Government warns that “sensitive” products must be declared to the ministry of trade before import

Economic governance

Thursday, 27 August 2020 16:45

Government warns that “sensitive” products must be declared to the ministry of trade before import

(Togo First) - Togolese authorities have made compulsory the declaration of some “sensitive” products at the ministry of trade and local consumption promotion, before importing them. The measure was announced by a press release from the ministry (dated August 26, 2020) - it aligns with an inter-ministerial decree issued on July 17, 2020, to this end.

The products concerned include “live animals and fish, beer, soft drinks, energy drinks, cement and clinker, plant, animal and fish-based foods, mineral water, rebar, vegetable oil, juvenile fish, meat products, rice, plastic bags, printed fabrics, PVC pipes.” This list, according to the inter-ministerial decree can be updated if needed.

Once an import request from business operators is submitted to the ministry of trade, the latter, according to the related legislation, has forty-eight (48) hours to respond. “In the event of a favorable opinion, an import declaration certificate is issued. In the event of rejection, a reasoned opinion is given to the economic operator,” the text states.

Concerned actors can contact the secretariat of the Directorate of Internal Trade and Competition for additional information.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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