Vehicle imports: SON, NADDC unveil new compliance framework

Stanley Ihedigbo

Federal Government, through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has addressed growing public concerns surrounding the newly introduced SON-NADDC Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP), assuring stakeholders that the initiative is designed to enhance safety and streamline processes, not disrupt trade.

In an official statement jointly issued by both agencies, the government emphasized its commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring that only quality vehicles enter the Nigerian market, while maintaining a business-friendly environment for importers and dealers.

The statement clarified that VehCAP is not an entirely new regulatory framework but an upgrade of existing conformity assessment systems. The programme is aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and service delivery across the automotive importation and production value chain.

According to the government, a key feature of VehCAP is the introduction of pre-shipment verification of conformity for both new and used vehicles destined for Nigeria. However, authorities stressed that measures have been put in place to ensure that importers are not adversely affected during the transition.

Importantly, vehicles arriving in the country without VehCAP certification will not be stranded or arbitrarily seized at ports. Instead, such vehicles will be processed through the regular customs clearance procedure. Thereafter, importers will be required to present them for mandatory destination inspection and in-country conformity verification at designated testing centres.

Upon successful verification, clearance documentation will be issued to enable vehicle registration and licensing.

The government reiterated that the overarching goal of VehCAP is to protect lives by preventing the influx of substandard or unsafe vehicles, which pose significant risks to road users and the broader public.

To ensure widespread understanding and compliance, the launch of the programme also signals the commencement of a nationwide sensitisation campaign targeting key stakeholders, including vehicle importers, dealers, regulators, and the general public.

As part of its phased implementation strategy, the government has approved a 90-day transition window following the full commencement of the programme. During this period, vehicles imported without VehCAP certification will still qualify for in-country conformity assessment.

Officials noted that this grace period is intended to allow importers sufficient time to adjust to the new pre-shipment verification requirements. Even beyond the transition phase, provisions for destination inspection will remain in place for non-compliant imports where necessary.

The government further assured stakeholders that VehCAP is structured to facilitate trade rather than hinder it, while reinforcing compliance with national standards.

It also acknowledged the importance of public feedback in shaping effective policy implementation, pledging continued engagement and inclusiveness throughout the rollout of the programme.

With this initiative, the Federal Government aims to strengthen regulatory oversight in the automotive sector, enhance consumer protection, and promote a safer, more reliable vehicle market in Nigeria.