The SONCAP Product Registration (PR) Certificate — also known as the Product Report (PR) — corresponds to Route A under the SONCAP system.
It is mainly designed for exporters with occasional, low-volume, or one-time shipments to Nigeria who do not have regular trade frequency.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Product Report (PR) – Route A |
| Intended Users | Exporters with occasional or uncertain shipment frequency |
| Validity Period | 6 months (valid for one shipment only) |
| Inspection Requirement | 100% pre-shipment inspection, testing, and loading supervision |
To obtain a PR Certificate, exporters must comply with the following key points:
1️⃣ Technical Standards Compliance
Products must meet the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or equivalent international standards (ISO, IEC).
➡️ A valid test report from an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory is mandatory.
2️⃣ Documentation Requirements
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
CoC Application Form
Product name, HS Code, and photos
Packing List and Proforma Invoice
Form M number (provided by Nigerian importer)
3️⃣ 2025 Updates & Additional Requirements
From 2025, some products (especially electrical and electronic appliances) may be subject to new requirements:
Plastic Parts Declaration: Must confirm parts are free from restricted phthalates
Factory Audit: Certain categories may need an ISO 9001 audit
ILAC-MRA Test Reports: Reports from ILAC-recognized labs are recommended for smoother acceptance
Follow these steps to complete your SONCAP PR Certification and obtain the Certificate of Conformity (CoC):
1️⃣ Form M Application
Your Nigerian importer obtains a Form M from their bank and shares it with you.
2️⃣ Inspection & Testing
When goods are ready, apply through a SON-approved certification agency to schedule inspection and sampling.
3️⃣ Supervision & CoC Issuance
After successful testing, the certification body supervises loading and sealing, reviews all documentation, and issues the CoC.
1️⃣ The PR Certificate is valid for 6 months and one shipment only.
Each shipment requires a new round of inspection and certification.
2️⃣ For regular exporters, Route A can be time-consuming and costly.
➡️ Consider switching to Route B (Product Certificate – PC), which is valid for 1 year and offers more flexibility.
Tip: Always confirm the latest SONCAP policies with official agencies or trusted compliance providers before shipping.
1. Expired Test Reports: Ensure all reports are recent and from accredited labs.
2. Missing Form M: Your application cannot proceed without it.
3. Late Inspection Booking: Schedule inspections at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
4. Labeling Errors: Follow NIS labeling standards strictly to avoid customs issues.
BLUEASIA Certification Consulting
Phone: +86 13534225140
Email: king.guo@cblueasia.com
Blueasia Technology – Your trusted partner for African market certification, including SONCAP, SNI, and PVoC compliance.
Q1: What is the difference between SONCAP Route A and Route B?
Route A (PR Certificate) is for occasional or one-time exporters, valid for a single shipment.
Route B (PC Certificate) is for frequent exporters, valid for one year and can cover multiple shipments.
Q2: Can overseas manufacturers apply for the SONCAP certificate directly?
No. The Nigerian importer or a SON-approved agency must handle the application process.
Q3: How long does it take to complete SONCAP PR certification?
Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on product type, testing complexity, and inspection scheduling.
Q4: Are test reports from Chinese labs acceptable?
Yes, as long as the lab is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and ideally recognized under ILAC-MRA.
Q5: What happens if my product fails the inspection?
The exporter will receive a non-compliance report, and the shipment cannot proceed until corrective actions are verified.
Q6: Can the PR certificate be renewed?
No. Each PR certificate is tied to one shipment only. Exporters with ongoing business should apply for Route B (PC).
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