Export to Africa: SONCAP (Nigeria) + PVoC (Kenya) + COC (Tanzania) requirements

 Export to Africa: SONCAP (Nigeria) + PVoC (Kenya) + COC (Tanzania) requirements

Below is a detailed comparison and practical guide to the certification requirements of these three countries:

🇳🇬 Nigeria: SONCAP Certification (Two-Step Process)

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) mandates that controlled products must obtain a SONCAP certificate for customs clearance. The entire process is divided into two stages: "product first, then batch".

1. Step 1: Obtain the Product Certificate (PC Certificate)

This is the foundation to prove that your product meets Nigerian standards. Based on the shipping frequency, there are three modes:

PC1 (unregistered): Valid for 6 months, single use only. Suitable for occasional shipments with a variety of models. Inspection is required for each shipment.

PC2 (Registered): Valid for 1 year, with unlimited use. Suitable for regular products with frequent shipments, requiring an ISO 9001 certificate. Each shipment has an inspection rate of approximately 40%.

PC3 (licensed): Valid for 1 year, with unlimited usage. Suitable for manufacturers of high-volume, high-risk products. Strict factory audits must be passed during application, and inspections are conducted every six months.

2. Step 2: Apply for SONCAP Clearance Certificate (SC Certificate)

After obtaining the PC certificate, apply for an SC certificate for each batch of goods:

Precondition: Nigerian importers must apply for Form M (import declaration form) locally based on your PC certificate.

Required documents: SC application form, Declaration of Conformity (DoC), valid PC certificate, Form M, commercial invoice, packing list, copy of bill of lading, etc.

Inspection: Based on the type of PC certificate and product risk, the authorized institution will arrange for a physical inspection (PSI) before shipment.

⚠️ Special Note:

Exempted products: Food, pharmaceuticals, certain medical supplies, military materials, and second-hand products (excluding automobiles) are generally exempted.

Localization requirements: Electronic products must be compatible with the Nigerian voltage of 230V/50Hz, and the plugs must comply with the British Standard BS 1363 (three-pin flat plug) or BS 546 (round-pin plug).

🇰🇪 Kenya: PVoC certification (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity)

The PVoC program implemented by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requires that controlled products must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before shipment; otherwise, they will face fines of up to 5% of the goods' value and mandatory inspection upon arrival at the port.

1. Core processing procedure

Obtaining IDF: Importers in Kenya must first apply for an IDF (Import Declaration Form) locally, which is a prerequisite document for exporters to apply for a CoC.

Submission of application and testing: The exporter submits the RFC application form, proforma invoice, packing list, and product testing report issued by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.

Inspection and certification: The authorized institution reviews the documents and arranges on-site inspection (verifying labels, packaging, and quantity, and supervising the loading of the container). Upon approval, an electronic CoC certificate will be issued.

2. Latest policies for 2025-2026

Compulsory Certificate of Origin (COO): From July 1, 2025, in addition to the CoC certificate, a Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by the exporting country must also be provided during customs clearance. Failure to do so will affect the customs clearance process.

Update on authorized institutions: KEBS updates the list of authorized institutions every three years. From March 1, 2026, CoC must be issued by the latest authorized institution in China, otherwise the certificate is invalid.

New regulation alert: Starting from 2026, solar photovoltaic equipment has been included in the mandatory certification scope, and relevant enterprises need to pay close attention.

Tanzania: COC Certification (Compulsory Certification Before Shipment)

The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) requires that controlled products (such as electronic appliances, machinery, chemicals, automobiles, and parts) must complete COC certification before the goods depart from the port/shipment. Once the shipment is made, it cannot be retroactively processed.

1. Three authentication routes

Enterprises can choose the most suitable path based on their own export situation. For long-term stable exports, it is recommended to choose B or C to reduce costs:

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2. Key precautions

Comprehensive Electronicization: Since November 2025, TBS has fully implemented electronic certificates (e-Certificates), and the old paper certificates are no longer accepted. The new certificates include an anti-counterfeiting QR code, which can be directly verified in the system.

Strict time constraint: The application must be submitted at least 7-10 working days before shipment, and all steps must be completed before the goods depart from the port.

Special requirements: Fumigation certificates must be provided for wooden packaging; even if the product has obtained international certifications such as CE, a separate application for Tanzania COC is still required.