Nigeria SONCAP
Nigeria's mandatory conformity assessment: regulated products need a SONCAP certificate before shipment, and customs releases goods against the SC.
What is Nigeria SONCAP?
SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) is the conformity assessment programme applied by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to regulated imports.
Products on the regulated list must complete conformity assessment and obtain a SONCAP certificate before shipment. Nigerian customs releases goods against the SC; shipments arriving without it may be detained or returned.
The process has two steps: product registration to obtain a Product Certificate (PC), then a SONCAP Certificate (SC) for each shipment.
Applicable products
- Electrical & electronics
- Auto components
- Steel & building materials
- Toys
- Cosmetics
- Food contact materials
Application process
-
01
Product registration (PC)
Submit test reports and technical documents to complete product-level registration and obtain a valid Product Certificate.
-
02
Shipment application (SC)
With the PC, Form M, commercial invoice and packing list, apply for a SONCAP Certificate for each shipment.
-
03
Customs release
Submit the SC together with Form M to Nigerian customs to complete clearance.
Required documents
- SONCAP application form (product name, model, HS code)
- Form M (applied for by the Nigerian importer through an authorized bank)
- Test report from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
- Commercial invoice and packing list (consistent with the bill of lading)
- Product and nameplate photos clearly showing model and brand
- Manufacturer ISO 9001 certificate (if applicable)
- For SC: the valid PC certificate
FAQ
How do PC and SC relate?
PC is the product-level registration certificate proving the model meets Nigerian standards; SC is the shipment certificate required for each consignment and is what customs inspects at clearance.
Does every shipment need an SC?
Yes. SC is issued per shipment — one per bill of lading — and cannot be reused across shipments.
Can I apply without a test report?
Pre-testing can be arranged first. We can organise sample testing, then move into registration once the report is issued.
How long does it take?
With complete documents, PC usually takes 5–7 business days and SC 2–3 business days, subject to SON system review.
Send the product name, model and destination country and our consultant will map the certification route and quote.
Related compliance documents
Application forms, contracts and procedure documents are available for free in the client center
Ready to get your products certified?
Tell us your product and destination market — a consultant will reply with a compliance path and quotation within 1 business day.