Expanding into the Nigerian market offers immense growth potential, but success hinges on navigating the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP). HQTS is proud to announce its official appointment by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as an Independent Accredited Firm (IAF). We are now fully authorized to carry out verification of conformity and issue the mandatory Product Certificate (PC) and Shipment (SONCAP) Certificate (SC).
What is the SONCAP Certificate for Nigeria?
Nigeria SONCAP Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is required by exporters, manufacturers, and importers shipping regulated goods into Nigeria. It is a mandatory document used by Nigerian Customs to clear goods and ensure compliance with quality, safety, and technical standards.
The SONCAP program is a mandatory scheme established under Act n°56 of 1971 to ensure all regulated imports meet safety and quality standards. Beyond consumer protection, the program’s core objectives include:
- Preventing the dumping of substandard goods to protect the nation from economic loss.
- Providing a level playing field for both regulated imports and locally manufactured products.
- Encouraging genuine investors and investment in Nigeria by ensuring a predictable, high-quality market environment.
- Fast-tracking trade by preventing delays at Nigerian ports through pre-shipment inspections.
The Nigeria SONCAP Certificate of Conformity (CoC) serves as a mandatory document for Nigerian Customs to clear goods and ensure compliance with technical standards.
Product Scope & Exemptions
While most manufactured goods require a CoC, certain categories are regulated or strictly exempt.
Mandatory Regulated Sectors Include:
- Automotive: Vehicles, motorcycles, and all spare parts.
- Electrical & Electronics: Including all electrical fittings.
- Chemicals & Petroleum: Petroleum appliances and CNG accessories for gas/kerosene stoves.
- Consumer Goods: Toys, childcare products, textiles, leather, footwear, and furniture.
New Requirement: As of 2025, all certifications must use the mandatory 10-digit H.S. Code from the Nigeria Customs Tariff.
Official Exempted Products:
- Food products and drugs (medicines).
- Medical supplies (excluding equipment and machines).
- Chemicals used as raw materials by bona fide manufacturers.
- Military wares and equipment.
- Used products (excluding automobiles).
How to Obtain the SONCAP Certificate
Compliance follows a structured workflow to ensure imported items align with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
The Two Pillars of Compliance:
- Product Certificate (PC): Obtained during the initial export planning stage; it is the prerequisite for opening an e-Form M.
- Shipment (SONCAP) Certificate (SC): Issued on a per-shipment basis following successful inspection. To apply for the SC, importers must provide their Tax Identification (TIN) Number along with the PC, final/commercial invoice and approved e-form M
- Route X: For import mechanical components for handling of compressed natural gas(CNG), all importers of the above-mentioned mechanical components are restricted to the new Product and Shipment Certificate Route X. Valid for 2 years, requires factory surveillance and inspection for every shipment.
Certification Routes:
Exporters must choose a route based on shipment frequency and quality management systems (QMS):
- Route A (Unregistered – PC1): For infrequent exporters. Valid for 6 months (single-use). Requires 100% physical inspection and testing for every consignment.
- Route B (Registered – PC2): For regular exporters with a valid QMS. Valid for 1 year. Requires selective physical inspection for at least 40% of consignments shipped every quarter.
- Route C (Licensed – PC3): For high-volume manufacturers. Valid for 1 year. Requires minimal inspection (at least once every 6 months) and periodic factory surveillance.
Physical Inspection & Loading Supervision
During the verification process, HQTS inspectors specifically ensure that:
- Products strictly comply with applicable marking requirements under Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or approved equivalent.
- Goods match the descriptions in the PC, e-Form M, and other trade documents.
- Witnessing the loading and sealing of Full Container Loads (FCL); however, this step is not applicable to air shipments or Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments.
Portal Activation
Certificates must be activated on the Federal Government of Nigeria Single Window for Trade portal to facilitate the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR):
- PC Activation: Input the PC Number, Importer Name, TIN, and Phone Number at the official activation link.
- E-Form M: Once activated, the importer submits the PC via the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) to generate the e-Form M.
- SC Activation: After HQTS issues the SC, it must be activated on the portal to trigger the PAAR.
- Customs Clearance: The activated SC is mandatory for the Nigeria Customs Service to produce the final PAAR for clearance.
Why Choose HQTS for Your Nigeria Export?
As an authorized provider, HQTS eliminates the risk of non-compliance, which can result in penalties of 20% of CIF value or ₦2,000,000. We offer:
- Accredited Testing: Laboratory analysis conducted in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
- Global Inspection Network: Strong hubs in India, the Middle East, and China for rapid verification.
- End-to-End Management: Comprehensive support from initial document review to final container sealing.
