The management of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has disowned a purported ultimatum to manufacturers and importers on its yet-to-be launched Product Authentication Mark scheme.
A statement on Wednesday from the office of the Director-General, Osita Aboloma, explained that the programme was still in the works, awaiting final approval from relevant authorities.
Aboloma urged manufacturers and importers to disregard the purported ultimatum reported in some media, stressing that adequate notice would be given to stakeholders before any new programme would be introduced.
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The Product Authentication Mark, according to the statement, was being conceived to empower consumers in taking informed decisions on the genuineness or otherwise of SON regulated products at the point of purchase.
It was also aimed at helping brand owners fight counterfeiting and adulteration of their products, as well as improve market share and bottom line.
When introduced, according to SON, the programme was expected to complement existing quality assurance initiatives like the offshore Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for imported products, the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for made-in-Nigeria products and the Electronic Products Registration Scheme for developing a data base of products in Nigeria for traceability.
