Nigeria is one of India’s largest trading partners in Africa, and SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) decides whether your goods clear Lagos, Apapa or Onne. Without a valid Product Certificate and SONCAP Certificate, regulated goods face delays, extra inspection or seizure. We handle testing, inspection and certificates from India.
To export regulated goods to Nigeria you need a SONCAP Product Certificate (Route A: one shipment; Routes B/C: valid one year), issued through an SON-accredited firm after testing and inspection. Your importer uses it to open Form M. Before clearance, each shipment also needs a SONCAP Certificate issued by SON.
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- Regulator: Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
- Certificates: Product Certificate + SONCAP Certificate
- Validity: 1 shipment (Route A) · 1 year (B/C)
- Excluded: Food, drugs, medicines (NAFDAC)
SONCAP Routes Explained
🅰️ Route A: Unregistered
Testing plus inspection for each shipment. Best for one-off or first exports. Certificate valid for one shipment.
🅱️ Route B: Registered
Product registered after testing; valid one year with inspections. Ideal for regular exporters of the same products.
©️ Route C: Licensed
For manufacturers with a quality system and factory audit. Valid one year; lowest effort per shipment.
SONCAP at a Glance
| Who issues | SON-accredited International Accreditation Firms (IAFs) issue the Product Certificate; SON issues the SONCAP Certificate |
|---|---|
| Who uses it | The Nigerian importer, to open Form M and clear customs |
| Online systems | SONCAP portal, SON e-Product Registration and Nigeria’s National Single Window |
| Not covered | Food, drugs and medicines (NAFDAC), raw materials for bona fide manufacturers (with permit), military goods, and used goods other than vehicles |
| Telecom products | Also need Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) type approval |
Products Indian Exporters Commonly Certify
- Electrical cables, switches and sockets
- Household appliances and fans
- Auto parts, tyres and batteries
- Generators, pumps and motors
- Steel products and building materials
- Ceramic tiles and sanitary ware
- Plastics, packaging and household goods
- Solar panels, inverters and LED lighting
Documents Checklist
- Proforma invoice and packing list
- Test reports from an accredited laboratory (IEC / ISO / Nigerian Industrial Standards)
- Product photos, labels and technical specifications
- ISO 9001 certificate (for Route C)
- Nigerian importer details for the Form M link
Step-by-Step Process with Global Approbation
- Product scoping. We confirm SONCAP applicability, the Nigerian Industrial Standard and the best route. (1 day)
- Testing. Samples tested or your existing reports reviewed by the accredited firm. (5–15 days)
- Product Certificate. Issued (Route A/B/C) and shared with your importer for Form M. (2–5 days)
- Pre-shipment inspection. Physical inspection and sealing where required. (2–4 days)
- SONCAP Certificate. Issued by SON for customs clearance in Nigeria. (Before arrival)
Common Mistakes Indian Exporters Make
- Shipping before the Product Certificate is linked to Form M
- Choosing Route A for repeat products and paying full cost every shipment
- Labels without the required English markings, country of origin or ratings
- Assuming food or pharma go through SONCAP (they need NAFDAC)
SONCAP: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the SONCAP Product Certificate and the SONCAP Certificate?
The Product Certificate confirms that your product conforms to Nigerian standards and is used to open Form M. The SONCAP Certificate is issued by SON for each shipment and is the document used for customs clearance.
How long is a SONCAP Product Certificate valid?
Under Route A it is valid for one shipment. Under Routes B (registration) and C (licensing) it is valid for one year.
Is SONCAP required for all products?
It covers most imported goods, but food, drugs and medicines (regulated by NAFDAC), certain raw materials for manufacturers, military goods and most used goods are excluded. Telecom products also need NCC approval.
Can I use my BIS or IEC test reports?
Test reports from accredited laboratories to IEC or equivalent standards are commonly accepted and can avoid retesting, subject to review against the applicable Nigerian Industrial Standard.
Regulations, portals and fees change frequently. Requirements are confirmed product by product during our applicability review. Global Approbation is a consultancy; certificates are issued by the relevant authority, accredited certification body or notified body.