Importing steel from China to Nigeria
Nigeria controls imports of regulated products, including many steel items, through SONCAP — the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme. A Product Certificate is obtained first, followed by a SONCAP Certificate for the shipment, both required for customs clearance.
On the China–Nigeria lane, deposit-and-disappear scams and forged certificates are especially common, often targeting first-time importers chasing a low price. Verifying the supplier and the SONCAP paperwork before paying a deposit is the single most effective protection.
Required certification
- Regulator
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
- Scheme
- SONCAP (Conformity Assessment Programme)
Regulated products require a Product Certificate (PC) and then a SONCAP Certificate (SC) issued through SON's appointed agents before shipment. Confirm the product is covered and that certificates reference the correct product and standard.
Customs & clearance
- Determine whether your steel product is on the SONCAP regulated list.
- Obtain the Product Certificate, then the SONCAP Certificate, before shipment.
- Match Form M and certificate details to the actual consignment.
Main entry ports: Apapa (Lagos) · Tin Can Island (Lagos) · Onne (Port Harcourt)
Top fraud risks on this lane
Pre-payment checklist for Nigeria
- 1Verify the supplier on GSXT and confirm the entity matches the bank account.
- 2Confirm SONCAP product and shipment certificates before paying a deposit.
- 3Keep the deposit small and tie the balance to inspection milestones.
- 4Commission pre-shipment inspection for first orders.
Frequently asked questions
What is SONCAP and do I need it?
SONCAP is Nigeria's conformity programme run by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. Regulated steel products need a Product Certificate and a SONCAP Certificate issued before shipment, and customs will require them at clearance.
How do I avoid losing my deposit on the Nigeria lane?
Verify the supplier's legal entity and bank account first, keep the deposit as small as the supplier will accept, and tie the balance to independent inspection. Prefer a letter of credit or escrow over a large upfront wire for a first order.
Score this supplier before you pay
Run the free verification checklist tailored to high-risk steel orders.