Swede Control Intertek Limited in association with a foreign technical partner, pioneered the Standards Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP).  Since 2005 when Standards Organization of Nigeria introduced the programme, we had closely worked with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in the execution of the Standards Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP). 

The SONCAP Programme is a set of conformity assessments and verification of procedures applicable to certain regulated products imported into Nigeria. It is an offshore activity involving conducting tests and ensuring that standards and specifications are met for a selected list of regulated products to ensure a safe environment and ensure Quality products are brought into Nigeria.

The compliance of such imported products is the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) specifications and other approved international standards before shipment.

The SONCAP programme is designed to protect Nigerian Consumers from unsafe and substandard finished product, that are imported and sold directly to them.  It also ensures that products meet the specification of acceptable standards and become easier to regulate by Agencies charged with such responsibilities.

SONCAP - Guidelines for Operation

Under the import requirements of the Federal Government of Nigeria, exporters need to have a Product Certificate (PC) and a SONCAP Certificate (SC) also known as Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for every consignment of regulated products they bring into the country to be able to clear their shipments.

To obtain the SC from us, an importer must have a valid Product Certificate (PC). The PC is required in the opening of Form M. Form M is a document needed to pre-declare the goods to be imported into Nigeria.

Some essential features of the SONCAP Programme

(a) The scope of goods or products subject to SONCAP:  this includes all imported goods to be regulated by SONCAP except for the following:

  • Food products
  • Drugs
  • Medicals other than equipment and machines
  • Chemicals used as raw material by bonafide manufacturers
  • Military wares and equipment
  • Goods classified as contraband by the Federal Government of Nigeria
  • Used products other than automobiles

(b)  Conformity to Standards and/or technical regulations:  This is to ensure the quality of products, health and safety, and environmental protection for Nigerians.

(c)  Routes for Determining Conformity of Products:  There are (3) three different routes under which Exporters can obtain a Product Certificate (PC) and a SONCAP Certificate (SC).  The method employed for achieving these requirements vary according to the product nature, the risk profile of the manufacturer, and the level of conformity met by existing certifications.                

These (3) three routes of shipment certification are subject to how often is the shipment and the type of Exporter.  For example, non-frequent Exporters can choose Route A certification of their shipments.  While exporters/manufacturers can choose Route A, B, or C subject to the frequency of their shipments.

Exporters can obtain a Product Certificate (PC) and a SONCAP Certificate (SC) through any of the (3) three routes listed below. 

Route A  –  For Unregistered/Unlicensed products.

Non-frequent exporters are encouraged to apply for Product/SONCAP certification under this route.                 

Route B  –  For Registered Products.

Exporters/manufacturers that have frequent shipments to Nigeria are encouraged to apply for Product/SONCAP certification under Route B if they have a Quality System to determine that the manufactured products are produced consistently with the same quality.

 Route C –  For Licensed Products

Producers/Manufacturers with regular shipments to Nigeria, and those who have demonstrated excellent compliance under Route B are qualified to apply for Product Licensing under Route C.