SON Conformity Assessment Programme for Exports to Nigeria (SONCAP)
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has implemented a set of guidelines for exports to Nigeria called the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP).
SONCAP verifies the conformity of all products exported to Nigeria except those that appear on the Excluded Product List and enforces their standards. Compliance to SONCAP requirements is applicable in addition to any existing import processes.
The requirements for SONCAP include:
Every consignment of imported goods must be accompanied by a SONCAP Certificate. Intertek is an approved Certification/Inspection Body (CIB) which offers this service to exporters.
The SONCAP Certificate is required to ensure smooth Customs clearance of shipments arriving in Nigeria.
The SONCAP Certificate confirms that the products comply with the relevant Nigerian technical regulations and approved international/regional/national standards. The authorities in Nigeria may take random samples from imported consignments to verify compliance.
From the 5th September 2009, the SONCAP will be extended to cover all products except those regulated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). In addition to the products covered under NAFDAC, products that are also exempt from the SONCAP include:
- Food Products
- Drugs
- Medical Products (other than equipment and machines)
- Chemicals used as Raw Materials
- Military Ware and Equipment
- Aviation Related Products
- Industrial Machinery for Manufacturing
- Used Products (other than Automobiles)
- CKD Bicycles, Motorcycles, Automobiles for Bonafide Manufacturers/assemblers
Additional details on the SONCAP procedure and a list of Regulated Products currently requiring SONCAP certification are available at www.exports2nigeria.com.
Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with SON Conformity Assessment Programme for Exports to Nigeria (SONCAP).