In order to help eliminate the export to Nigeria of unsafe and sub-standard goods, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have introduced a Conformity Assessment Program (SONCAP). SONCAP applies to certain categories of products known as Regulated Products including: all electrical and electronic products that could be used by members of the public; automotive spare parts; gas appliances; toys; steel products; food products; and chemicals. A full list of Regulated Products can be found at www.soncap.com (Link to an external site - Disclaimer 
).
Obtaining the necessary Certification under SONCAP is a two-stage process. Firstly, you have to obtain a Product Certificate, which is evidence that the product you intend to ship complies with the SONCAP recognised standards. A Product Certificate can be used repeatedly until its expiry. You then have to obtain a SONCAP Certificate, which will be required to help ensure the release of goods from the destination port in Nigeria. It is the evidence that all goods within a given consignment have a valid Product Certificate and where appropriate have been verified, through sampling or otherwise, that they are not sub-standard. A SONCAP Certificate can only be used once and is only valid for that particular shipment.
Contact your local SON Country Office (SONCO) for further information on SONCAP and to determine whether your exports fall within the scope of SONCAP. If required your local SONCO will initiate the relevant processes. For further information please refer to www.soncap.com (Link to an external site - Disclaimer ).
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 56, Spring 2006
