Based on the latest 2025 information, Nigeria's mandatory SONCAP certification follows a phased approach, summarized as "Product First, Shipment Second."
1: Product Certification (PC)
This foundational step proves your product complies with Nigerian standards. You apply for a PC for your product model, choosing from three main types based on your business model:
| Certificate Type | Characteristics & Use Case | Core Application Documents |
| PC1 (Unregistered) | Valid for 6 months, single use, requires inspection. Suitable for many models with ≤1 shipment per year. | Application form, CNAS laboratory test report. |
| PC2 (Registered) | Valid for 1 year, unlimited uses during validity. Suitable for most non-high-risk regulated products. | Application form, CNAS laboratory test report, ISO 9001 system certificate. |
| PC3 (Licensed) | Valid for 1 year, unlimited uses, requires factory audit. Suitable for high-risk products with frequent annual shipments. | Application form, CNAS laboratory test report, ISO 9001 system certificate, factory audit report. |
Key Step: Product Testing: Before applying for a PC, products must be tested at an accredited lab with ISO 17025 to obtain a compliant test report. For electronics, this typically covers safety (e.g., based on IEC 60335-1) and EMC testing (must meet CISPR 32).
2: SONCAP Certificate (SC) for Clearance
After obtaining the PC, each export shipment requires an SC, the legal document for Nigerian customs clearance.
Prerequisite: Your Nigerian importer must obtain a Form M (Import Declaration) using the PC.
Core Documents for SC: SC Application Form (stamped), Declaration of Conformity (hand-signed & stamped), valid PC, Form M, Power of Attorney (English), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading copy.
Pre-shipment Inspection: Depending on product risk and PC type, some shipments may require a physical inspection by a SON-authorized agency to verify consistency between goods and documents, potentially including sampling.
SONCAP Timeline & Cost Estimation:
1.Timeline: With complete documents, SC issuance is typically fast (~1 business day). PC approval generally takes 2-4 weeks. Expedited service can shorten these times for an additional fee.
2.Cost Components: Main costs include: PC Certificate Fee (~$1,000-$3,000, acts as an annual fee); SC Inspection/Certificate Fee per shipment (~$500-$2,000, often 0.5%-3% of shipment value); Laboratory Testing Fee ($1,500-$8,000, varies by complexity); and other potential costs like demurrage (~$200/day), document amendment fees, etc.
Critical Risk Warning:
1.Non-Compliance Consequences: Regulated products without a valid SONCAP Certificate will be detained by Nigerian customs upon arrival, preventing clearance. Goods may be subject to sampling and testing at the trader's expense, with potential confiscation or destruction if deemed non-compliant.
2.Beware of Fake Certification: Always work through SON directly or its authorized international inspection and certification bodies. Be wary of agents offering "no-test" or "low-cost, fast-track" services to avoid the risk of fake certificates leading to cargo seizure and significant financial loss.
For assistance navigating SONCAP certification for your specific product type, including applicable standards or labeling requirements, contact BLUEASIA at 13534225140.
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