Nigeria SONCAP Certification: Product Certificate, CoC and Shipment Approval
SONCAP is Nigeria’s conformity assessment programme for applicable regulated products. Exporters should confirm whether the exact product and HS code are covered and complete the required certification steps before dispatch.
This article is general trade information, not legal, tax, banking or customs advice. Nigerian rules and portal workflows can change. The importer/exporter must verify the current requirements with the relevant authority, authorised dealer bank and licensed customs agent before committing or dispatching cargo.
Check whether the product is regulated
SONCAP does not automatically apply to every imported item. Check the current SON product scope, applicable Nigerian Industrial Standards and any exclusions or exemptions for the specific HS code and product specification.
Understand the certificate chain
The programme can involve a Product Certificate under the relevant route, conformity assessment and a SONCAP Certificate for the shipment. The exact route depends on the product, manufacturer, registration status and applicable SON instructions. A product certificate and shipment certificate serve different purposes.
National Single Window transition
SON announced that, effective 27 March 2026, applications for import permits and relevant SONCAP processes must be initiated through the National Single Window. SON also stated that accredited international firms may continue certificate generation on the SON portal, while activation for Form M, PAAR and cargo clearance is completed on NSW. Verify the live portal instructions before every transaction.
Pre-shipment evidence
Keep product specifications, test reports, factory details, labels, model or batch identification, invoice, packing list and inspection records ready. The certificate must match the actual goods and shipment; do not reuse a certificate for a different product, manufacturer or consignment unless the rules expressly permit it.
Avoid port non-compliance
Do not ship SONCAP-regulated goods on the assumption that a certificate can always be obtained after arrival. Confirm certificate status and activation with the importer and agent before loading. Keep all issued certificates and portal acknowledgements in the shipment file.
Practical checklist before shipment
- Confirm the correct HS code, product description, origin and applicable tariff.
- Check current permits, product registration and conformity certificates before loading.
- Match invoice, packing list, transport document, origin evidence and bank/portal records.
- Ask the Nigerian importer and licensed customs agent to confirm the live clearance workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Does SONCAP apply to every product?
No. Applicability depends on the current regulated product scope, HS code and exemptions.
When should certification be arranged?
Before shipment, with the product and shipment requirements confirmed for the specific consignment.
Where are new import permit applications initiated?
SON’s 2026 notice directs relevant applications through the National Single Window, with specified certificate-generation steps continuing through accredited channels.
Official resources and verification links
- CBN and import/export documentation
- Nigeria National Single Window
- Nigerian Trade Information Portal
- Nigeria Customs Service
- Customs valuation guide
- Current 2026 tariff variation order
- Import prohibition list
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria SONCAP
- SON 2026 National Single Window notice
- NAFDAC imported food guidance
- NAFDAC application forms and permits
- NEPC exporter registration
- NEPC export documents and procedures
- NEPC Export Expansion Grant
- ECOWAS ETLS legal documents
- NEPZA operational free zones
- NCS bonded warehouses
Related Nigeria import and export guides
Planning to export from India to Nigeria?
Ask your Nigerian buyer to confirm importer registration, NAFDAC or SON requirements (where applicable), Form M and customs-agent readiness before shipment. For Mannuji product enquiries, use the contact details shown in the website header or contact page.