Last reviewed: 10 September 2026
SONCAP is the programme that verifies regulated goods imported into Nigeria meet the country’s standards before the goods leave. It is run by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). The logic is simple: inspection happens in the country of supply, not at the arrival port, so non-conforming goods never reach Nigeria.
Two separate certificates, both required
The process is not a single piece of paper. The Product Certificate covers the product and its manufacturer; the same product does not need retesting on every shipment. The SONCAP Certificate is issued per shipment and it is the document customs asks for.
- Product Certificate (PC): per product and manufacturer, based on test reports. The validity period is stated on the certificate.
- SONCAP Certificate (SC): issued per shipment, in the importer’s name. Customs clearance is done with this document.
How the process runs, in order
- The product is classified: which standard applies, which risk category.
- A test report is produced, or an existing accredited report is used.
- A SON-appointed inspection body carries out the pre-shipment inspection.
- The Product Certificate is issued.
- The SONCAP Certificate is applied for in the name of the importer in Nigeria.
- Loading takes place once the certificate is in hand.
Before shipment, not after
The most expensive mistake in this programme is to ship first and chase the certificate afterwards. Cargo arriving without a certificate waits at customs; demurrage and storage accrue while it waits, penalties come into play, and in some cases the goods are sent back. Run in parallel with production the paperwork does not delay the shipment; run afterwards, the container waits at the port.
Not every product falls under SONCAP
SON covers regulated industrial and consumer goods. Food, medicines, cosmetics and medical products fall under a separate authority (NAFDAC) and follow a different route. Scope lists are updated over time; which side a product sits on is confirmed while the shipment is being planned.
What we do in this process
The only piece that stays on the buyer’s side is the contact for their customs agent in Nigeria. Product classification, test coordination, booking the accredited inspection body and following the paperwork stay with us, running in parallel while production continues. The quote states line by line which documents are on our side.