Moving to Togo

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required                                          

  • Copy of passport
  • Packing list in French
  • Change of residence certificate / letter of transfer of employment
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / no express release / air waybill (AWB) (2 originals)
  • Original valued inventory in French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
  • Letter from the employer explaining the owner of the goods is starting a new contract in Togo
  • Invoice for all electrical items less than 6 months old
  • Resident permit / work permit / letter of employment
  • Non-sale certificate (statement that owner of the goods will not sale his personal effects)
  • Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC) / cargo tracking note (CTN) to be obtained from shipping line at port of loading 

Specific Information

  • All documents must be provided to agent 2 weeks prior to arrival of the shipment in order to obtain duty-free clearance in advance of shipment arrival.
  • If the owner of the goods is a diplomat, there is no tax provided a waiver of duties and taxes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is obtained.
  • If an owner of the goods is a private / expatriate / returning citizen, Customs will levy 10.5 % duties and taxes on the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value.
  •  All shipments are subject to inspection by Customs, including diplomatic shipments.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original registration card
  • Purchase invoice
  • OBL
  • Non-sale certificate

Specific Information

  • The duty rates on motor vehicles are as follows:
    • No taxes if diplomatic
    • 54 % CIF if private shipper
  • 2% if owner of the goods working for international organizations
  • Vehicles should be sent in a separate container from the shipment.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

  • The veterinary health certificate must be issued within 3 days prior to arrival and state that the animal is and has been free from contagious disease at least 6 weeks prior to departure from the origin country.
  • Pets may be transported as accompanied baggage or cargo.
  • An import license is required for animals arriving from certain countries; contact agent for specific information.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is accepted (20 bottles)
  • The following items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated by persons at least 15 years of age:
    • Cigarettes (100), cigarillos (100), cigars (50), tobacco (100 g)
  • Fruits and vegetables (a phytosanitary certificate is required)

Prohibited Items

  • Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration is required)
  • Drugs

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information