TOGO NEW GUIDELINES ON VEHICLE IMPORTATION

The Togolese Customs Service has released new instructions regarding the importation of cars to the country. In a notice dated 25 March 2010, Director General of the country's Department of Customs directed that all car imports destined for Togo before loading must be accompanied by documents which include a non - registration number certificate, car registration document if it's a used car or in the absence of this document, car registration document loss certificate, non property certificateand a destruction certificate.

Furthermore, all the transport documents (manifest, bill of lading etc) need to have on them the 17 digits chassis number of each vehicle for control needs. Not only the last 5 or 6 numbers as it is the current practise.Failure to comply with these instructions would attract sanctions. Republic of Togo as a result of to her liberal importation policy has in the last few years witnessed a significant inflow of imports compared with other ports in the region, albeit with a attendant sharp practices by importers and customs agents.

The new requirements take effect from May 1, 2010.