In Nigeria, ensuring that goods—whether locally manufactured or imported—comply with national quality and safety standards is a legal requirement. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) plays a central role in this regulatory regime through its product certification and conformity assessment schemes. For importers and manufacturers, obtaining the relevant SON certification (especially under the SON Conformity Assessment Programme, or SONCAP) is critical to avoid detention, delays, or destruction of goods at ports.

What Is SON / SONCAP Certification & Why It Matters

SON & Its Mandate

  • The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is Nigeria’s statutory body responsible for standardization, quality assurance, testing, certification, and regulation of products and services.
  • Under the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, SON is empowered to enforce conformity assessment of both locally manufactured and imported products.

SON Certification Schemes / Product Certification

SON operates multiple certification / conformity assessment schemes:

  • MANCAP (Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme): mandatory certification for locally manufactured products to confirm compliance with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) before being sold domestically.
  • Voluntary Product Certification (NIS Mark of Quality): for manufacturers who want to voluntarily certify their product’s compliance.
  • SONCAP (SON Conformity Assessment Programme): this is a pre-shipment verification scheme where regulated goods imported into Nigeria must be certified to meet applicable standards before shipment.

Because of pervasive issues with substandard imports, the government has made SONCAP mandatory for regulated goods, so that only goods meeting standards are allowed entry.

If an importer fails to obtain the required SON/SONCAP certification, their goods may be detained, destroyed, or subject to penalties.

Who Needs SON / SONCAP Certification?

  • Any importer of goods that fall under SON’s “regulated product” list must comply with SONCAP requirements.
  • Local manufacturers also need MANCAP or product certification depending on their product lines.
  • Note: Some categories are exempt from SONCAP. Exemptions typically include:
    • Food products
    • Drugs / medicines
    • Medical products (other than equipment)
    • Chemicals used as raw materials by bona fide manufacturers
    • Military goods
    • Used products (except automobiles)

Types / Routes of SONCAP Conformity Assessment

Under SONCAP, there are three “Routes” for conformity assessment. The route applicable to a product depends on the exporter’s / manufacturer’s compliance history, risk profile, product type, and frequency of shipment.

  1. Route A (Unregistered / Unlicensed / Conformity Verification)
    • Each shipment is individually assessed — physical inspection, sampling, testing, and sealing of container (for Full Container Load, FCL).
    • The product certificate in this route (PC1) is valid for a limited time (often 6 months) and is for single use.
  2. Route B (Registered Products / Conformity Inspection)
    • Products are registered, and the manufacturer’s quality systems audited.
    • Subsequent shipments require test reports; in some percentage of shipments, inspections, sampling and witnessed testing are mandatory.
  3. Route C (Licensed Products / Product Certification System)
    • The highest level: manufacturer is licensed. Ongoing audits, surveillance, and periodic inspections ensure continuing compliance.
    • Licensing is only granted to the manufacturer (not to intermediaries).

The advantage of being on Routes B or C is lower recurring costs, fewer inspections, and more streamlined processing over time.

Documents & Information Required

While the exact document set may vary depending on the IAF, product type, route, or exporting country, common requirements include:

  • Manufacturer / Exporter details: name, address, contact information
  • Importer details in Nigeria
  • Product technical data sheet / specifications
  • Photos of the product (various angles)
  • Product’s harmonized system (HS) / tariff code
  • Test reports from accredited laboratories (ISO 17025)
  • Factory quality / ISO certification (if applicable)
  • Factory inspection / audit reports
  • Packing list
  • Proforma invoice / commercial invoice
  • Bill of lading / airway bill
  • Power of Attorney (if agent acts on behalf of importer)
  • Manufacturer’s agreement (if importer is not the manufacturer)
  • Trademark / brand certificate (if applicable)
  • Company registration documents (e.g. CAC certificate)
  • TIN (Tax Identification Number) for importer
  • Declaration of conformity / supplier’s declaration (in some cases)

These documents allow the IAF and SON to assess whether the product conforms to relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards.

Need help?
If you need professional assistance with SON or SONCAP certification in Nigeria, our legal experts are available to guide you through the process.

Contact us today on +2347065135864 or info@creduntsolicitors.com