SONCAP certification

The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) is a government agency responsible for developing and implementing quality standards for imported goods and domestically manufactured products in Nigeria. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has issued a TBT Notification (No. G/TBT/NGA/1) stating that Nigeria will implement mandatory conformity assessment for some electronic and electrical products, certain automotive products, toys, building materials, and gas appliances imported into the country, known as the Standards Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP). SONCAP officially came into effect on December 1, 2005. The SONCAP certificate is a mandatory customs clearance document required by the Federal Government of Nigeria for imported goods.

In order to strengthen market supervision, SON will implement a new system on April 1, 2013. The new system requires that exporters no longer apply for SONCAP certificates for each shipment, but instead apply for COC certificates (Certificate of Conformity). Exporters choose certification schemes based on their own situation, obtain different PC (Product Certificate) certificates, and apply for COC certificates based on PC certificates. After obtaining the COC, provide it to the importer to apply for SC (SONCAP Certification). SC is directly applied for by the importer at the local SONCAP agency. In addition, on-site sampling testing, inspection, and supervision of loading are required based on the risk category of the product.

The new SONCAP scheme includes three certification pathways:

1. Plan A: For unregistered or unlicensed products, suitable for customers who occasionally ship or have an uncertain number of shipments throughout the year.

Issue PC1 certificate. The certificate is valid for 6 months and can only be used once. The certificate holder has no requirements. No factory inspection requirements. Each shipment requires a 100% inspection rate.

2. Plan B: For registered products, suitable for customers with high shipping frequency.

Issue PC2 certificate. The certificate is valid for one year and has no limit on the number of uses. The certificate holder has no requirements. Factory inspection is required (submission of ISO 9000/CIG023 can exempt factory inspection). Each shipment requires a 40% inspection rate.

3. Plan C: For licensed products, suitable for customers with high shipping frequency and large shipment volume.

Issue PC3 certificate. The certificate is valid for one year and has no limit on the number of uses. It can only be applied for by the manufacturer. Factory inspection and annual review are required (mandatory, no exemption granted). Inspect the goods every six months.

Product Range

Since June 2011, all products have been included in the SONCAP mandatory control list, except for the following: (1) food, (2) pharmaceuticals, (3) medical supplies (excluding equipment and instruments), (4) chemical raw materials, (5) military supplies and equipment, (6) aviation related products, (7) second-hand products (excluding motor vehicles)

Application process

1. The laboratory completes the testing and issues a test report

2. The customer selects the corresponding plan based on the actual situation and obtains the corresponding PC certificate based on the test report

3. Based on PC certificate, apply for inspection or factory inspection (exempt from inspection)

4. After passing the inspection or factory inspection, apply for CoC certificate

5. Importer applies for SC certificate from SON based on CoC

Certification Mark

1. Requirements for product identification and packaging identification of general products:

(1) Marking shall be in English The marking shall be clearly discernible, legible and indelible.

The identification should be in English, clear, easily recognizable, and durable.

(2) Product Name

(3) Model model

(4) Trade mark or brand trademark

(5) Country of Origin: Made in China (note: Made in PRC is not acceptable)

2. General requirements for identification and packaging identification of electrical or electrical products:

(1) Marking shall be in English The marking shall be clearly discernible, legible and indelible.

The identification should be in English, clear, easily recognizable, and durable.

(2) Product Name

(3) Model model

(4) Trade mark or brand trademark

(5) Country of Origin: Made in China (note: Made in PRC is not acceptable)

(6) Name of the manufacturer or responsible vendor company name

(7) Rated voltage or rated voltage range in volts (incorporated 230V) household voltage 230V, industrial voltage 415V

(8) Symbol for nature of supply or rated frequency or frequency range - incorporating 50 Hz (power property symbol, rated frequency 50Hz or range including 50Hz)

(9) Symbol for Class II construction for Class II appliances only, the circular symbol for Class II appliances.

Other information

Technical information: Voltage frequency AC 230 V/50 Hz, plug BS1363, BS546 or BS4573

Mandatory: Compulsory

Certificate validity period: 1 year or batch validity

Factory inspection requirement: Scheme B&C requires factory inspection

Holder's requirement: Scheme C must be applied for by the manufacturer