Introduction
In Nigeria, product quality and safety are critical concerns in international trade. To regulate imported and locally manufactured goods, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) introduced two key compliance programs:
- SON Conformity Assessment Program (SONCAP) – For imported goods.
- Mandatory Conformity Assessment Program (MANCAP) – For locally manufactured goods.
Both programs help ensure that products meet required standards, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines before entering the Nigerian market.
1. SONCAP: Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program
What is SONCAP?
SONCAP is a pre-shipment verification system designed to ensure that imported goods comply with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or other approved international standards.
Purpose of SONCAP
- Prevent the importation of substandard, counterfeit, and unsafe products.
- Protect consumer health and safety.
- Promote fair trade by ensuring quality compliance.
- Support the government’s efforts to enhance economic growth by discouraging the influx of low-quality goods.
Products Covered by SONCAP
SONCAP applies to all imported products, except:
- Foods, drugs, medical products (regulated by NAFDAC).
- Chemicals used in food production.
- Military and police items.
SONCAP Certification Process
To import goods into Nigeria, the following SONCAP documents are required:
Step 1: Product Certificate (PC) Issuance
- The exporter applies for a Product Certificate (PC) from a SON-accredited agency.
- The product undergoes testing and factory inspection.
- If compliant, a Product Certificate is issued (valid for 1 or 3 years).
Step 2: SONCAP Certificate (SC) Issuance
- Before shipment, the exporter applies for a SONCAP Certificate (SC).
- The product is inspected at the port of origin.
- If it passes, SON issues the SONCAP Certificate, which is required for customs clearance in Nigeria.
Step 3: Clearance by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
- The SONCAP Certificate is uploaded to the Nigeria Single Window Trade Portal.
- Nigeria Customs verifies the certificate before releasing the goods.
2. MANCAP: Mandatory Conformity Assessment Program
What is MANCAP?
MANCAP is a quality assurance program for locally manufactured goods in Nigeria. It ensures that Nigerian-made products meet required standards before being sold in the market.
Purpose of MANCAP
- Promote the production of high-quality goods in Nigeria.
- Encourage industrial growth by ensuring compliance with standards.
- Protect consumers from fake and substandard products.
- Enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in local and international markets.
Products Covered by MANCAP
All locally manufactured products must undergo MANCAP certification, except:
- Pharmaceuticals (regulated by NAFDAC).
- Agricultural produce in raw form.
MANCAP Certification Process
Step 1: Application and Documentation
- The manufacturer submits an application to SON with details of the product and factory.
Step 2: Factory Inspection and Product Testing
- SON officials visit the manufacturing facility to inspect production processes.
- Product samples are collected and tested in SON-approved laboratories.
Step 3: Issuance of MANCAP Certificate
- If the product meets the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS), a MANCAP Certificate is issued.
- The certificate is valid for three years and subject to annual surveillance audits.
Key Differences Between SONCAP and MANCAP
| Feature | SONCAP | MANCAP |
| Scope | Covers imported goods | Covers locally manufactured goods |
| Purpose | Ensures imports meet safety and quality standards | Ensures Nigerian-made products comply with standards |
| Regulating Body | Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) | Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) |
| Certificate Issued | SONCAP Certificate | MANCAP Certificate |
| Process | Pre-shipment verification & testing | Factory inspection & product testing |
| Validity | Per shipment | 3 years (with annual audits) |
Role of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in SONCAP and MANCAP
- Customs enforces SONCAP regulations by ensuring that imported goods have valid SONCAP Certificates before clearance.
- Customs verifies MANCAP compliance for Nigerian-made products before allowing local distribution.
- Customs collaborates with SON to prevent the entry of fake or substandard goods into the Nigerian market.
Challenges in SONCAP and MANCAP Implementation
Despite their importance, both programs face challenges:
- Smuggling of substandard goods – Some importers bypass SONCAP regulations.
- Fake certificates – Fraudulent documents are sometimes presented for customs clearance.
- Corruption and inefficiencies – Delays in the certification process affect trade.
- Lack of awareness – Many local manufacturers do not understand the importance of MANCAP compliance.
Consequences of Not Having SONCAP or MANCAP as an Importer in Nigeria
Failure to comply with SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program) and MANCAP (Mandatory Conformity Assessment Program) regulations can result in severe consequences for importers and manufacturers. Below are the legal, financial, and operational risks associated with non-compliance:
1. Seizure of Goods by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
- If an importer fails to provide a valid SONCAP Certificate, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has the authority to confiscate the shipment at the port.
- Seized goods may be auctioned, destroyed, or returned to the country of origin at the importer’s expense.
2. Heavy Fines and Penalties
- Importers who fail to comply with SONCAP regulations may face hefty fines imposed by SON and NCS.
- Fines vary depending on the value, type, and quantity of goods imported.
- Repeat offenders may face higher penalties and increased scrutiny on future shipments.
3. Delay in Customs Clearance and Increased Costs
- Non-compliant goods will not be cleared by customs, leading to prolonged delays at the port.
- Importers may incur demurrage fees, storage costs, and other financial losses while trying to obtain the necessary certification after arrival.
4. Business Disruptions and Loss of Market Credibility
- Businesses that import or distribute substandard products risk damaging their brand reputation and losing customer trust.
- Companies without SONCAP-certified goods may be blacklisted, affecting future trade activities.
5. Legal Actions and Prosecution
- The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) can take legal action against importers who attempt to import or distribute non-compliant goods.
- In extreme cases, offenders may face court trials, imprisonment, or business closure.
6. Risk of Counterfeit and Unsafe Products in the Market
- Non-compliant imports may contain harmful materials, leading to health hazards for consumers.
- The government actively tracks and removes fake, substandard, and hazardous goods, meaning non-compliant products may be forcibly withdrawn from the market.
7. Restrictions on Future Imports
- Businesses caught violating SONCAP or MANCAP regulations may face import restrictions or additional scrutiny from customs authorities.
- SON may require mandatory pre-shipment inspections for all future imports from repeat offenders.
Conclusion
SONCAP and MANCAP are essential programs for ensuring product quality, consumer safety, and fair trade in Nigeria. While SONCAP regulates imports, MANCAP ensures that locally produced goods meet national standards. The Nigeria Customs Service plays a key role in enforcing these programs by verifying certifications and preventing substandard products from entering the market.
To improve compliance, there is a need for better enforcement, increased public awareness, and stronger collaboration between government agencies and businesses.
Importers who fail to obtain the required SONCAP and MANCAP certifications face severe financial, legal, and operational consequences. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for smooth customs clearance, business credibility, and consumer safety. To avoid penalties, importers should ensure that all imported goods meet Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) before shipment.
Written by Owoyomi Oluwatosin Adedapo (OOA)