PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION OF EXPORTS ACT
Act · Trade
An Act requires inspection and certification of Nigerian export goods before shipment. It targets exporters and inspection companies to verify quality and quantity. This protects Nigeria's trade reputation and prevents substandard exports.
PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION OF EXPORTS ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act requiring the inspection and certification of Nigerian export goods before shipment to ensure they meet required quality, quantity, and specification standards.
Who Does It Target?
Nigerian exporters of agricultural and non-mineral commodities Designated pre-shipment inspection companies Nigeria Customs Service at export points Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Protect Nigeria's export reputation by ensuring goods shipped meet contracted specifications, prevent substandard exports that could damage trading relationships, and ensure accurate export statistics.
Key Features
Mandatory Inspection: Specified categories of exports must be inspected by an approved inspection company before loading. Certificate of Conformity: Exporters must obtain a Certificate of Conformity before goods can be cleared for export. Approved Inspectors: Only inspection companies designated by the Minister may conduct pre-shipment export inspection. Non-Conforming Goods: Goods found not to meet standards may not be exported until deficiencies are corrected.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Specified export commodities Beneficiaries: Nigeria's export reputation; importing countries; exporters Funding: Inspection fees
How to Access
Exporters must arrange inspection with a designated company before shipment date Present Certificate of Conformity at port of export Arrange re-inspection if goods are found non-conforming Application method: Engage designated pre-shipment inspection companies before export.
Important Terms
Exporting without a Certificate of Conformity where required is an offence The cost of inspection is borne by the exporter Repeated non-conformance may result in additional scrutiny of the exporter
Official Resources
Website: https://www.son.gov.ng Contact: Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) / Federal Ministry of Trade
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Act, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015, the Customs and Excise Management Act, and the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS).