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SONCAP Certification Consultant in Nigeria
Lifehampers helps importers get SONCAP certification, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria's conformity scheme for regulated imported products, so shipments clear Nigerian customs without detention.
How SONCAP Works
SONCAP, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme, checks that regulated products meet Nigerian standards before they are shipped. Inspection and testing are carried out in the exporting country by SON-accredited firms. Certification happens in stages, and you need both certificates to clear customs:
Product Testing
Your product is tested against the applicable Nigerian Industrial Standards, through an accredited firm or by reviewing existing test reports.
Product Certificate (PC)
Once the product conforms, a Product Certificate is issued for it. It is the foundation for every shipment of that product.
SONCAP Certificate (SC)
Each consignment then needs its own SONCAP Certificate, which customs requires to clear the goods.
Products Covered
Electrical and electronic goods, chemicals such as soaps, detergents, cement and fertilizers, textiles, tyres, building materials and many other regulated goods. Food, drugs and cosmetics fall under NAFDAC instead.
How We Help
We confirm whether your products are regulated, coordinate with the accredited firm in the exporting country, prepare documents and keep certificates current so shipments are not held up.
Questions people often ask
Straight answers to the questions we hear most often.
Which products need SONCAP?
Regulated products covered by Nigerian Industrial Standards, including electrical goods, chemicals, building materials, textiles and tyres. Confirm your product category before shipping.
Do I need a SONCAP Certificate for every shipment?
Yes. The Product Certificate covers the product, but each consignment needs its own SONCAP Certificate to clear customs.
What happens if I import without SONCAP?
Customs can detain the shipment, require testing or, in some cases, order the goods destroyed at the importer's cost.
How long does SONCAP take?
It depends on the product category and the accredited firm in the exporting country, since the Product Certificate must be in place before shipment certificates can be issued.
Is SONCAP the same as NAFDAC registration?
No. NAFDAC regulates food, drugs, cosmetics and similar products, while SON covers quality and technical standards for a much wider range of goods. See our NAFDAC registration service.
Importing Regulated Products?
Lifehampers Global Consults handles SONCAP certification alongside MANCAP, NAFDAC, CAC registration and other compliance needs.