Togo: Promotion of local transformation / Government suspends scrap metal export

The Togo government has issued a decree suspending the export of scrap metal and ferrous by-products collected. This decision, which applies across the entire national territory until further notice, is signed by Kayi Mivedor-Sambiani, the Minister of Trade, Handicrafts, and Local Consumption.

It is no longer possible to export scrap metal from Togo. In its policy to promote on-site transformation, the Togolese government has suspended the export of scrap metal and ferrous by-products collected outside the country’s borders. The measure was made public on February 2, 2024, through a press release.

In the statement, the Minister of Trade justifies this ban by the authorities’ desire to give significant importance to the transformation of local raw materials before their exportation. Additionally, the authorities aim to better organize the sector through the establishment of a monitoring committee and the issuance of permits.

Only ferrous and non-ferrous metals transformed by local industries will be subject to exportation, emphasized Mrs. Kayi Mivedor-Sambiani.

« These tariffs may be subject to modification depending on the evolution of the national, regional, and international markets; the organization of the sector through the issuance of permits and the establishment of a monitoring committee », states the press release, before calling on economic operators to comply with these consensual provisions. « Non-compliance with these measures exposes violators to sanctions in accordance with the applicable regulations », warns Mrs. Mivedor-Sambiani.

Justine Akolatsey