National Single Window includes short-term SONCAP default to solve delays

The National Single Window (NSW) Secretariat, working with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on Thursday, introduced a Temporary Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) Default to address delays in attaching Shipment Certificates (SCs) during Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) processing on the platform.

SONCAP is a mandatory import quality assurance system run by SON to ensure certain regulated products imported into Nigeria meet approved technical standards before they are shipped or cleared at the port.

This measure, communicated via email as seen by BusinessDay, nowis new lets importers with valid Shipment Certificates proceed with PAAR processing even when they cannot upload the documents on the NSW platform due to technical issues.

SON waived SONCAP default fees, but said importers will pay an administrative charge of N1,000 through the platform.

To apply, users are to select the Temporary SONCAP Default option under consignment documents, attach a digital copy of the valid Shipment Certificate and commercial invoice, and submit for SON approval before continuing with PAAR processing.

The arrangement takes immediate effect and will remain in effect until 10 May 2026, the agencies said. SON said it is a temporary fix and does not replace existing SONCAP requirements.

The development comes against the backdrop of mounting operational issues that have trailed the rollout of the National Single Window since it went live on March 27.

Importers and clearing agents have raised concerns over persistent system glitches that have disrupted cargo clearance, particularly in the transmission of key documents such as SONCAP certificates required for PAAR processing.

At an April breakfast Meeting at the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Chioma Anaukwu, assistant director of SON noted that “there are challenges right now” with the system, “not only for SON but others,” she said, adding that it affected Customs’ B’Odogwu platform.

Last week, Nigeria’s shipping regulator and revenue service called on terminal operators to waive demurrage and storage charges for importers caught in delays since the go-live.

Akutah Pius, chief executive of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, conceded the platform had brought “optimism to stakeholders” but came with “teething problems that must be collectively addressed.”

Bethel Olujobi

Bethel Olujobi reports on trade and maritime business for BusinessDay with prior experience reporting on migration, labour, and tech. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from the University of Jos, and is certified by the FT, Reuters and Google. Drawing from his experience working with other respected news providers, he presents a nuanced and informed perspective on the complexities of critical matters. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria and occasionally commutes to Abuja.