In 2025, Nigeria’s SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) remains a mandatory certification for all regulated imported products. It ensures compliance with Nigerian industrial and safety standards before products can be cleared through customs.
The SONCAP process follows a two-phase rule — “Product First, Shipment Second.” Below is a complete guide to help exporters understand the steps, costs, and key requirements.
The Product Certificate (PC) proves your product complies with Nigerian standards. It’s obtained before any shipment and forms the basis for the final SONCAP Certificate (SC).
| Certificate Type | Characteristics & Use Case | Core Application Documents |
|---|---|---|
| PC1 (Unregistered) | Valid for 6 months, single use, requires inspection. Ideal for many models with ≤1 shipment per year. | Application form, CNAS-accredited lab test report. |
| PC2 (Registered) | Valid for 1 year, unlimited uses during validity. Common for non-high-risk products. | Application form, CNAS lab test report, ISO 9001 certificate. |
| PC3 (Licensed) | Valid for 1 year, unlimited uses, requires factory audit. For high-risk products with frequent shipments. | Application form, CNAS lab test report, ISO 9001 certificate, factory audit report. |
Before applying for a PC, products must undergo testing at an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory to obtain a compliant test report.
For electronics, testing typically includes:
Safety Tests: Based on IEC 60335-1 or equivalent.
EMC Tests: Must meet CISPR 32 standards.
Once you have the PC, each shipment needs an SC (SONCAP Certificate) — the legal document required by Nigerian customs for clearance.
Your Nigerian importer must first obtain a Form M (Import Declaration) using the valid PC.
SC Application Form (signed and stamped)
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Valid PC copy
Form M
Power of Attorney (English)
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Bill of Lading copy
Depending on your product’s risk level and PC type, an inspection may be required by a SON-authorized body to ensure goods match documentation. Sampling may also occur before SC issuance.
PC Certificate: 2–4 weeks (expedited service available)
SC Certificate: ~1 business day with complete documentation
PC Certificate Fee: USD 1,000–3,000 (annual cost)
SC Inspection/Certificate Fee: USD 500–2,000 per shipment (≈0.5%–3% of shipment value)
Laboratory Testing Fee: USD 1,500–8,000 (varies by product type)
Other Costs: Demurrage (~USD 200/day), document amendment fees, etc.
Goods arriving in Nigeria without a valid SONCAP Certificate will be detained by customs, delaying clearance. Non-compliant goods risk sampling, additional testing, confiscation, or destruction.
Only work through SON directly or authorized international certification bodies. Avoid agents promising “no-test” or “fast-track” services — counterfeit certificates can result in cargo seizure and severe financial loss.
Always start with Product Certification (PC) before shipment.
Ensure testing is done at an accredited lab (ISO/IEC 17025).
Verify authorized SON agents to prevent fraud.
Use PC2 route for most regular shipments; PC3 for high-frequency exports.
For customized SONCAP certification guidance, including testing requirements, documentation support, and inspection coordination —
Contact BLUEASIA
+8613534225140
king.guo@cblueasia.com
1️⃣ What products require SONCAP certification?
All regulated goods listed by SON — including electronics, electrical appliances, machinery, and safety equipment — must obtain SONCAP certification before importation.
2️⃣ Can a test report from China or another country be used?
Yes, test reports from CNAS-accredited labs or other internationally recognized labs are accepted if they align with Nigerian standards.
3️⃣ How long is the SONCAP certificate valid?
The Product Certificate (PC) is valid for 6–12 months (depending on type), while the SONCAP Certificate (SC) is shipment-specific.
4️⃣ Is a factory audit mandatory?
Only for PC3 (Licensed) certificates or high-risk product categories that require additional quality assurance.
5️⃣ Can BLUEASIA assist with both PC and SC applications?
Yes — BLUEASIA provides end-to-end SONCAP consulting, including document preparation, lab coordination, inspection scheduling, and liaison with SON-authorized bodies.
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