Ultimate Guide: Shipping a Car from USA to Togo

When my cousin decided to move back to Togo after several years in the U.S., he knew one thing for sure: he wasn’t leaving his old Toyota Camry behind. It had been reliable, cheap on gas, and frankly, it had sentimental value. The challenge? Shipping a car from the U.S. to Togo isn’t exactly like ordering a package on Amazon. It’s a process that mixes logistics, regulations, fees, and a fair amount of patience.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get your vehicle across the Atlantic safely and legally, this guide will walk you through it—warts and all, with a few stories from real-life importers who’ve been there.

Step 1: Decide If Shipping Makes Sense

The first question you should ask is simple: should I even ship my car?

Cars in Togo can be expensive if bought new, but import duties and taxes on foreign vehicles are steep. My cousin ran the numbers and realized that the total cost of shipping, duties, and port fees would be about 60% of the car’s current market value. Some friends have argued that it might be cheaper and less stressful to buy locally, but for him, keeping the Camry made sense—not just financially but emotionally.

Before committing, weigh these factors: the value of your car, the cost of shipping and clearance, potential delays, and whether local alternatives are available. Sometimes, even if the math seems marginal, the peace of mind of driving a familiar car makes it worthwhile.

Step 2: Choose the Right Shipping Method

There are two main ways to send a car from the U.S. to Togo:

Ro-Ro (Roll-on, Roll-off) – The car is driven directly onto the vessel and offloaded at the destination port. This is usually cheaper but offers minimal protection against weather or minor damage.

Container Shipping – The car is loaded into a shipping container, either dedicated to your vehicle or shared with others. This option costs more but protects the car from elements and reduces the chance of scratches or dents.

When my cousin compared quotes, he initially wanted Ro-Ro. I remember saying, “Think about it—if a storm hits or the car scrapes against other vehicles, it could cost you more in repairs than you save.” In the end, he opted for a shared container, which gave him a balance between cost and protection.

Step 3: Find a Reliable Shipping Company

Not all shipping companies are created equal. Some handle U.S. to West Africa routes regularly, while others might outsource part of the journey, increasing the risk of delays or mishandling.

A good company should provide:

Clear transit times

Documentation assistance

Insurance options

Guidance on port clearance in Togo

My cousin interviewed three companies and asked for references. One of them had a glowing reputation but was slightly more expensive; in hindsight, paying the extra $300 was worth it to avoid headaches at the Port of Lomé.

Step 4: Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Before your car even leaves U.S. soil, you need to get it ready. Here’s what worked for my cousin:

Empty the vehicle: Remove all personal items—customs in Togo will not allow personal belongings in imported cars. Even a small backpack can create complications.

Check the mechanical condition: For Ro-Ro, the car must be operational. For container shipping, non-running cars are accepted, but it complicates loading.

Fuel: Leave about a quarter tank—enough to move the car but low enough to reduce fire risk.

Battery & alarm systems: Disconnect alarms and ensure the battery is stable to prevent accidents during transit.

He even went the extra mile by having the undercarriage cleaned to avoid introducing foreign soil into Togo—a step recommended by his shipping agent.

Step 5: Gather the Necessary Documentation

Paperwork can be the trickiest part. The following documents are usually required:

Original Title/Registration

Bill of Sale

Bill of Lading from the shipping company

Proof of identity (passport or residence documents)

Import permit (if required for commercial imports)

In Togo, customs officials are strict. Missing or incorrect paperwork can result in delays, fines, or even the car being held indefinitely. My cousin’s container was briefly held because the VIN on one document didn’t match the one on the car; thankfully, his agent helped resolve it in a couple of days.

Step 6: Arrange Marine Insurance

Shipping across the Atlantic isn’t risk-free. Storms, accidents, or mishandling at ports can damage a car. Marine insurance covers such incidents.

Some importers try to skip it to save money, but in my experience, that’s a gamble. My cousin initially hesitated because it added $200 to his cost. I reminded him, “Would you drive uninsured through Lomé traffic?” That made him think twice.

Even a small claim, like a dented fender during loading, could easily cost more than the insurance premium.

Step 7: Track Your Shipment

Modern shipping companies provide tracking updates, though they may not be real-time. Most U.S. to Togo shipments go via several West African ports before reaching Lomé.

Expect delays. Weather, port congestion, or customs at intermediate stops can add days or even weeks. Staying informed allows you to plan for your clearing agent’s arrival and reduces stress when your car finally lands.

Step 8: Arrival at the Port of Lomé

Once the vessel docks at Lomé, your car is moved to a secure holding area inside the port. It’s a bit like a temporary parking lot, but under strict customs control. You won’t see your car immediately.

Physical inspections happen at this stage. Customs may open the container to verify the vehicle matches the documentation. They also ensure the car complies with Togo’s import regulations. If you’ve imported a high-value or left-hand drive car, expect a closer look.

One thing I noticed watching my cousin’s car being inspected: port staff move quickly but meticulously. There’s a sense of controlled chaos—vehicles being checked, paperwork scrutinized, and forklifts zipping past—but nothing seems random.

Step 9: Pay Duties and Taxes

This is where reality hits many importers. Togo applies several charges on imported cars:

Import duty (typically a percentage of the vehicle’s value)

VAT on the car and shipping costs

Handling fees at the port

The total can easily add 40–50% to the car’s value. My cousin’s $5,000 Camry ended up costing nearly $7,500 after all fees. He wasn’t thrilled, but he had budgeted for it. The lesson? Always calculate taxes and fees before committing to shipping.

Step 10: Clearance by Customs

After payment, customs issues a release order. Only then can your car leave the port. Most importers hire clearing agents—they know the offices, the process, and can avoid unnecessary delays. Doing it yourself is possible but often stressful, especially if it’s your first shipment.

Even with an agent, expect some waiting. The release may take a day or two, depending on paperwork and port congestion.

Step 11: Collecting Your Car

Once released, the car is moved from the holding area to a pickup zone. Container shipments are unsealed, and the vehicle is handed over to you or your transporter.

If you’re in Lomé, you can drive it home immediately. If you’re elsewhere in Togo, you may need a transporter. My cousin’s car was driven straight to his new home in Aného. Watching him take the wheel was a relief—months of planning and waiting finally paid off.

Step 12: Registration and Local Compliance

Your car isn’t fully ready until it’s registered in Togo. That involves:

A roadworthiness inspection

Registration with the Ministry of Transport

Payment for license plates and road taxes

Obtaining local insurance

Skipping registration isn’t really an option—Togo’s traffic authorities are strict, and driving an unregistered car can result in fines or seizure.

Common Challenges and Tips

Shipping to Togo isn’t without hurdles:

Delays at U.S. or West African ports can extend the journey unexpectedly

Paperwork mismatches are the most common source of frustration

High duties and fees can surprise first-time importers

Unforeseen damage during transit, even with container shipping

Some tips that worked for my cousin:

Hire a knowledgeable shipping agent both in the U.S. and Togo

Keep copies of all documents and photos of the car before shipping

Budget extra for fees, insurance, and possible delays

Stay patient—unexpected setbacks are part of the process

Personal Reflection: The Payoff

Watching my cousin finally drive his Camry in Togo was oddly emotional. He’d gone through paperwork nightmares, fretted about potential damage, and navigated fees that made his eyes water. But seeing the car roll down the streets of Lomé, running perfectly, made every bit of stress worth it.

Shipping a car isn’t just about transporting metal—it’s about moving a part of your life. Each step, from picking a shipping method to clearing customs, feels like an obstacle, but one that can be overcome with patience, preparation, and a little help from the right people.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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