Nigeria Certification

Certification Introduction

The National Bureau of Standards of Nigeria (Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON) is the government agency responsible for the development and implementation of product quality standards for imported and domestically manufactured goods in Nigeria. The World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a TBT notification (No. G/TBT/NGA/1), Nigeria will be imported into the country of some electrical and electronic products, certain automotive products, toys, construction materials and gas appliances products, such as the implementation of mandatory conformity assessment, that is, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP).  The SONCAP certificate is a mandatory requirement of the Federal Government of Nigeria for customs clearance of imported goods.

In order to strengthen market supervision, SON will implement a new system on April 1, 2013. The new system requires that exporters no longer apply for SONCAP certificate for each shipment, but for COC certificate (Certificate of Conformity). Exporters according to their own situation to choose the certification program, to obtain a different PC (Product Certificate) certificate, based on the PC certificate to apply for COC certificate. After getting the COC provided to the importer to apply for the SC (SONCAP Certification), SC by the importer in the local SONCAP agency directly. In addition, according to the risk category of the product requires on-site sampling and testing, inspection and supervision of goods.

The new SONCAP program contains 3 certification paths.

1. Option A: For unregistered or unlicensed products, suitable for customers who ship occasionally in a year or whose number of shipments is uncertain.

PC1 certificate is issued. The certificate is valid for 6 months and can only be used once. No requirements for the holder. No factory inspection requirement. 100% inspection rate is required for each shipment.

2. Option B: For registered products, suitable for customers with high shipment frequency.

PC2 certificate is issued. The certificate is valid for 1 year and has unlimited use. No requirements for the holder. Factory inspection is required (exempted by submitting ISO9000/CIG023). 40% inspection rate is required for each shipment.

3. Program C: for licensed products, suitable for customers with high shipment frequency and high shipment volume.

PC3 certificate is issued. The certificate is valid for 1 year and has unlimited use. Can only be applied by the manufacturer. Factory inspection and annual audit are required (mandatory, no exemptions). Semi-annual inspection.

Product Range

Since June 2011, all products are included in the SONCAP mandatory control list, except for the following: (1) food, (2) pharmaceuticals, (3) medical supplies (except equipment and instruments), (4) chemical raw materials, (5) military supplies and equipment, (6) aviation-related products, and (7) used products (except motor vehicles)

Application Process

1.GIG laboratory will complete the test and issue the test report
 2. Customers choose the corresponding program according to the actual situation and get the corresponding PC certificate based on the test report
 3. Based on the PC certificate, apply for goods inspection or factory inspection (free of goods inspection)
 4. Pass the inspection or factory inspection, apply for CoC certificate
 5. Importers apply for SC certificate to SON based on CoC

Certification Mark

1.the general product identification and packaging identification requirements.

(1) Marking shall be in English. The marking shall be clearly discernible, legible and indelible.
(2) Product
(3) Model
(4) Trade mark or Brand
(5) Country of origin  MADE IN CHINA (Note: MADE IN PRC is not acceptable)

2.electrical or electrical product marking and packaging marking general requirements.

(1) Marking shall be in English. The marking shall be clearly discernible, legible and indelible.
(2) Product
(3) Model
(4) Trade mark or Brand
(5) Country of origin  MADE IN CHINA (Note: MADE IN PRC is not acceptable)
(6) Name of the manufacturer or responsible vendor
(7) Rated voltage or rated voltage range in volts (incorporating 230V) Domestic voltage 230V, industrial voltage 415V

(8) Symbol for nature of supply or rated frequency or frequency range - incorporating 50 Hz

(9) Symbol for Class II construction For Class II appliances only.

Other Information

Technical information: voltage frequency AC 230 V / 50 Hz, plug BS1363, BS546 or BS4573
 Whether mandatory: mandatory
 Certificate validity: 1 year valid or batch valid
 Factory inspection requirements: Scheme B&C requires factory inspection
 Licensee requirements: Program C must be applied by the manufacturer