Licensed Product Certificate
We also have a product certificate (Licensed) in SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) for Nigeria.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) is a mandatory program established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that all regulated products imported into the country meet Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or other internationally accepted standards. The goal of SONCAP is to protect Nigerians from substandard and unsafe products, while also creating a level playing field for domestic manufacturers.
- Implemented by: Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
- Established: December 1, 2005
- Purpose: To ensure the quality, safety and environmental protection of imported goods in Nigeria
Process for Compliance
Exporters who want to ship goods to Nigeria that are included in the SONCAP program need to undergo a conformity assessment process. This process is performed by independent firms that have been accredited by SON. There are three routes that may be applied, depending on the type, risk and impact on health, safety and the environment of the product:
- Route A: This is for unregistered or unlicensed products. Each shipment must be inspected, sampled, tested and verified against applicable standards.
- Route B: This is for products that are registered or licensed in Nigeria, but not in the country of export. The manufacturer’s quality management system is assessed and product samples are tested.
- Route C: This is for products that are already certified to an equivalent international standard by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited certification body. The product certificate is accepted based on verification of authenticity.
Benefits of SONCAP
- Protects Nigerian consumers from substandard and unsafe products
- Promotes fair competition between imported and domestic products
- Boosts consumer confidence in imported goods
- Facilitates trade by reducing delays at customs
If you are a business planning to export goods to Nigeria, it is important to understand the SONCAP requirements and ensure that your products comply. You can find more information about SONCAP on the website of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria https://son.gov.ng/.
The Licensed Product Certificate, abbreviated as PC3, is one of three certificates issued under the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP). SONCAP is a mandatory program that ensures the quality, health, safety, and environmental protection of products imported into Nigeria.
[SONCAP Certification Process]
Here’s a breakdown of the three certificates:
- Product Certificate 1 (PC1): This is issued for unregistered low-risk products and is valid for a single shipment.
- Product Certificate 2 (PC2): This is issued for registered low-risk products and is valid for multiple shipments within a one-year period.
- Product Certificate 3 (PC3) Licensed: This is issued for high-risk products and requires a factory audit by a SONCAP Approved Body. PC3 certificates are valid for two years with bi-annual audits.
Obtaining a PC3 demonstrates a manufacturer’s commitment to quality and allows for faster customs clearance of goods in Nigeria.
If you are a manufacturer or exporter considering importing products into Nigeria, you should contact a SONCAP Approved Body to determine which certificate is required for your specific product and to initiate the certification process. You can find a list of SONCAP Approved Bodies on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria website https://son.gov.ng/son-product-certification/.