The SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program) is a mandatory certification for products exported to Nigeria.
The Product Certificate (PC) — also known as the Product Registration (PR) — acts as your product’s “ID card” for compliance, proving that it meets the required Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or equivalent international standards (ISO/IEC).
| Certification Route | Applicable Scenario | Core Application Documents | Review Timeline | Certificate Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC1 (Unregistered) | Many models, ≤1 shipment/year | • Application Form • CNAS Laboratory Test Report | ~2–4 weeks (1 week expedited) | 6 months (valid for one shipment) |
| PC2 (Registered) | Most non–high-risk products, multiple shipments per year | • Application Form • CNAS Laboratory Test Report • ISO 9001 Certificate | ~2–4 weeks (1 week expedited) | 1 year |
| PC3 (Licensed) | High-risk or frequently shipped products | • Application Form • CNAS Laboratory Test Report • ISO 9001 Certificate • Passed Factory Audit | ~2–4 weeks (longer with audit) | 1 year |
1️⃣ Test Report (Mandatory for All Routes)
The test report is the foundation of the certification.
It must be issued by a ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory and demonstrate compliance with NIS or IEC standards.
Tip: Most reports are valid for 12 months, especially for electrical and mechanical products.
2️⃣ Factory Audit (For PC3 Route)
This step verifies a manufacturer’s production consistency and quality management system (QMS).
It covers key aspects such as:
Production line and process control
Inspection & testing equipment
Recordkeeping and calibration procedures
If you export electronic or electrical products, note these additional 2025-specific compliance requirements:
1️⃣ Voltage & Plug Type:
All products must match Nigeria’s 230V/50Hz power system and use UK-style plugs (BS 1363 or BS 546).
2️⃣ Critical Components List:
You must provide supporting certificates for key components (e.g., fuses, adapters, chargers).
3️⃣ Lithium Battery Products:
Must include UN38.3 test report and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for transport safety compliance.
1️⃣ Timeline Calculation:
The typical 2–4 week period refers to the review and approval time of the certification body.
This does not include your preparation time, such as lab testing or document translation.
2️⃣ Next Steps After PC Issuance:
Once the Product Certificate (PC) is approved:
Your Nigerian importer must use the PC to apply for Form M.
You must then apply for a SONCAP Certificate (SC) for each shipment.
Only after obtaining the SC can the shipment clear customs in Nigeria.
1. Missing or Invalid Test Reports:
Ensure reports come from CNAS or ILAC-accredited labs.
2. Incorrect Plug Type or Voltage:
All electronics must be compatible with Nigerian standards.
3. Late Application:
Start document preparation at least 1 month in advance to meet deadlines.
✅ Pro Tip: Consider PC2 or PC3 if you plan to export regularly — these routes reduce inspection frequency and long-term costs.
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Secondary Keywords:
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Blueasia Technology — Expert in Africa market certifications, including SONCAP, SNI, and PVoC services.
Q1: What is the difference between PC1, PC2, and PC3 in SONCAP?
PC1 is for one-time shipments.
PC2 is for regular exports of non–high-risk products.
PC3 is for high-risk or frequent shipments and includes a factory audit.
Q2: How long does it take to get a SONCAP Product Certificate?
Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on the completeness of documentation and whether testing or audit is required.
Q3: Can I use my CB or CE test reports for SONCAP?
Yes, if they are from ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs, though additional testing may be required to meet NIS standards.
Q4: Who should apply for the SONCAP certificate — exporter or importer?
The exporter applies for the PC (Product Certificate), while the importer applies for Form M and the SONCAP Certificate (SC) before shipment clearance.
Q5: Is the Product Certificate valid for multiple shipments?
Only PC2 and PC3 allow multiple shipments within their 1-year validity. PC1 is limited to one shipment only.
Q6: Can the process be expedited?
Yes. Some certification bodies offer expedited service, reducing review time to 1 week if all documents are complete.
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