Required Documents for Car Import to Togo from USA

I still remember the first time a friend of mine decided to import his car from the United States to Togo. He had found a slightly used Jeep Wrangler at a dealership in Miami and was thrilled about the deal. What he didn’t realize was that the paperwork involved would almost make him regret the entire plan. Weeks of emails, phone calls, and trips to shipping agents later, he finally got his Jeep on Togolese soil—but the process left a lasting impression on both of us.

If you’re planning something similar, you’ll quickly realize that shipping a car isn’t just about paying a fee and waiting for the vessel. Togo, like many other countries, has strict documentation requirements for vehicle imports, and missing even a single document can hold up your shipment for weeks. Over the years, I’ve learned which documents are essential, which are sometimes overlooked, and why having everything in order before your car even leaves the U.S. can save you a ton of headaches.

Why Documentation Matters

At first, my friend assumed the shipping company would “handle all the paperwork.” That’s partly true, but not entirely. While a reputable freight forwarder can assist you, customs in Togo will hold your vehicle until all required documents are presented and verified. Missing documents, incorrect forms, or even minor inconsistencies can lead to fines, storage fees, or, in extreme cases, confiscation.

Togo’s customs system is strict for a reason: they need to calculate import duties, VAT, and other taxes accurately, while ensuring vehicles meet local standards. If the paperwork doesn’t match what’s physically shipped, delays are almost guaranteed.

The Essential Documents

From my experience, there’s a set of core documents you absolutely need when importing a car from the U.S. to Togo. I’ll break them down one by one, along with some practical tips.

1. Bill of Sale

The bill of sale is the first document customs officers will ask to see. It proves you legally own the vehicle and shows the purchase price, which is used as a reference for calculating duties.

Tip: Make sure the seller’s name, buyer’s name, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) are all accurate and match every other document. Even small typos can cause headaches at the port.

I once knew someone who had purchased a car from a private seller, but the VIN on the bill of sale had one digit off. Customs refused to process it until the seller issued a corrected document, delaying the shipment by almost two weeks.

2. Vehicle Title and Registration

The title proves ownership, and the registration shows that the vehicle has been legally registered in the U.S. Both are often required together. If the car is financed or leased, you’ll also need a lien release or the lender’s permission to export.

Here’s a little anecdote: my friend’s Jeep was still under finance. He assumed the lender’s standard letter was enough, but Togolese customs required an official notarized document from the lender authorizing export. Getting that notarization added several days to the process, so plan ahead if your car isn’t fully paid off.

3. Certificate of Origin

Many cars, especially new or nearly-new models, come with a Certificate of Origin from the manufacturer. This document confirms the vehicle was manufactured where the bill of sale says it was and details technical specifications.

While not always required for older used cars, it’s extremely helpful in speeding up customs clearance. For example, when my friend imported a 2021 Jeep, having the Certificate of Origin made the inspection process almost painless because customs could verify the vehicle’s specifications immediately.

4. Insurance Certificate

Insurance isn’t just about protecting your car during transit; it’s often a requirement for clearance. You’ll need proof that the vehicle is covered against damage or loss while in transit.

A mistake I see often is people assuming standard shipping insurance is enough. For Togo, the insurance certificate usually needs to explicitly cover international transit and specify the vehicle being shipped. Without this, the car may be held at the port until coverage is confirmed.

5. Commercial Invoice

If you’re importing a car from a dealership or commercial entity, the commercial invoice is crucial. It’s similar to a bill of sale but often includes more details about the vehicle, including its make, model, engine size, and country of manufacture.

Even if you bought the car from a private seller, some customs offices in Togo request an invoice-like document to calculate duties and VAT. I’ve found that preparing a simple commercial invoice alongside your bill of sale can save time.

6. Packing List (For Container Shipping)

If your car is shipped in a container—especially with personal items or multiple vehicles—you’ll need a packing list. This lists everything inside the container: the car, spare parts, tools, or any accessories.

During one import I helped coordinate, the packing list was incomplete. Customs demanded an updated version, which required contacting the U.S. port and getting confirmation from the shipping line. That could have been avoided with a careful checklist before departure.

7. Export Declaration

In the U.S., cars leaving the country require an Automated Export System (AES) filing. This isn’t specific to Togo, but it’s a prerequisite. The shipping company often helps, but the owner must ensure the VIN, shipment date, and consignee details are accurate.

A colleague once had a car turned back because the AES filing used the wrong consignee address. Correcting this required resubmitting the declaration and paying a small fee, which could have been avoided with double-checking.

8. Import Permit from Togo

Togo requires an import permit issued by the Directorate General of Customs. This document authorizes the vehicle to enter the country legally. Without it, even a perfectly shipped car will be held at the port indefinitely.

Applying for this permit can take days to weeks, depending on the vehicle type and the thoroughness of your paperwork. For luxury cars, expect additional scrutiny, as customs officers verify the declared value against international market prices.

9. Proof of Payment and Bank Documents

Customs wants confirmation that the purchase was legitimate. Proof of payment—bank transfer receipts, letters from financial institutions, or transaction confirmations—is usually required. This helps prevent fraud and money laundering.

I remember one shipment where the buyer used a cash transaction overseas. Customs asked for multiple affidavits verifying the payment. Had he used a traceable bank transfer, the process would have been smoother.

10. Identification Documents

Finally, personal identification is always needed: passport copies, residency documents, and sometimes a power of attorney if someone else is handling the import for you.

In one case, my friend appointed a shipping agent to manage the import while he stayed in Miami. He had to notarize a power of attorney for the agent, which added a few days of preparation but ultimately saved him the trip to Togo.

Tips to Avoid Paperwork Pitfalls

Double-check every detail: Names, VIN numbers, dates, and addresses must match across all documents.

Keep digital and physical copies: Ports often request original documents, but having digital backups helps resolve disputes quickly.

Start early: Some documents, like the import permit, take weeks to process. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Hire a reputable clearing agent: Someone familiar with Togo’s customs can guide you and spot mistakes before they become costly delays.

Understand local requirements: Togo may have specific emissions or safety regulations that your vehicle must meet, and some documents may need to confirm compliance.

Common Mistakes First-Time Importers Make

Forgetting the AES filing before the car leaves the U.S.

Using incomplete or mismatched documents.

Relying on verbal agreements with shipping agents.

Underestimating customs duties, VAT, or storage fees.

Overlooking insurance requirements.

I’ve seen all of these happen multiple times. A friend of mine once had his car stuck for two weeks because the commercial invoice listed the wrong engine capacity. It cost him extra storage fees, but once corrected, the vehicle cleared without further issue.

Realistic Timeline

From my experience, the full process—from gathering documents to receiving your car in Togo—often takes 6 to 10 weeks. Faster shipments are possible, but delays are common, especially if the paperwork isn’t perfect. It’s much better to overestimate time than underestimate it.

Final Thoughts

Shipping a car from the USA to Togo can feel like a maze if you’re unprepared. But knowing exactly which documents you need—and making sure they’re complete and accurate—can make the process surprisingly manageable. From the bill of sale and title to the import permit and insurance certificate, each piece plays a critical role.

My friend’s Jeep finally arrived in Lomé, slightly dusty but intact. Watching him drive it out of the port with a huge grin reminded me why the effort, patience, and attention to paperwork are worth it. For anyone looking to import a car to Togo, the lesson is clear: treat the documents as your best allies, not as mere formalities. A well-prepared shipment is a smooth shipment.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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