The SONCAP Default is a temporary solution introduced by the National Single Window (NSW) in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to facilitate smoother transactions on the NSW platform. Its primary purpose is to resolve issues related to attaching Shipment Certificates (SCs) during PAAR processing for importers with valid Shipment Certificates. This measure aims to:
– Reduce Delays: By providing a temporary solution to attachment issues, SONCAP Default helps minimize delays in the importation process.
– Improve Efficiency: It ensures that transactions are processed seamlessly, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the NSW platform.
– Enhance Trade Compliance: SONCAP, in general, ensures that imported goods meet Nigerian standards for safety, quality, and performance, thereby promoting fair trade practices and consumer protection.
The SONCAP program itself is designed to:
– Safeguard Public Health and Safety: By ensuring that imported goods meet Nigerian technical standards and regulations.
– Foster Fair Competition: By promoting compliance with standards among both local and international traders.
– Support Economic Growth: By enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses and facilitating international trade.
Currently, many ask what is the NSW platform used for
For awareness purposes, Business Hilights.ng wishes to explain issues around SONCAP and NSW in a way and manner both national policies can be well understood by importers and exporters including clearing agents.
First of all, the National Single Window (NSW) platform is a digital trade platform designed to simplify import and export procedures in Nigeria. It’s a centralized electronic system that integrates multiple government agencies and stakeholders to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance revenue collection.
Key Features:
– Single Portal for Trade: The NSW platform serves as a single portal for all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements, eliminating the need for multiple submissions of the same documents.
– Document Submission: Stakeholders can submit standardized documents once, which are then automatically distributed to relevant authorities for review and approval.
– Participating Agencies: Key government agencies integrated into the platform include ¹ ²:
– Nigeria Customs Service (NCS): Managing declarations and duty assessments
– Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA): Handling berthing and terminal operations
– National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC): Overseeing permits for regulated consumables and chemicals
– Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON): Validating product quality certifications
– Economic Benefits: The platform aims to ³ ¹:
– Reduce cargo dwell time
– Prevent revenue leakage
– Boost trade volumes
– Minimize corruption
Key Goals:
– Simplify trade processes and reduce bureaucracy
– Enhance revenue collection and prevent revenue leakage
– Improve transparency and accountability
– Increase the competitiveness of Nigerian exports
– Support economic growth and development ³ ⁴
Business Hilights.ng wishes to make it very clear that “The National Single Window (NSW), in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has approved the implementation of a Temporary SONCAP Default to address challenges with attaching Shipment Certificates (SCs) during PAAR processing on the NSW platform. This applies only to importers with valid Shipment Certificates. SON has waived all SONCAP default fees for this temporary measure. However, an administrative fee of ₦1,000 will be payable to SON via the NSW Platform.
HOW TO APPLY (NSW PLATFORM)
- Navigate to Application Submission, select consignment document, select the SONCAP Default option under the document type.
- Attach: PDF copy of valid Shipment Certificate (SC) and Commercial invoice
- Submit for SON approval
- Upon approval, proceed with PAAR processing
IMPORTANT NOTES
- This measure does not replace standard SONCAP requirements
- This is a temporary measure, effective immediately, and will remain valid until 10 May 2026.
- All submitted documents must be valid and accurate
*Analysis by Business Hilights.ng
