Look Out For Product Authentication Mark in 2018 third quarter, SON urges consumers

By Miriam Humbe

The Standards Organization of Nigeria, (SON), has said that from the third quarter of 2018, the consuming public should be on the watch-out for Product Authentication Mark (PAM) on all imported products into the country.
Information obtained on www.son.gov.ng said this is in conformity with Section 5 of the SON Act No. 14 of 2015 which aims to ensure the authenticity and traceability of products certified to have met the requirements of the relevant Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) or other approved specifications.
SON listed the objectives of the PAM to include the provision of assurance to Nigerian Consumers on products and guarantee value for money, ensure effective control of non-complying products in the Nigerian Markets and to protect genuine Importers from faking and product adulteration by ensuring that only SONCAP certified products are in the markets in the long run
The information also said, importers of SONCAP Certified products are expected to apply for issuance of PAM by completing an application form online, on SON website www.son.gov.ng.
Application for PAM stickers are to be mandatorily submitted before SON final clearance of the goods from the ports of entry.
“For MANCAP certified products, application for PAM (Voluntary) shall be submitted prior to the production of every batch of product with details of certification information”.
The onus of providing half-year estimated quantities of certified products retail/sales unit expected to be produced and paid for same, however, lies on the manufacturer.