By obtaining a Product Certificate before importing goods, importers can ensure a smoother process, as they have met the necessary quality standards and regulatory requirements of Nigeria's import procedures. This also allows importers to open the Form M required for customs clearance at Nigerian ports.
For further information and assistance in obtaining the necessary certificates when importing in Nigeria, don’t hesitate to 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.