Promote:
Export from Togo
A short guide for companies selling from Togo: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Togo sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$1.7 billion
Merchandise exports were US$1.70 billion in 2025 in Togo's own UN Comtrade report.
Source: UN Comtrade, Togo exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exportsEstimate
US$905.8 million
Services exports were US$905.81 million in 2025, a figure UNCTADstat flags as estimated.
Source: UNCTADstat, Togo trade in services by category (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Natural phosphates (HS 2510)US$295.9 million
- 2. Plastic packaging articles (HS 3923)US$113.6 million
- 3. Refined petroleum oils (HS 2710)US$111.2 million
- 4. Soybean meal (HS 2304)US$94.3 million
- 5. Motorcycles (HS 8711)US$89.6 million
- 6. Palm oil (HS 1511)US$80.2 million
- 7. Cosmetics and skin care products (HS 3304)US$74.2 million
- 8. Cement (HS 2523)US$71.6 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Cocoa beans (HS 1801)US$64.7 million
- 10. Wigs and hair pieces (HS 6704)US$46.8 million
- 11. Other oilseeds (HS 1207)US$45.5 million
- 12. Sugar confectionery (HS 1704)US$36.1 million
- 13. Woven cotton fabrics (HS 5208)US$32.6 million
- 14. Raw cotton (HS 5201)US$32.2 million
- 15. Wine (HS 2204)US$27.3 million
- 16. Milk and cream, concentrated (HS 0402)US$26.7 million
- 17. Soybeans (HS 1201)US$26.1 million
- 18. Soybean oil (HS 1507)US$22.1 million
- 19. Beer (HS 2203)US$21.4 million
- 20. New rubber tires (HS 4011)US$21.4 million
- Re-exports were 23.9 percent of Togo's 2025 exports; motorcycles, refined petroleum, palm oil and cotton fabrics carry much of that share. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Natural phosphates (HS 2510) were 17.4 percent of Togo's 2025 exports. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Togo exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- India19.4%
- Côte d'Ivoire12%
- Burkina Faso10.5%
- Benin7.5%
- Ghana6.1%
- France5.9%
- Mali5.3%
- Niger4.4%
- Shares are of Togo's own reported 2025 exports, which include re-exports. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Togo exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks soybean meal, palm oil and cosmetics and skin care products as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Togo’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Togo exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Other oilseeds grew 175% from 2024 to 2025; sugar confectionery grew 62% from 2024 to 2025. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Togo exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
African Continental Free Trade Area
Togo's exporter guide and trade portal list the agreement among Togo's preferential accords, with a certificate of origin form for AfCFTA claims.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Customs reported in 2025 that application of the category A tariff concessions was still being prepared.
Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme
Products of approved Togolese companies can move within ECOWAS under the scheme, which the investment ministry names beside WAEMU origin rules.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Approval for the scheme must be in place before you claim a preference.
Source: Investment ministry, rules of origin news, September 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of September 22, 2026
WAEMU Community Preferential Tax
Approved Togolese companies can send approved industrial products to other WAEMU states, backed by WAEMU origin certificates.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check that your product is on the approved list before you claim it.
Source: OTR, rules of origin seminar, October 29, 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
AGOA
Togo is on the 2026 list of sub-Saharan African countries eligible for the United States AGOA preference program.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Public Law 119-103 extends AGOA to December 31, 2028; check Togo's listing each year.
Source: Federal Register, AGOA country eligibility review, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
Show 3 more agreements
Everything But Arms
The European Union lists Togo under Everything But Arms, which removes tariffs and quotas on goods other than arms and ammunition.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. New European Union GSP rules apply from January 1, 2027, so check Togo's listing under them then.
Source: European Commission, Everything but Arms page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
United Kingdom's Developing Countries Trading Scheme
The United Kingdom lists Togo in the Comprehensive Preferences tier of its Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Tier lists can change on review.
Source: United Kingdom government, Developing Countries Trading Scheme tiers (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Duty-free treatment for least developed countries, China
Togo's trade portal lists China's duty-free treatment for least developed countries among accords Togo takes part in.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the product list and rules of origin in the portal document.
Source: Togo Trade Portal, trade agreements page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Togo
- Register the company with the one-stop company formalities center, which handles the trade register, the single tax declaration and social security registration.Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Get the import-export card, which the foreign trade directorate of the commerce ministry issues.Direction du Commerce Extérieur (DCE)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Use the GUCE single window for sea, air and road trade formalities.Société d'Exploitation du Guichet Unique pour le Commerce Extérieur au Togo (SEGUCE Togo)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SEGUCE Togo, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- For goods under export authorization or approval, such as cashew and soybeans, apply to the ministries in charge of commerce and agriculture.Direction du commerce intérieur et de la concurrence (DCIC)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 6 more export steps
- Get a certificate of origin from the body that serves your destination scheme; four bodies issue them.CCI-Togo; Direction du Commerce Extérieur; Direction Générale de l'Industrie; OTROfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- For agricultural products, get a quality certificate from the product-conditioning directorate laboratory.Direction du conditionnement des produits (DCP)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- For plants and plant products, get a phytosanitary certificate from the plant protection directorate.Direction de la protection des végétaux (DPV)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- File the export declaration with customs: document check, any physical check, payment of fees, then shipment.Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR), customsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Domicile the export with an approved bank and repatriate the proceeds; attach a signed export attestation at 10 million CFA francs or more.Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: BCEAO, external financial relations regulation, chapter VI (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Claim the VAT zero rate on exports; farm product exporters pay the 1 percent agricultural profit advance at customs.Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with Commerce ministry and OTR. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
Commerce and quality ministry
Commerce ministry
Ministère délégué, chargé du Commerce et du Contrôle de Qualité
Sets trade policy, issues export authorizations through its trade directorates and runs the Togo Trade Portal of import and export procedures.
Visit Commerce ministry (opens in a new tab)Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics office
INSEED
Institut National de la Statistique et des Études Économiques et Démographiques
Publishes consumer price indices, quarterly goods trade bulletins and national accounts.
Visit INSEED (opens in a new tab)Source: INSEED, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Research markets
Regional economic community
ECOWAS
Economic Community of West African States
Regional body
Runs regional trade and market integration programs for its member states, which include Togo.
Visit ECOWAS (opens in a new tab)Source: ECOWAS Commission, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Research markets
Global trade rules organization
WTO
World Trade Organization
Multilateral body
Sets global trade rules and runs Trade4MSMEs, a trade information gateway for small and mid-sized companies.
Visit WTO (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Tax and customs authority
OTR
Office Togolais des Recettes
Handles customs export declarations and issues customs origin documents for the ECOWAS and WAEMU area.
Visit OTR (opens in a new tab)Source: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Meet requirements
Regional central bank
BCEAO
Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest
Regional body
Sets the regional rules on external financial relations, including export domiciliation and repatriation of proceeds.
Visit BCEAO (opens in a new tab)Source: BCEAO, external financial relations regulation, chapter VI (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Research markets
Regional economic union
WAEMU
Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine
Regional body
Publishes the official bulletin and community programs for its eight member states, which include Togo.
Visit WAEMU (opens in a new tab)Source: WAEMU, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
National quality authority
HAUQE
Haute Autorité de la Qualité et de l'Environnement
Coordinates the national quality system, including the standards agency, certification programs and metrology, and advises small companies on quality.
Visit HAUQE (opens in a new tab)Source: HAUQE, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Meet requirements
Agriculture and animal resources ministry
Agriculture ministry
Ministère de l'Agriculture de la Pêche, des Ressources Animales et de la Souveraineté Alimentaire
Its plant protection directorate issues phytosanitary certificates, and its livestock directorate issues sanitary certificates for animal products.
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
National chamber of commerce
CCIT
Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie du Togo
Issues origin certificates and customs single-duty documents, and runs the AGOA resource center and a business directory.
Visit CCIT (opens in a new tab)Source: CCIT, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Origin approvals
Togo reports 457 approved industrial products from 65 companies under WAEMU origin rules; in 2025, 1,973 certificates went to 25 companies.
What to do: Check whether your product holds Community Preferential Tax approval before you claim origin in the WAEMU area.
Sources: OTR, rules of origin seminar, October 29, 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab); Investment ministry, rules of origin news, September 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Export levies
The July 2024 exporter guide lists a 5,000 CFA franc fee per declaration, a 1 percent farm profit advance and a cashew levy.
What to do: Confirm the current levy and fee with customs before you price farm product exports.
Sources: Togo commerce ministry, exporter's guide, July 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab); Togo Official Journal, November 8, 2018, cashew levy (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024-07
Currency and settlement
WAEMU Regulation 09/2010 requires exports to be domiciled with an approved bank, and a 2018 customs notice requires a signed attestation from 10 million CFA francs.
What to do: Ask your bank and customs for the current attestation form before you ship.
Sources: BCEAO, external financial relations regulation, chapter VI (in French) (opens in a new tab); OTR customs notice 007/2018, export attestations, May 2018 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Preference scheme changes
Togo is on the 2026 AGOA list, AGOA runs to December 31, 2028, and new European Union GSP rules apply from January 1, 2027.
What to do: Check Togo's listing under the new European Union rules from January 2027.
Sources: Federal Register, AGOA country eligibility review, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab); European Commission, GSP page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Togo project.
Use Promote:Global to explore markets, understand requirements and organize your next steps.
Promote:Togo is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 31, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.