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SONCAP certification explained: PC vs SC, the process and common issues
The two certificates of Nigeria's SONCAP conformity assessment programme, who applies, what's needed and the timing, plus the new requirement from 2026 to activate them on the National Single Window.
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SONCAP is Nigeria's mandatory pre-shipment conformity assessment for regulated products, with two certificates: the Product Certificate (PC) proves the product meets the standards and is used to open the Form M; the SONCAP Certificate (SC) covers each shipment and is used for PAAR and clearance. From 27 March 2026, certificates are only valid once activated on the National Single Window.
Information updated: 2026-10-03
PC and SC
| Product Certificate (PC) | SONCAP Certificate (SC) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it proves | The product meets Nigerian standards | This shipment matches the certified product |
| Issued to | The exporter | The importer |
| Used for | Opening the Form M | PAAR and clearance |
| Frequency | Per product, reusable while valid | One per shipment |
Process
- Confirm whether the product is regulated.
- The exporter appoints an inspection body accredited by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (IAF) to test or inspect.
- Obtain the PC and give it to the importer to open the Form M.
- Before shipment, the inspection body checks the shipment and issues the SC.
- The importer activates the certificate on the National Single Window for PAAR and clearance.
Common issues
- Applying only after arrival: slow, expensive and may cause demurrage.
- Model doesn't match the certificate: different models in the same category may need separate certification.
- Importer hasn't registered a tax ID on the platform: the certification process can't start.