On 1st February 2018, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) will begin implementing new regulations relating to the Product Authentication Mark (PAM). This means that all imported products arriving at Nigerian Ports will be required to have met the requirements of the relevant Nigeria Industrial Standards or other approved specifications in Nigeria, have passed authenticity and traceability certification and display an appropriate PAM sticker.
Following a two-month transition period, from 31st March 2018 no imported product subject to this regulation will then be allowed for sale in Nigerian markets without the PAM sticker.
So, we asked IOE&IT corporate member and expert in export certificates of conformity, XDS Solutions, to provide a simple regulatory update to help ensure Institute members are prepared:
Anna- Marie Walsh, XDS Solutions SONCAP Account Manager says:
“It’s important that ALL importers are aware that SONCAP Certified products must carry a certified Product Authentication Mark. And, that application for PAM Stickers MUST be submitted before SON final clearance of the goods from the Ports of Entry. To avoid costly delays at Port we strongly advise that all exporters ask their importers to talk to SON regarding the process as soon as possible”.
PAM Stickers: Certified products
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Importers should ensure that PAM stickers are only displayed on individual certified retail products.
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When it is not possible to display a PAM sticker on an individual retail unit, then importers should ensure a PAM sticker is displayed on a package containing two or more retail units (as long as the retail cost of a single unit is no more than NGN 50.00).
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Imported products already in the market can continue to be sold without the new PAM stickers until 31st March 2018.
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No imported product subject to this regulation will be allowed for sale in Nigerian markets without the PAM sticker after 31st March 2018.
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We advise importers with extensive quantities of historic stock to contact us immediately. An XDS SONCAP Account Manager will be able to advise on, and action, the most efficient route to issuance of PAM stickers from SON.
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Importers MUST ensure that application for PAM Stickers has been submitted before SON final clearance of the goods from the Ports of Entry.
Example PAM Stickers, shown here:
XDS SONCAP Account Managers are available to assist IOE&IT members. For more information regarding the Nigeria SON Product Authentication Mark, and the steps you should take to ensure your shipment is compliant visit www.xds-solutions.com or call (+44) 01245 249002.
Exporters who are concerned about the complexities of international compliance can boost their knowledge base by enrolling staff on the Institute’s Diploma in World Customs Compliance. The pioneering 18 month to two-year online course offers part-time blended learning, with modular assessments - and leads to a full customs qualification at level 5 diploma level. You can check it out here – where you will also find details of our complete range of professional qualifications.
About XDS Solutions:
Chelmsford-based XDS Solutions was launched in 2013 to offer export managers a fast and simple way to organise SASO and SONCAP Certificates of Conformity. With more than 12 years’ experience navigating export documentation, its founders knew well the frustration felt at being unable to find a straightforward route. Instead of slow, complex, web-based conformity assessment, an XDS Account Manager personally manages every step of each client’s compliance journey. Moving mountains to meet certification deadlines.
To discuss your firm’s export procedures, and benefit from industry leading turnaround times for issuance of SASO & SONCAP Certificates of Conformity, visit XDS-solutions.com.
If you would like more information on the IOEIT’s membership and training, please visit our website or contact us if you have any questions.
