SON Bans Importation Of Galvanized Corrugated Steel Roofing Sheets

The Director General of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Dr. John Akanya, has given the importers of Galvanized Corrugated Steel Roofing Sheets an ultimatum of six months to stop all shipment of the commodity into the country, either as raw material or finished product.

He says that with this directive, manufacturers will be forced to produce a more durable and higher standard of galvanized corrugated steel roofing sheets with a minimum thickness of 0.2mm from March 2010. In his words, “All shipments of galvanized corrugated steel roofing sheets of 0.18mm into the country either as raw material or finished products must end by 31st December 2009. And the deadline of February 28, 2010 has been set for the arrival of all such consignments.”

Dr. John explains that SON market survey uncovered the importation of the sub-standard products, though through an unapproved entry point. He also points out that laboratory test and analysis have shown that some of the products brought in the market have as low as 0.15mm thickness, less than 0.18mm thickness which is the minimum acceptable specification in the Nigeria Industrial Standard. He advises manufacturers and importers of the product to adhere strictly to the directive, stating that any galvanized corrugated steel roofing sheets of less than 0.2mm found coming into the country either as raw material or finished products, or found in the market, factory or warehouse after February 2010 shall be confiscated.