SONCAP for Chinese Exporters: What Changed and What to Do in 2026

A SONCAP certificate for exporters is the proof that regulated products meet Nigerian standards before they ship to Nigeria. In 2026, the big news is about who can issue it: one vendor article from July 2026 says Bureau Veritas no longer processes new SONCAP requests, so new applicants must use another firm that Nigeria's standards body has authorised.

This is general information from public sources. Confirm everything with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and your Nigerian importer before you act.

What SONCAP is

SONCAP is Nigeria's conformity programme for imported products. SON is the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. Public guides list product groups that fall under the programme, including electrical and electronic goods, building materials, industrial machinery, automotive parts, steel products, gas appliances, lighting and consumer goods. Not every product is covered, so check your product with SON or your importer first.

For a wider view of the Nigerian market, read our guide to exporting to Nigeria from China.

SONCAP IAF: who issues the certificate

SON authorises several Independent Accredited Firms (IAFs) to provide SONCAP services. An IAF is a private inspection or certification company. You do not apply to SON directly for the usual export route. You choose one of the authorised firms, and that firm works with you on the file.

We do not have an official IAF list or fees in our sources. Ask SON for the current list of authorised firms, and ask each firm for a written quote and timeline.

Bureau Veritas SONCAP: what changed

The July 2026 article we used comes from HQTS, a company that sells these services. It says Bureau Veritas SONCAP services are no longer open for new certification requests. It says existing Product Certificates and applications already in progress may still be supported during a transition. Because the source is a vendor, treat it with care. We found no transition deadline, no fee information and no complete list of other firms in our sources.

What to do with this news:

If you already hold a certificate from that firm, check the details on it, including the expiry date.
If you need a new certificate, do not wait. Contact another SON-authorised firm.
Tell your Nigerian importer. Ask what their bank and customs agent expect to see.

SONCAP Product Certificate and SONCAP Certificate

You will see two names. Public guides name a SONCAP Product Certificate (PC) and a SONCAP Certificate (SC). We could not verify exactly how each one is used step by step, so ask your chosen firm to explain the sequence in writing. Nigerian importers also need a Product Certificate for SON-regulated goods when they open their import form with a bank, according to a trade-inspection company's guide, so your buyer will ask you about it early.

SONCAP certification process: a practical checklist

The SONCAP certification process differs by firm and product. These steps are based on public guidance. Adapt them with your chosen firm.

Check your existing certificates. Look at the validity dates, the models listed and the standards named.
Choose a new firm. Compare global reach, local support, test coordination, experience with your product type and turnaround time.
Prepare your technical file. This often includes specifications, test reports, quality management certificates where relevant, manufacturing details, product photos, manuals and a bill of materials.
Start renewals early. Do not wait until the week before shipment.
Inform your buyer. Tell your Nigerian importer that future certificates will come through an authorised firm, and share the new firm's name.
Keep records. Keep the certificate, test reports and shipment papers together. Our export documents checklist shows how to organise them.

Exporting to Nigeria requirements beyond SONCAP

SONCAP is only one part of exporting to Nigeria requirements. Your buyer also handles import forms, taxes, port clearance and other agency rules for certain goods, such as food or drugs. Those are the importer's job, but ask early. Delays often come from missing papers, not from the ocean trip. Also check who you are selling to. Fake orders and false importers exist, so read how to verify an African buyer.

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting too long. Test reports and file checks take time. Start before your buyer's deadline, not after.
Listing the wrong models. If your certificate names certain models, a new or changed model may need new paperwork. Ask your firm.
Weak documents. Missing photos, old test reports or unclear bills of materials slow down the file.
Not telling the buyer. Your importer needs to know which firm issued the certificate, so their bank and agent are not surprised.
Trusting rumours. Rules and firm lists change. Use SON and your importer as the final check, not social media posts.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to change firms if I already have a certificate? Not necessarily. Check the certificate's validity and ask SON or your importer. Plan for renewal with an authorised firm.

How long does SONCAP take? It depends on the firm, your product and your documents. Ask for a written timeline.

How much does it cost? We have no verified fee information. Ask each firm for a quote.

Where is the official information? Use SON's official channels and your importer's clearing agent.

Getting started

List your Nigeria-bound products, check which need SONCAP, and contact an authorised firm this month. For more on selling across the continent, read the complete guide for factories. Ready to reach buyers? Apply as a supplier on Comilmart — there are no listing fees to get started.