First African International Accredited Firm (IAF) appointed by SON

In a groundbreaking development that reshapes the dynamics of the global certification landscape, South Africa’s Africa Standards and Certifications (ASC) company has emerged as the first ever African Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) to be appointed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as one of its approved Independent Accredited Firm (IAF) in the SONCAP program. This monumental appointment heralds a new era in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry, historically dominated by European inspection powerhouses. For the first time, an African entity is poised to compete on equal footing in the lucrative market of Pre-Import Verification of Conformity (PVoC) contracts, a domain previously restricted to traditional TIC members.

This appointment is not just a win for ASC but a significant stride forward for the African continent. It signifies a turning point where African certification bodies are now recognized as formidable contenders in the inspection supply chain. The relevance of this development extends beyond mere recognition; it addresses a critical need for PVoC contracts to be managed in priority by entities that are inherently familiar with African markets, standards, and challenges.

The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have played pivotal roles in facilitating this shift. Their efforts to foster intra-regional trade and strengthen the ARSO initiative aim to create, harmonize, and maintain African standards for African products. This initiative is vital for ensuring that the standards developed are tailored to the continent’s unique needs, promoting sustainable economic growth and development.

ASC’s appointment marks the beginning of what could be described as the golden age for African CABs in the TIC industry. The longstanding monopoly held by European and Chinese firms is finally being challenged, leveling the playing field and opening up new opportunities for African businesses. This development is expected to foster greater competition, improve the quality of services, increase speed and facilitate intra regional trade for African traders and consumers alike.

Moreover, ASC’s breakthrough sets a precedent for future collaborations and the elevation of African businesses on the global stage. It embodies progress, inclusivity, and the empowerment of African expertise, challenging stereotypes and redefining the continent’s role in the international trade and standards community.

As Africa continues to make strides in trade and standardization, the appointment of ASC by an African bureau of standards is a clear indication of the continent’s readiness to take charge of its own conformity assessment processes. It is a significant step towards realizing the vision of a self-sufficient, integrated, and competitively industrialized African market.  The Pre-Import Verification of Conformity (PVoC) process for the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) is a critical mechanism designed to ensure that products imported into Nigeria meet the mandatory standards for quality and safety before being shipped. The SONCAP system is structured to facilitate trade and ensure product compliance through a series of certification routes and procedures, tailored to various types of products and their associated risks. The process is delineated into several key components:

Product Certification (PC)

Route A – For Unregistered or Unlicensed Products

Product Certificate 1 (PC1): This is the initial stage for products not registered with SON or for new products entering the Nigerian market for the first time. The certification process involves detailed product testing and assessment to ensure compliance with Nigerian Industrial Standards or applicable international equivalents. Successful evaluation leads to the issuance of a PC1, which is product-specific and valid for a limited time.

Product Certificate 2 (PC2): Aimed at manufacturers or exporters with products that have previously obtained a PC1 and demonstrated compliance over multiple shipments. PC2 signifies a higher level of trust and compliance, offering a streamlined process for subsequent exports of the certified products.
Shipment Certification

SONCAP Certificate (SC): Upon successful product certification (PC1 or PC2), a SONCAP Certificate (SC) is issued for each consignment intended for import into Nigeria. The SC is a mandatory document required by Nigerian Customs for clearance of goods upon arrival. It confirms that the products have undergone verification and testing, and comply with the applicable standards.

Route B – For Registered Products

Product Certificate 3 (PC3): For products and manufacturers registered with SON and consistently compliant with Nigerian standards. This route offers a more expedited certification process, recognizing the manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to quality.

Route C – For Licensed Products

Product Certificate 4 (PC4): This certification is for products from manufacturers that hold a valid SONCAP Product Licence. It represents the highest level of compliance, where routine testing and verification are conducted to ensure continued adherence to the required standards.

Non-Conformity Reports (NCR)

Non-Conformity Report (NCR): If at any stage of the certification or shipment verification process a product is found non-compliant, an NCR is issued. This report details the specific areas of non-compliance, and the exporter or manufacturer must address these issues before the product can be certified or the shipment allowed to proceed.

The SONCAP PVoC process is designed to be rigorous and comprehensive, ensuring that only products that meet Nigeria’s stringent standards for quality and safety are allowed into the country. By adhering to this process, exporters and manufacturers contribute to protecting Nigerian consumers and businesses from substandard and potentially hazardous goods, fostering a safer and more reliable market environment.