Frequently Asked Questions about the Nigeria VOC Programme (SONCAP)

1. What do SON and SONCAP stand for?

SON and SONCAP stand respectively for the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme.

2. What are the objectives and benefits of the SONCAP programme for Nigeria?

As stated on the SONCAP website, the objectives are for the wellbeing, health and safety of Nigerian consumers, as follows:

• Ensure that regulated products comply with the Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) or approved standards prior to export to Nigeria
• Provide a level playing field in terms of quality for both regulated and locally manufactured products in order to prevent unfair competition
• Prevent the dumping of substandard goods into the Nigeria market and as a result preventing economic loss to the importer and the nation at large
• Impede loss of lives and property including foreign exchange bearing in mind that the exporting country/Exporter have been paid for the goods shipped into Nigeria
• Forestall any adverse reaction (such as environmental pollution occasioned by destruction of substandard products) by regulatory agencies on arrival of such goods in Nigeria
• Facilitate trade through fast track clearance of goods at the ports
• Encourage genuine investors and investments in Nigeria
• Promote made in Nigeria products
• Conserve foreign exchange

3. What products are exempted from SONCAP programme?

Products exempt from the SONCAP programme include the following:

• Food products
• Drugs (Medicines)
• Medicals other than equipment and machines
• Chemicals used as raw material by bonafide manufacturers
• Military wares & equipment
• Goods classified as contraband by the Federal Government of Nigeria
• Used products other than automobiles
• Machinery or related spare parts for bona fide manufacturers who intend to use this for their own manufacturing purposes are advised to apply to the SON for SONCAP import permit

To find out if your product is subject to the SONCAP program and whether you need a Product Certificate (PC) and a SONCAP Certificate (SC), please contact us.

4. Who has to demonstrate compliance with the SONCAP programme and how that can be done?

Exporters to Nigeria must demonstrate compliance with the programme. This applies only to goods that are subject to the programme. The process of conformity assessment must take place in the exporting country. Please refer to the Certification Process section of our dedicated website in order to learn how you can demonstrate compliance with the SONCAP programme.

5. Where can an exporter enquire about the SONCAP Certificate?

For more information, exporters can enquire via our contact form.

6. Do I need a SONCAP Certificate to import my goods into Nigeria?

It will depend on the products being imported into Nigeria. If your product is subject to the SONCAP programme, you will need to have a SONCAP Certificate. Please refer to the exempted product list in order to determine if your products are subject to the SONCAP programme or not.

7. How can I start the process to obtain a SONCAP Certificate and how long will the certification process take?

The exporter should contact Cotecna with the relevant documentation and relevant information in order to start the process towards obtaining a SONCAP Certificate.

8. How much will it cost to get a SONCAP Certificate (SC) or a Non Conformity Report (NCR)? And who is responsible for payment? 

Some fees are fixed, please see the table below. However, the full costs depend on the product type and can be determined when the exporter contacts a Cotecna office. Based upon the relevant documentation and the relevant information, a price/quotation can be issued.

*The fee for Product Certificate (Licensed) includes factory audit where applicable.

Conditions:

• All costs incurred for presenting the goods for inspection, such as unpacking, handling, repacking, are borne by the exporter/seller.
• If the goods do not conform to the requirements, fees for physical inspection, testing and Non Conformity Report issuance remain due to Cotecna.
• This program is subject to the Cotecna’s General Terms and Conditions.

9. In which country do I need to obtain the SONCAP Certificate?

The compliance process for obtaining the SONCAP Certificate must occur in the exporting country.

10. What will happen if the importer does not comply with SONCAP requirements?

The SC is mandatory for Customs clearance of the shipment under the import requirements of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

All regulated products arriving at Nigerian entry points (ports, airports, land borders) without SONCAP Certificate will be rejected at the entry point and the Customs release will be refused.

The importer/exporter will then be required to re-export the goods or they will face delays while the goods are sampled and tested against to Nigerian requirements. The exporter/importer will bear all the costs related to this (sampling, testing, delay at the border point).

For more information about the programme, please visit our dedicated page or contact us.