SONCAP Certificate of Conformity (SC) Certification: 2025 Guide

1️⃣ Overview of SONCAP SC Certification

Mandatory Clearance Document

• The SONCAP Certificate of Conformity (SC) is required for all regulated goods entering Nigeria.

• Issued per shipment, the SC is the legal proof that the batch complies with Nigerian standards.

• Concept: “Batch Approval” — one certificate per shipment, non-transferable.

Prerequisite: Product Certificate (PC)

• Each SC application depends on a valid Product Certificate (PC) for the exported product model.

• The PC acts as the product’s “ID card”, proving compliance before SC issuance.

Critical for Customs Clearance

• Goods without an SC certificate cannot clear Nigerian ports.

• Customs will detain, sample, or potentially destroy non-compliant shipments.

2️⃣ SC Certificate Application Process & Required Documents

Step 1: Importer Applies for Form M

• Your Nigerian importer must first use the PC to apply for a Form M (Import Declaration) at a local bank.

Step 2: Prepare & Submit Application Materials
Submit the following core documents to SON or an authorized agency:

• SC Application Form (stamped)

• Declaration of Conformity (hand-signed & stamped)

• Valid Product Certificate (PC, electronic copy)

• Form M (electronic copy)

• Power of Attorney (English)

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List

• Bill of Lading copy

Step 3: Pre-shipment Inspection (If Required)

• Applicable for higher-risk products or PC1-certified shipments.

• Conducted by SON-authorized agencies, may include sampling and verification.

Step 4: Review & Certificate Issuance

• Once documents are complete and inspections passed, SC is issued.

• Typical issuance: ~1 business day after submission.

3️⃣ Important Notes & 2025 Regulatory Updates

Severe Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Without a valid SC, goods will be detained, potentially sampled, tested, or confiscated at the trader’s expense.

Electronic System Upgrade

• Nigeria implemented an electronic SC system integrated with NICIS in 2025.

• Benefits: faster, transparent, prevents certificate forgery, simplifies customs clearance.

Beware of Fake Certification

• Only use SON or authorized international inspection/certification bodies.

• Avoid agents promising “no-test” or “fast-track” services — risk of cargo seizure and financial loss.

4️⃣ SC Certification Costs & Timeline

Cost Overview

• SC fee per shipment: $500 – $2,000 (~0.5%–3% of shipment value).

• Pre-shipment inspection (if applicable): additional service fee applies.

Timeline Reference

• SC review: typically 1 business day after submission.

• Full process (Form M, document prep, inspections): plan 1–2 weeks.

Cost Optimization Tips

• Ensure accurate and complete documentation to avoid delays or extra fees.

• Plan shipment and Form M application in advance.

• For frequent exports, consider long-term PC (PC2 or PC3) to reduce repeated costs.

5️⃣ BLUEASIA Professional Support

• End-to-end SC consulting: document preparation, Form M coordination, lab inspection liaison, electronic submission guidance.

• Contact BLUEASIA for reliable assistance:

Phone / WeChat: +86 13534225140
Email: king.guo@cblueasia.com