How can one distinguish between the SONCAP, PC and FORM M certificates for customs clearance in Nigeria?

How can one distinguish between the SONCAP, PC and FORM M certificates for customs clearance in Nigeria?

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) enforces a mandatory pre-shipment conformity assessment program called SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program) for regulated products imported into the country. This guide clarifies the distinct roles of three critical documents: the Product Certificate (PC), the SONCAP Certificate (SC), and the FORM M.

Core Functions & Relationship

The process involves two main parties and three documents, as summarized below:



Document Core Nature & Applicant Validity Primary Function
Product Certificate (PC) Product Registration Certificate, applied for by the exporter. 1 or 3 years The foundation for obtaining the SC. It certifies that a product model has undergone compliance assessment.
SONCAP Certificate (SC) One-time Shipment Clearance Certificate, applied for by the exporter using the PC and FORM M. Single shipment, 3 months Mandatory document for customs clearance of goods in Nigeria.
FORM M Import Permit, applied for by the Nigerian importer with their bank. Single import transaction Official document for Nigerian forex control and import declaration. Its number is required by the exporter to apply for the SC.

Summary of Relationship: The exporter must first obtain a PC Certificate for the product. For each shipment, the Nigerian importer must apply for a FORM M. Subsequently, the exporter uses the valid PC and FORM M number to apply for the SONCAP Clearance Certificate (SC) for that specific shipment. The SC is the ultimate mandatory document for customs clearance.

Detailed Certification Process

Phase 1: Obtain a Product Test Report (Prerequisite)
A recognized product test report is a prerequisite for applying for a PC. Acceptable reports include:

  • International Certification Reports: e.g., from UL, IEC, GS, or CE (must be issued by a lab with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation). Reports are typically accepted if issued within the last 3 years.

  • Chinese Certification Reports: English CCC test reports are generally accepted.

  • Special Cases: For non-electrical products (e.g., some auto parts, hardware), a manufacturer's internal test report accompanied by an ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 System Certification may be accepted.

Phase 2: Apply for the Product Certificate (PC)

  • Nature: Product registration certificate, serving as conformity certification for a product model.

  • Required Documents: PC Application Form (stamped), accepted test report, Declaration of Conformity (hand-signed and stamped), product and packaging photos (showing marks), Power of Attorney, Trademark Guarantee Letter.

  • Key Point: A PC is issued per product category/model. Choose 1-year or 3-year validity. For subsequent exports of the same product within the PC's validity period, re-application is not needed.

Phase 3: Apply for the SONCAP Clearance Certificate (SC)

  • Nature: Mandatory clearance document required for each individual shipment.

  • Required Documents: SC Application Form (stamped), Declaration of Conformity (hand-signed and stamped), copy of the valid PC, FORM M number, Power of Attorney, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Draft Bill of Lading.

  • Key Point: The SC details must exactly match the specific shipment information (quantity, value, container number). Obtaining the original SC is a necessary step before shipment and for successful customs clearance in Nigeria.

Synergy with Quality Inspection Services

Professional inspection services can work in synergy with the SONCAP process to ensure smooth clearance:

  1. Pre-Production: Conduct supplier audits to verify their capability to consistently produce compliant products.

  2. During Production/Pre-Shipment: Perform Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) to verify that product specifications, models, quantities, packaging, and markings fully align with the PC, SC application documents, and FORM M information. This prevents clearance delays due to discrepancies.

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