Case Study: Rafex’s Export of Racking Systems to Nigeria – COC / SONCAP Process

What is a Certificate of Conformity (COC) for Nigeria?

Exporting to Nigeria requires compliance with the Certificate of Conformity (COC) and the SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme). These certifications ensure that products meet Nigerian standards and regulations.

The process consists of two main stages:

  • Product Certificate (PC)
  • SONCAP Certificate

Product Certificate (PC)

The Product Certificate demonstrates that a product complies with technical standards and quality requirements. It can be issued in three different routes depending on the shipment frequency and product type:

1. Route A – PC-U (Unregistered Product)

  • Certificate is issued per shipment.
  • 100% shipment inspection required.
  • Suitable for one-time shipments.

2. Route B – PC-R (Registered Product)

  • Valid for one year.
  • Requires factory inspection.
  • 40% of shipments require inspection.
  • Recommended for exporters with multiple shipments.

3. Route C – PC-L (Licensed Product)

  • Valid for one year.
  • Requires factory inspection.
  • Only 20% of shipments require inspection.
  • High cost – typically used by exporters with very frequent shipments.

SONCAP Certificate

The SONCAP Certificate is mandatory for every shipment and is presented at Nigerian customs clearance. It is issued on the basis of the Product Certificate (PC).

Required documents include:

  • Final Packing List
  • Final Commercial Invoice
  • Final Bill of Lading (B/L)
  • Form M Document

Form M Document

Form M is a mandatory pre-import document for all shipments to Nigeria. It is issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and must be opened by the importer through their local bank.

  • Contains shipment details: invoice value, product description, country of origin, Incoterm, etc.
  • Allows foreign currency transfer under bank supervision.
  • Officially registers the import with Nigerian authorities.

Who applies for Form M?

  • The importer applies via their bank.
  • The exporter’s role is to provide necessary documentation (proforma invoice, product details, certificates, etc.) and support the importer throughout the process.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Gather all required product documents.
  2. Apply for the Product Certificate (PC).
  3. Address any missing or non-compliant documents (e.g., test reports, expiry dates).
  4. Once PC is issued, the importer obtains Form M.
  5. Apply for SONCAP Certificate using final documents (Packing List, Invoice, B/L, Form M).
  6. SONCAP Certificate is issued and shipment clearance is completed.

Common Challenges

  • Lack of accredited ISO 17025 test reports for products.
  • Limited availability of specific test parameters for certain product categories.

Our Role

At SCK, we act as a bridge between exporters, importers, authorities, and testing laboratories.

  • We guide exporters through each stage.
  • Ensure documentation is accurate and compliant.
  • Maintain communication with Nigerian authorities.
  • Save time and minimize errors in the certification process.

This way, companies can focus on their core business while we manage the complex certification procedures.

Case Study: Rafex Rack Systems

Background:

  • Rafex Rack Systems planned to export steel racking systems to Nigeria.
  • While they had static load reports, they lacked final product test reports, which are mandatory under Nigerian SONCAP rules.

Our Solution:

  • Compiled documentation from suppliers (raw material test reports, quality certificates).
  • Combined these with structural calculations and static reports of the finished racks.
  • Coordinated with Nigerian authorities to obtain approval.
  • Secured PC-R (Registered Product Certificate) for Rafex.

Outcome:

  • Rafex successfully completed the SONCAP process.
  • They established a long-term, large-scale export operation to Nigeria.
  • The case demonstrates that the COC/SONCAP process in Africa is not only about paperwork, but also about technical compliance and supply chain management.

Pricing

Pricing depends on:

  • Product category
  • Shipment frequency

For tailored solutions and quotes, please contact us directly.

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