How to Register Your Business with SON in Nigeria 2023

In order to sell your recently imported product, it is essential to comply with all legal requirements and register it with the appropriate authorities in Nigeria. The governing body responsible for verifying and ensuring adherence to these standards is the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). 

By granting approval for legitimate products, SON plays a crucial role in safeguarding the economy against substandard goods. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the registration process for your business with SON, focusing specifically on the registration of your products.

Why register your products with SON?

The responsibility of managing inventory for recently imported goods in Nigeria falls under the supervision of the SON. This task is carried out in accordance with a longstanding directive set by the Federal Government.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria

Traditionally, the inventory process was conducted manually; however, since February 20, 2013, an online registration system has been implemented, allowing for convenient product registration. The registration of products is crucial as it ensures transparency and facilitates traceability throughout the entire importation process.

What are the benefits and advantages of registering your product with SON?

There are several advantages to registering your product with SON:

• Enhanced Traceability: By registering your product, it becomes easily traceable within the Nigerian market, enabling efficient tracking of distribution when necessary.
• Counterfeit Differentiation: The product registration process serves as a reliable method to distinguish legitimate products from counterfeit ones.
• Quality Assurance: Through inspection and testing, product registration aids in reducing the circulation of substandard goods, ensuring that only high-quality products are available in the market.
• Official Recognition: Upon successful registration, your product receives the official SON product registration logo and number, symbolizing its legitimacy, thorough testing, and trustworthy nature.

What are the penalties for not registering a product?

Failure to register your product with SON carries legal consequences in the Nigerian economy, which encompass the following:

• Imposition of Financial Penalty: Non-registration may result in the organization levying a fine whose amount is determined by their regulations.
• Legal Action: Neglecting to register your product could lead to legal prosecution, as it is considered a violation of the applicable laws and regulations.
• Goods Seizure: The Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate holds the authority to seize your goods entirely if they suspect that they are counterfeit or pose a potential risk to consumers.

How to Register a product in Nigeria with SON

Thanks to the advancement of the internet, registering your product has become a simpler process. To register your product online, follow the step-by-step guide below:

1. Access the official website of SON by visiting https://son.gov.ng/.
2. On the homepage, locate the section labeled "e-product Registration" and click on it to proceed.
3. Depending on your situation, you have two options: If you are a new business, select the option to create a new account. If you already have an account, log in using your existing credentials.
4. For fresh registration, click on "new account" and provide your RC/Business number (in the format RC2222). Additionally, supply a valid email address and click on "sign up."
5. Upon clicking "sign up," the system will send a 6-digit pin to your email. Retrieve the pin from your email as you will need it to log in.
6. Copy the 6-digit pin and log in by entering your RC/business number and using the pin as your password.
7. Proceed to fill in your company details and click "continue."
8. The system will generate a payment advice document. Print this document and take it to any bank. The bank will generate an RRR code that you will need to make the payment.
9. After making the payment, return to the official website of SON, log in again, and provide all the requested details about your product to complete the registration process.

In Conclusion

Ensuring the registration of your product with SON is an essential and mandatory requirement for selling in Nigeria. The procedure is simple and user-friendly, designed to be easily comprehensible. Importantly, the entire registration process can be conveniently completed online from any location.