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Following the circular n° TED/FEM/GEN/FPC/01/021 and TED/FEM/GEN/FPC/01/91 from the Bank of Nigeria dated 21^st February 2007 and 30^th July 2007, it has been announced that as from June 5^th 2009 all goods to be imported into Nigeria will require a SONCAP (Standard Organization of Nigeria) certification. (PDF 71 KB)

• Forms M already existing: the circular takes effect for goods arriving as from 5^th of September 2009.
• New Forms M: the circular takes effect immediately.

All regulated products to be imported into Nigeria must be accompanied with a document of conformity, issued by an authorized Inspection and Certification Body to validate that the goods are in compliance with the technical regulations and standards applicable in Nigeria. This document is mandatory for customs clearance.

The conformity assessment certification services must be requested for and paid by the exporter according to the published SONCAP.

The key objective of the program is to make sure that the all imported consignments of regulated products meet the mandatory quality, safety, and security requirements as per the Nigerian technical regulations and standards approved by SONCAP.

List of exemptions

• Food Products
• Drugs
• Medical other than equipment and machines
• Chemical used as raw materials
• Military wares and equipment
• Aviation related products
• Industrial machinery for Manufacturing
• Used products other than automobiles
• CKD bicycle, motorcycle, automobiles for bonafide manufacturers/assemblers.

SGS has been appointed by SONCAP as a competent Certification and Inspection body.
http://www.sononline.org/main/soncap.php

Our extensive experience in managing conformity assessment programs around the world enables us to offer efficient and comprehensive solutions to assist exporters and make sure their shipments are in conformity with the requirements for exports to Nigeria.

SGS shall issue a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for goods exported to Nigeria following the review of reports from the following interventions:

• Physical inspection prior to shipment
• Sampling, testing and analysis in accredited laboratories

The certificate is issued if the results from above interventions are in conformity with the requirements of the applicable technical regulations and standards.

SGS has the advantage of offering a “One-Stop-Service” to deliver customized solutions for inspection, testing & certification.

SGS is currently active in Conformity Assessment programs on behalf of government authorities in various countries, including Saudi Arabia (MoCI), Russia (GOST), Iran (ISIRI), Kuwait (PAI), Algeria (IANOR) and Kenya (KEBS).

Patricia Lumbreras
7769 NW 48 St., Suite 250, Doral, Fl 33166
(1-305) 592 0410
(1-305) 592 6925
Email
www.us.sgs.com

Other contacts:

The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With more than 55,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.