Nigerian Consumers can now heave a sigh of relief in identification of Substandard goods before purchase as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has introduce a Product Authentication Mark ( PAM).
PAM according to SON places the power to detect, reject and report substandard goods in our markets in the hands of the consumers by simply scanning a QR code with their smart phone or sending an SMS to 281. So that at the point of purchase a consumer can authenticate and confirm the standard of the product before paying for it.
In his Message at a Stakeholders sensitization meeting organised by the agency in preparation for the official launching of the PAM in Lagos yesterday, Director General of SON, Mallam Farouk Salim said the PAM has become necessary as a control measure to protect Nigerian Consumers from consumption of substandard products .
The SON, DG said “ PAM is one of the initiatives of the Organisation to enable consumers to verify the authenticity of all SON-regulated products in the markets in our continuous efforts to address the challenges posed by the presence of sub-standard products in Nigeria.
“ The Organisation is empowered by the provision of the Act, 2015 to amongst others, facilitate trade and ensure that all imported and manufactured products meet the requirements of the relevant standards thereby promoting public safety, improve the lives and security of the citizens of Nigeria.”
Salim said in line with its mandate, the Organisation over the years has substantially reduced the importation, manufacturing and distribution of substandard products in the country through its Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) schemes respectively.
He lamented that despite the efforts of SON, substandard products are still been imported into Nigeria, which has led to the Organisation deveelopment of PAM to further checkmate the influx and manufacturing of fake and substandard products into the Nigerian market.
“Despite the efforts of the Organisation, substandard products are still being imported or manufactured and distributed in the country by smuggling, and in some cases through the use of fake SON stickers on non-certified products amongst others.
“To curb this disturbing occurrence in the country, the Organisation has developed a Product Authentication Mark (PAM) to facilitate the verification of the source and quality products in the Nigerian market. PAM is a digital technology to complement the SON Conformity Assessment Programmes (SONCAP and MANCAP) in furtherance of the fight against substandard and counterfeit products in Nigeria.
“This Scheme places the power to detect, reject and report substandard goods in our markets in the hands of the consumers by simply scanning a QR code with their smart phone or sending an SMS to 281. It will no doubt better position us at SON to protect our fellow citizens and ensure that we all get value for our money.
On the benefit of PAM, the SON, DG said,
“Specifically, the benefits of PAM include: Protection of genuine manufacturers and importers from faking and counterfeiting of their certified product.
Promotion of a level playing field in the market for both locally manufactured and imported products certified by SON.
Provision of assurance to Consumers on products and guarantee value for money.
Assurance of effective removal of non-complying products in the Markets
He thank the Minister and Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investments for their supports.
“the journey towards the actualization of this innovative has been long and arduous and would not have been successful without the strong support and encouragement of the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI).
“ I therefore wish to profoundly appreciate the Honourable Minister Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, the Honourable Minister of State, Ambassador Mariam Y. Katagum and the entire Management of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for their immense support in the actualisation of the Scheme”, Salim said.
Explaining the processes and procedures as well as the workability of PAM to the stakeholders, Deputy Director, Products Compliance Directorate, Engr.Shaibu Onucheyo said that it takes a Maximum of 72hrs to get PAM after application. He said though Nigerian manufacturers are exempted from the PAM, but any Local manufacturer can apply for it, if they found it necessary to sell their products which will compete with imported ones.
The PAM which will come inform of a sticker with code from SON will cost N3 each . To apply for the SON, PAM applicants are to logged into www.pam.son.gov.ng or download the PAM App from playstore or Appstore on IOS.