1. Nigeria SONCAP Certification Technical Consulting Services Overview:

The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) is the Nigerian government agency responsible for establishing and enforcing quality standards for imported goods and locally manufactured products. To ensure that regulated products comply with approved national technical standards or other international standards and to protect Nigerian consumers from unsafe or substandard products, SON has implemented a mandatory Pre-Shipment Conformity Assessment Program for regulated products exported to Nigeria.

2. First Stage: Application for PC Certificate:

There are three modes for obtaining SONCAP PC certificates:

1) ROUTE A

2) ROUTE B

3) ROUTE C

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ROUTE A:

Characteristics: PC certificate is single-use valid, 100% inspection and supervision ratio. Each shipment must be inspected, and containerized products require supervision during loading.

Suitable for: Exporters who occasionally ship goods to Nigeria should choose ROUTE A.

Application Process:
1) Submit product test report and PC application form
2) Certification body (e.g., SGS) reviews documents and issues PC certificate upon approval

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ROUTE B:

Characteristics: PC certificate valid for one year, with at least 40% inspection and supervision ratio

Suitable for: Exporters who frequently ship goods to Nigeria should choose ROUTE B.

Application Process:
1) Submit product test report, PC application form, and ISO9001 system certificate
2) Certification body (e.g., SGS) reviews documents and arranges factory inspection for high-risk products, then issues PC certificate if qualified. Low-risk products may not require factory inspection.
Note: At least 40% of shipments require inspection and supervision. For shipments not requiring inspection, SONCAP certificates can be applied for by submitting application documents directly.

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ROUTE C:

Characteristics: PC certificate valid for one year, with at least two inspection and supervision shipments per year

Suitable for: Qualified manufacturers who ship large quantities to Nigeria may choose ROUTE C.

Application Process:

1) Submit product test report, ISO9001 system certificate, and PC application form
2) Certification body (e.g., SGS) reviews documents and arranges factory inspection upon approval
3) Factory inspection passed, PC certificate issued
Note: At least two inspection and supervision shipments per year. For shipments not requiring inspection, SONCAP certificates can be applied for by submitting application documents directly.

3. Second Stage: Application for SC Certificate:

There are two modes for obtaining Nigeria SONCAP SC certificates:

1) Inspection mode

2) Non-inspection mode

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Inspection Mode:

Documents required for SONCAP SC certificate:

1) Packing List

2) Proforma Invoice

3) PC certificate copy

4) SONCAP application form

5) FORM M copy

Inspection Requirements:

1) Ensure all goods are fully completed;

2) Product labels must include: product name, trademark, MADE IN CHINA, technical parameters, gross weight, net weight, quantity, manufacturer. All are required. Labels should be affixed via sticker or printed on outer packaging, inner packaging, or the product itself. If the product is too small, attach to the packaging in direct contact with the product.

3) After inspection is passed, provide final packing list, invoice, and bill of lading to obtain Nigeria SC certificate.

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Non-Inspection Mode

Documents required for SONCAP SC certificate:

1) Packing List

2) Proforma Invoice

3) PC certificate copy

4) SONCAP application form

5) FORM M copy

6) Original bill of lading copy