Export to Nigeria
SONCAP · CRIA · Nigeria Customs

SONCAP & CRIA Certificates for Your Nigeria-Bound Shipments

A straightforward guide to what SONCAP is, who needs it, and how TNSA Shipping gets you certified without delays.

NIS Compliant ISO / IEC Standards SON Regulated
Export to Nigeria
SONCAP · CRIA · Nigeria Customs

The Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme, Explained

Everything exporters, manufacturers, and freight forwarders need to know before shipping to Nigeria.

PC1 → PC2 → PC3 → SC Pre-Shipment Certification

SONCAP Services

Standards Organisation of Nigeria · Conformity Assessment
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Everything an exporter actually needs, in one place

Scroll down for a straightforward walkthrough of SONCAP — what it is, who needs it, the paperwork involved, and how TNSA Shipping supports you through the process.

01 / Flow Chart Product Certificate / Shipment Certificate (Master & Consignment Document) View flow chart → 02 / Flow Chart SONCAP Import Permit for Form M / Import Permit for PAAR (Consignment Document) View flow chart → 03 / Platform National Single Window (NSW) Learn more →
Overview
SONCAP Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme certification

SONCAP

Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme

The SONCAP is an offshore and pre-shipment certification scheme to monitor, check and control the importation of regulated products into Nigeria. It comprises a set of conformity assessments and verification procedures applicable to all SON-regulated products imported into Nigeria.

The Federal Government of Nigeria introduced the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) to address the number of unsafe products entering the country and to eliminate their subsequent risks to public health and safety.

The scheme employs four mandatory processes of verification of product quality to meet specification standards such as NIS, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), and International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) among others.

The processes are:

  • Product Certificate 1 (otherwise known as PC1 or Unregistered)
  • Product Certificate 2 (otherwise known as PC2 or Registered Status)
  • Product Certificate 3 (otherwise known as PC3 or Licensed Status)
  • SONCAP Certificate (also known as SC)

These documents are mandatory for the importation and Customs clearance of SONCAP-regulated goods, as stipulated in the revised Import Guidelines, under the import requirement of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Applicability

Who Needs a SONCAP Certificate?

A SONCAP Certificate is required for manufacturers, exporters, freight forwarders, and importers shipping regulated products to Nigeria. If your goods fall under a category regulated by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, you will need SONCAP certification before your shipment can clear Nigerian customs.

Why It's Worth Doing Right

Benefits of SONCAP

Ensures compliance with Nigerian regulations

Prevents customs delays and shipment rejection

Reduces the risk of non-compliance

Enables smooth customs clearance

Builds trust with Nigerian buyers

Paperwork Checklist

Documents Required

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill (Draft Accepted)
Product Test Report
Product Certificate (PC), if applicable
Manufacturer's Declaration (if required)
Turnaround

Processing Time

Once all required documents are submitted and testing (where required) is complete, SONCAP Certificates are typically processed within a few working days. Exact timelines can vary depending on the product category, the need for sampling or lab testing, and how quickly complete documentation is provided.

A few working days from complete documentation We keep you updated at every stage to avoid delays.
Our Edge

Why Choose TNSA Shipping

Hands-on experience managing SONCAP documentation for exporters shipping to Nigeria

End-to-end support, from document review to certificate delivery

Direct coordination with accredited testing and certification bodies

Clear guidance on which documents apply to your product category

Dedicated support to help you avoid customs delays

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything exporters typically ask before their first SONCAP shipment.

It's a mandatory requirement under Nigeria's import guidelines. Without a valid SONCAP Certificate, regulated goods cannot legally clear Nigerian customs, and shipments risk delay, penalty, or rejection at the port.
Your product moves through document review, standards verification against NIS/ISO/IEC, and (where applicable) testing or inspection, before a Product Certificate and, later, a SONCAP Certificate are issued.
The Product Certificate (PC) confirms that a specific product has been verified against the applicable Nigerian standard. It progresses through three stages — PC1 (Unregistered), PC2 (Registered), PC3 (Licensed) — and is a prerequisite for the final SONCAP Certificate.
The SONCAP Certificate (SC) is the final, shipment-specific document required for customs clearance in Nigeria. It's issued once the Product Certificate and shipment documentation are confirmed.
An HS (Harmonized System) code is the internationally standardised number used to classify traded products. It determines which regulations, duties, and certification requirements — including SONCAP — apply to your goods.
Typically a few working days once complete documentation is submitted, though it can vary by product category and testing requirements. TNSA Shipping gives you a specific timeline once we review your paperwork.
Cost depends on product type, HS code, and shipment value. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote specific to your goods.
SC fees are calculated per shipment based on product category and declared value. We'll confirm the exact figure as part of your free quote.
Once your Product Certificate and shipment documents are in order, the SONCAP Certificate is generally issued within a short turnaround — often within 24–48 hours.
No. A SONCAP Certificate is issued per shipment. Each new consignment requires its own certificate, even if it's the same product and the same PC applies.
It's strongly discouraged. Certification is meant to happen before shipment. Applying late risks delays, additional inspection, or penalties on arrival in Nigeria — always start the process before your goods depart.
The Product Certificate generally remains valid for repeat shipments of the same, unchanged product for a set period, while the SONCAP Certificate is valid for that specific shipment only. We'll confirm exact validity for your product line.
Requirements can vary by applicant type and product. Speak to our team and we'll confirm exactly what's needed for your specific case before you begin.
Certain product categories fall outside SONCAP's regulated list. Send us your HS code or product description and we'll confirm whether your goods are exempt.
It's an additional authorisation required for certain regulated product categories before shipment, alongside standard SONCAP certification. Applicability depends on the product.
Timelines vary by product and are handled alongside your certification application. We'll confirm an expected date once your case is reviewed.
Get In Touch

Contact Us / Get a Free Quote

Need a SONCAP Certificate for your next shipment to Nigeria? Reach out to our team and we'll guide you through the documents, testing, and timeline for your product.

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