The Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program (SONCAP) is a mandatory scheme for ensuring that products imported into Nigeria meet the required standards. Route C certification is one of the pathways under SONCAP for obtaining the necessary certification for imports. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Route C Certification

Route C is designed for licensed products. This route is typically used for products that have a consistent history of compliance with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or other approved equivalents. Here are the key steps involved:

Product Certification:

Product Certificate 3: Under Route C, products are issued a Product Certificate 3. This certificate is granted after a detailed evaluation, which includes testing, factory audits, and routine examinations.

Evaluation Process:

Testing: Products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the relevant standards.

Factory Audit: The manufacturing facilities are audited to verify that they maintain consistent quality control processes.

Routine Examinations:

Regular checks are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with the standards.

Issuance of SONCAP Certificate:

Once the products pass the evaluation, they are issued a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). This certificate is necessary for obtaining the SONCAP Certificate, which is required for customs clearance in Nigeria.

Importance of Route C Certification

Streamlined Process: For products with a proven track record of compliance, Route C offers a more streamlined certification process.

Continuous Compliance: The ongoing audits and examinations ensure that the products consistently meet the required standards, reducing the risk of importing substandard goods.

Customs Clearance: The SONCAP Certificate obtained through Route C is essential for the customs clearance of regulated goods in Nigeria