Togo

The notified Order institutes compulsory registration for fruit and vegetable importers and exporters, with a period of validity of one year, to enable inspection and phytosanitary certification of fruits and vegetables by the Direction de la Protection des Végétaux (Plant Protection Directorate).

The notified Order prohibits the importation, possession for sale, marketing, sale, display and free distribution in national territory of live wild or farmed tilapia fish in the form of eggs, juveniles or brood stock, and dead frozen tilapia fish and tilapia fish by-products. During the ban, all species of imported wild and/or farmed tilapia fish and tilapia by-products will be seized and destroyed in accordance with the provisions relating to the animal health code and without prejudice to the proceedings and penalties provided for by the regulations in force. Tilapia farmed or fished in Togolese waters pose no risk and can be consumed safely.

The notified Order establishes the conditions for: the issue of approvals for land-based establishments and fishing vessels; and the exportation, importation, unloading, production and marketing of foodstuffs of animal and fishery product origin.

All foodstuffs intended for human or animal consumption that are liable to be contaminated by mycotoxins must be subject to an analysis to determine their level of food safety in accordance with the relevant international standards in force. Such controls apply to products intended for exportation and products imported into Togo prior to being placed on the market.

The notified Order establishes that the marketing in Togo of imported, processed and locally-produced foodstuffs must be subject to prior authorization by the Minister responsible for trade. Any violation of the provisions contained in the notified Order will be punishable in accordance with Law No. 99-011 of 28 December 1999 on the organization of competition in Togo.