STANDARDS ORGANISATION OF NIGERIA

ISSUED: 09-Oct-13 INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW SONCAP PROGRAMME The Nigerian Standards Organisation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is responsible for the preparation, adoption and application of Standards for both imported and domestically manufactured products. Early January 2013, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has officially released a new SONCAP regime with a completely revised conformity assessment structure. The programme is a set of conformity assessment and verification procedures applicable to all products imported into Nigeria except those under the exemption list. The implementation date for this new structure is 1 st March 2013. Consignments of regulated products have to be verified for compliance to relevant NIS (Nigerian Industrial Standards) sanctioned/other approved standards and essential requirements. The compliance verification process will involve physical inspection of the consignment and if necessary, sample selection for testing purposes based on the applicable route selected for certification. The document to be issued under the new structure is called as Certificate of Conformity (CoC). SONCAP Certificate will be issued by SON based on the existence of a valid CoC issued by an IAF (Independent Accredited Firm). Intertek is an accredited firm by SON. SONCAP Certificate shall be collected by Importers from SON directly. The SONCAP certificate is mandatory for Customs clearance of SONCAP regulated goods under the import requirements of the Federal Government of Nigeria. SONCAPPROGRAMME The scheme is designed to protect Nigerian consumers from unsafe and substandard finished products most of which are imported and consumed directly by them. The objectives of the programme include but are not limited to the following: Ensure that regulated products comply with the NIS or approved standards prior to export to Nigeria Provide a level playing field in terms of quality for both regulated and locally manufactured products in order to prevent unfair competition Prevent the dumping of substandard goods into the Nigeria market and as a result preventing economic loss to the Importer and the nation at large Impede loss of lives and property including foreign exchange bearing in mind that the exporting country/exporter have been paid for the goods shipped into Nigeria Forestall any adverse reaction (such as environmental pollution occasioned by destruction of substandard products) by Regulatory Agencies on arrival of such goods in Nigeria Facilitate trade through fast track clearance of goods at the ports Encourage genuine investors and investments in Nigeria Promote certified made in Nigeria products Conserve foreign exchange There are three essential features to the new SONCAP regime: Scope of Goods or Products subject to SONCAP The current regulated list includes all imported goods to be regulated by SONCAP except for the following: Food products Drugs (Medicines) Medicals other than equipment and machines Page 1 of 17

Chemicals used as raw material by bonafide manufacturers Military wares & equipment Goods classified as contraband by the Federal Government of Nigeria Used products other than automobiles Bonafide manufacturers who intend to import machinery or related spare parts for their manufacturing are advised to apply to SON for SONCAP Import Permit to enable them to import these items. Conformity to Standards and/or technical regulations The primary objective of SONCAP is to ensure the quality of products, health and safety, and environmental protection for Nigerians. Routes for Determining Conformity of products Each shipment of goods or products subject to SONCAP must be accompanied by a SONCAP Certificate (SC). The methods employed for achieving these requirements vary according to the nature of product, the risk profile of the manufacturer and the level of conformity met by existing certifications. SON has determined three routes that maybe applied as appropriate for the conformity assessment procedures for products subject to SONCAP certification, according to the type, risk and effect on the health and safety, and environmental protection. INTERTEK SOLUTION Pioneer in Product Conformity Assessment Programmes Intertek pioneered the development of the product conformity assessment programmes, which is now being applied in many parts of the world to prevent dangerous and unsafe products entering into the market. Intertek has undertaken more assessments of more products for longer than any other organisation. Reputation of Excellence and Strong Brand Recognition Intertek has experience in providing solutions to businesses exporting a wide range of products to Nigeria. To date, Intertek has issued over 1.5 million certificates and test reports. Intertek certificates include the latest encryption technology, watermarks and other security measures, which would make it impossible to counterfeit or tamper with. Global Network Intertek operates a global network of offices that have operated the product conformity programmes for many years and accredited laboratories, authorized to perform testing against Nigerian requirements including textiles, garments, leather, footwear and many others. Dedicated Staff with In-Depth Industry Knowledge and Technical Expertise Intertek has experience in providing solutions to businesses exporting a wide range of products to Nigeria. Intertek staff are experts on the understanding and interpretation of a wide range of national and international standards and requirements including Nigerian standard requirements as well as understanding the needs of exporters and importers. International Accreditations and Institutional Memberships Intertek is recognized by more than 30 accreditation bodies around the world and is an active member of the International Federation of Inspection Agencies (IFIA). Page 2 of 16

Strong Focus on Customer Satisfaction Intertek can provide fast, rapid and tailor made service that meets your particular needs, including: (a) Submission of assessment requests online, (b) Automated E-mails for status of certificates, and (c) Flexible certificate delivery solutions for high volume users. ROUTES FOR SHIPMENT CERTIFICATION The SONCAP procedure includes provision of three routes of shipment certification subject to the frequency of shipment and the type of Exporter. For example, occasional Exporters can choose Route A for the certification of their shipments. Exporters who are also the manufacturers of the products being exported can choose Route A, B or C subject to the frequency of their shipments. The three (3) possible routes are as follows; Route A For Unregistered/Unlicensed products Route B For Registered Products Route C For Licensed Products Below is a summarized representation of the new structure; Page 3 of 16

ROUTE A FOR UNREGISTERED/UNLICENSED PRODUCTS Under this route each shipment to be imported requires inspection, consignment testing to applicable standards, witnessing of stuffing of FCL and affixing of seals to FCL. Upon satisfying all these requirements, the product is issued with a Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status), which is valid only for that particular consignment. Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) is applicable to all Exporters/Traders/Suppliers/Manufacturers who wish to export goods to Nigeria. Certification under this Route covers the following steps: Samples taken in the presence of IAF at the manufacturer s premises or IAF draws the sample for analysis Samples to be tested in accordance with applicable Nigerian standards in IAFs laboratories or in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. Testing shall be done covering the PST critical tests. Issuance of a Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) having a validity of 6-months Pre-shipment Inspection Issuance of a CoC for the shipment Issuance of SONCAP Certificate by SON. The Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) issued by an IAF is required by the Importer to obtain a form M. The Form M is used by Importers to declare their intention to import goods to Nigeria. INSPECTION SELECTIVITY AND CONTAINER SEALING Every shipment certified under this route will require mandatory inspection and sample testing and therefore will not be entitled to Selectivity. Stuffing of all Full Container Loads (FCL) will be witnessed by the IAF and seals will be affixed to the containers. Below is the detailed procedure for obtaining a Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status). PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 1(UNREGISTERED STATUS) Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) can be obtained following the below steps: Submission of application for Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) Submission of test report/documents issued from an accredited laboratory. Testing shall be done covering the PST critical tests. In the absence of test reports, samples to be taken in the presence of IAF or IAF takes the sample for analysis Samples to be analysed in the IAFs laboratories or in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. Evaluation of the test reports for conformity to the standard requirements Issuance of the Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) EXISTING PRODUCT CERTIFICATE Existing old Product Certificates are still valid however these can be considered equivalent to Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) under Route A process. Therefore, clients holding valid Product Certificates will have to undergo mandatory inspection for their shipments. Exporters having multiple shipments covering the same products as registered in Product Certificate 1 and if these partial invoices are covered under the same Form M, then the Exporter can use the Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) for multiple shipments within the validity period of the Product Certificate. Page 4 of 16

Refer to Figure 1 for Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) process. ROUTE B FOR REGISTERED PRODUCTS Under this route registration of products is done following full type testing and assessment of the manufacturer s quality system in place in order to determine whether the product(s) under consideration is in conformity with the applicable standards and that the Manufacturer has the necessary systems in place to consistently produce quality products. Exporters from Route A having four compliant shipments and have satisfactorily completed factory audit could be elevated from Route A to Route B. Alternatively, the Exporter can directly apply for a Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) without going through the Route A process. The Exporter will submit type test report issued by an approved laboratory. IAF will review the manufacturer s quality system and the Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) will be issued upon successful evaluation of quality documentations and full type test reports. Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) is applicable to Exporters who are Supplier/Manufacturers or who have their manufacturing units. Upon successful issuance of Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) the succeeding shipments of the Exporter will undergo the following steps; Submission of application/ request with valid Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) Verification of the Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) Pre-shipment Inspection and testing (if applicable) Issuance of the CoC Issuance of SONCAP Certificate by SON. INSPECTION SELECTIVITY AND CONTAINER SEALING Shipments certified under this route will require to undergo random inspection and sample testing. Samples submitted for testing shall be either drawn by the IAF or drawn under IAF s supervision at the manufacturer s premises. At least 40% per of the total shipments per quarter should be subjected to inspection and witnessing of container sealing. Stuffing of all Full Container Loads (FCL) will be witnessed by the IAF and seals will be affixed to the containers. Below is the detailed procedure for obtaining a Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status); OPTION 1 PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 2(REGISTERED STATUS) ELEVATED FROM ROUTE A TO ROUTE B If the Exporter has been elevated from Route A to Route B, this Exporter will undergo the following steps to obtain the Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status): Product Certificate under the Registered Status covers the following steps: Submission of application for Product Certificate (Registered Status) Review of Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) Check if the client is a manufacturer Has completed four successful transaction Assessment of the Manufacturer s Quality System Evaluation of full type test reports for conformity to the standard requirements. In the absence of test reports, samples to be taken in the presence of IAF or IAF takes the sample for analysis Issuance of the Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) Page 5 of 16

Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) is valid for one year. Product Certificate 2 can be used for multiple shipments within the validity period. OPTION 2 PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 2(REGISTERED STATUS) DIRECT APPLICATION If the Exporter has applied directly for Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status), this Exporter will undergo the following steps to obtain the Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status): Product Certificate under Registered Status for Exporters, who have applied directly, covers the following steps: Submission of application for Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) Submission of full type test report/documents issued from an accredited laboratory In the absence of test reports, sampling and testing of the product(s) to be registered. Samples have to be taken in the presence of IAF or IAF takes the sample for analysis Evaluation of the full type test reports for conformity to the standard requirements Assessment of the Manufacturer s Quality System Issuance of the Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) is valid for one year. Product Certificate 2 can be used for multiple shipments within the validity period. OPTION 3 CONVERTING THE EXISTING PRODUCT CERTIFICATE INTO PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 2 (REGISTERED STATUS) If the Exporter has an existing Product Certificate which is still valid, then this PC can be immediately converted to Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status). The Exporter will undergo the following steps to successfully convert the existing PC to Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status): Submission of application for Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) Re-evaluation of the existing full type test reports for conformity to the standard requirements In absence of complete test reports or in case the test reports are invalid; then additional test reports should be requested for verification. In the absence of test reports, sampling and testing of the product(s) to be registered. Assessment of the Manufacturer s Quality System through their quality documentations Issuance of the Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) The validity of Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) shall be based on the validity period of the existing old PC. Product Certificate 2 can be used for multiple shipments within the validity period. See Figure 2 for Product Registration 2 (Registered Status) process. ROUTE C FOR LICENSED PRODUCTS If the Exporter from Route B has four compliant shipments and has satisfactorily completed factory audit could be elevated from Route B to Route C. Alternatively, if the Exporter has applied directly for Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) then the IAF can perform factory audit at their manufacturing unit and the Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) will be issued upon successful evaluation of audit reports. Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) is applicable for Manufacturers only. Page 6 of 16

Upon successful issuance of Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) the succeeding shipments of the Exporter will undergo the following steps; Submission of application/ request with valid Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) Verification of the Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) Submission of full type test report/documents issued from an accredited laboratory In the absence of test reports, sampling and testing of the product(s) to be registered. Samples have to be taken in the presence of IAF or IAF takes the sample for analysis Pre-shipment Inspection (if applicable) Issuance of the CoC Issuance of SONCAP Certificate by SON. INSPECTION SELECTIVITY AND CONTAINER SEALING At least two shipments every year under this route will undergo an inspection and sample testing (if applicable). Samples submitted for testing shall be either drawn by the IAF or drawn under IAF supervision at the manufacturer s premises while ensuring that at least one shipment every six months is inspected. Stuffing of all Full Container Loads (FCL) will be witnessed by the IAF and seals will be affixed to the containers. Below is the detailed procedure for obtaining a Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status); OPTION 1 PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 3(LICENSED STATUS) ELEVATED FROM ROUTE B TO ROUTE C If the Exporter has been elevated from Route B to Route C, this Exporter will undergo the following steps to obtain the Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status): Product Certificate under the Licensed Status covers the following steps: Submission of application for Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) Review of Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) Check if the client is a manufacturer Complete four successful transaction and two successful factory audits Evaluation of the compliance history and full type test reports for conformity to the standard requirements Audit of the Manufacturing unit Issuance of the Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) is valid for one year. Product Certificate 3 can be used for multiple shipments within the validity period. OPTION 2 PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 3(LICENSED STATUS) DIRECT APPLICATION If the Exporter has applied directly for Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status), this Exporter will undergo the following steps to obtain the Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status): Product Certificate under Licensed Status for Exporters, who have applied directly, covers the following steps: Submission of application for Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) Submission of full type test report/documents issued from an accredited laboratory In the absence of test reports, sampling and testing of the product(s) to be registered. Samples have to be taken in the presence of IAF or IAF takes the sample for analysis Evaluation of the test reports for conformity to the standard requirements Page 7 of 16

Audit of the Manufacturing unit Issuance of the Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) is valid for one year. Product Certificate 3 can be used for multiple shipments within the validity period. OPTION 3 CONVERTING THE EXISTING PRODUCT CERTIFICATE INTO PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 3 (LICENSED STATUS) If the Exporter has an existing Product Certificate which is valid then this PC can be immediately converted to Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status). The Exporter should be a manufacturer, and the Exporter will undergo the following steps to obtain the Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status): Submission of application for Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) Re-evaluation of the existing full type test reports for conformity to the standard requirements In absence of complete test reports or in case the test reports are invalid; then additional test reports should be requested for verification. In the absence of test reports, sampling and testing of the product(s) to be licenced. Audit of the Manufacturing unit Issuance of the Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) The validity of Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) shall be based on the validity period of the existing old PC. Product Certificate 3 can be used for multiple shipments within the validity period. See Figure 3 for Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) process. SONCAPDEFINITION OF TERMS CoC Certificate of Conformity IAF Independent Accredited Firm Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) is one time registration under Route A that can be used for that particular shipment only. Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) is a registration issued to an Exporter under Route B upon successful verification and evaluation of full type test reports and factory audit reports can be used for multiple shipments within the validity period of the certificate. Shipments will be subjected to periodic inspection and testing. Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) is a licence issued to an Exporter under Route C upon successful verification and evaluation of full type test reports and factory audit reports can be used for multiple shipments within the validity period of the certificate. Periodic inspection and testing will be done twice a year. SONCAP - Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme SONCAP Certificate (SC) is a mandatory document used by the Nigerian Customs Services for clearance of goods going to Nigeria. Page 8 of 16

FEES SONCAP CERTIFICATION PROCESS FEE PER CERTIFICATE Product Certificate (PC) Certificate of Conformity (CoC) Product Certificate 1 (Unregistered Status) Product Certificate 2 (Registered Status) Product Certificate 3 (Licensed Status) Addition of Model to the Product Certificate Product Certificate Amendment Issuance of New CoC Route A, B & C CoC amendment fees US $ 300.00 per product* per Product Certificate US $ 300.00 per product per Product Certificate US $ 1,300.00 per product per Product Certificate US$ 60.00 per model for one year. (USD 5.00 per month) US$ 100.00 per amendment US$ 300.00 per Certificate US$ 100.00 per amendment Non-Conformity Report (NCR) Issuance of NCR US $ 350.00 Shipment Inspection Factory Audit *Remarks: Performance of inspection at the Client s premises Visit to manufacturer s facility This cost is included in the Certification Fee. This cost is included in the Product Certificate Fee. If Products are of different types then a separate PC shall be issued for each product type. However, models of a particular product type can be included in the same product certificate. Example: For product types Deep Fryers, Frying pans and Grills, separate PCs for the Deep Fryers, Frying pans and Grills shall be issued. PC for different models of Deep Fryers can be included in the same Deep Fryer PC. Page 9 of 16

FIGURE 1: PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 1 (UNREGISTERED STATUS) PROCESS NOTE: PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 1(UNREGISTERED STATUS) IS VALID FOR SIX MONTHS. Page 10 of 16

FIGURE 2: PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 2 (REGISTERED STATUS) PROCESS PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 2 (REGISTERED STATUS) DIRECT APPLICATION APPLICATION FOR PRODUCT REGISTRATION SUBMISSION OF QUALIFYING DOCUMENTS LEGEND CO COUNTRY OFFICE *QUALIFYING DOCUMENTS TEST REPORTS (IF AVAILABLE) QMS CERTIFICATE (IF AVAILABLE) FACTORY AUDITREPORT (IF AVAILABLE) REVIEW SUCCESSFUL? No SUBMIT REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Yes AVAILABILITY OF TEST REPORTS NON AVAILABILITY OF TEST REPORTS IAF TO IDENTIFYSAMPLES FOR TESTING TESTING SUCCESSFUL? No DRAW ANOTHER SAMPLE FOR TESTING Yes ASSESSMENT OF THE MANUFACTURER S QUALITY SYSTEM QUALITY SYSTEM ACCEPTABLE? No CORRECTIVE ACTION APPLICABLE? Yes APPLICATION OF APPROPRIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION. Yes ISSUE PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 2 (REGISTERED STATUS) No PRODUCTCERTIFICATE 2 (REGISTERED STATUS) NOT APPLICABLE. CLIENT WILL FOLLOW ROUTE A PROCESS NOTE: PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 2(REGISTERED STATUS) IS VALID FOR ONE YEAR. PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 2 CAN BE USED FOR MULTIPLE SHIPMENTS. Page 11 of 16

CONVERTING EXISTING PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 2 INTO REGISTERED STATUS Page 12 of 16

FIGURE 3: PRODUCT CERTIFICATE (LICENSED STATUS) PROCESS Page 13 of 16

PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 3 (LICENSED STATUS) DIRECT APPLICATION PROCESS Page 14 of 16

CONVERTING THE EXISTING PRODUCT CERTIFICATE INTO PRODUCT CERTIFICATE 3 Page 15 of 16

APPENDICES Appendix B CO Details Appendix C Zone of Responsibilities of SON Country Offices Appendix D Request For Certification (RFC) Appendix E Request For Product Registration/Licence *These Appendices are available at http://www.exports2nigeria.com/downloads/index.htm CONTACT US GOVERNMENT AND TRADE SERVICES SONCAP LIAISON OFFICE Address: Academy Place, Address Standards Organisation of Nigeria 1-9 Brook Street, Northern Business District, Plot 13/14 Brentwood, Victoria Arobieke Street, Off Admiralty Way, Essex CM 14 5NQ, Lekki Peninsula Phase 1, Lekki, Nigeria United Kingdom Nigeria Phone: +44 1277 223400 Phone: +234 1 2713 141/143 Fax: +44 1277 220296 Fax: +234 1 2713 142 Email: info.government@intertek.com Email: info.nigeria.gs@intertek.com Page 16 of 16