Togo Market Access with Type Approval

Togo Type Approval Summary

Togo is one of the most progressive and rapidly growing telecommunications markets in West Africa. Despite its relatively small economy, the country has boldly skipped traditional infrastructure stages to embrace next-generation technology by launching West Africa’s first commercial 5G network.

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Togo’s mobile internet quality is rated among the best in West Africa. With an area of 56,785 km² and a population of approximately 8.6 million, this developing country presents a promising market for telecommunications device manufacturers and suppliers.

The first step in global marketing is understanding the compliance requirements applicable in the target country. In Togo, the compliance requirement for telecommunications devices is known as “ARCEP Type Approval.”

ARCEP stands for Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority), the agency that regulates the electronic communications and postal sectors in Togo.

The authority was established under Law No. 2012-018 on Electronic Communications of December 17, 2012, as amended by Law No. 2013-003 of February 19, 2019.

In the context of type approval, ARCEP is responsible for ensuring that all telecommunications devices distributed and used in Togo comply with applicable technical regulations. Manufacturers and suppliers must demonstrate compliance by completing ARCEP’s type approval certification process.

Understanding the process and requirements for obtaining a type approval certificate will facilitate the marketing of telecommunications devices in this growing West African market.

Certification Authority

Authority: Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes (ARCEP)
Certificate: ARCEP Type Approval
Certification: Mandatory
Official website: https://arcep.tg/Last accessed 29 October 2026

Who Can Be an Applicant?

Local representative: Required

Applications for type approval in Togo must be submitted through a local representative. The ARCEP system supports applications from both individuals (personnes physiques) and legal entities (personnes morales). Foreign manufacturers typically appoint a local representative to handle the application process.

The local representative will submit the entire type approval application package to ARCEP. The fully completed application form, along with all supporting documents, is addressed to the Director General of the Regulatory Authority.

Application Method

In-country testing: No
Paperwork only: Yes

The type approval process in Togo follows the same approach as that applied by the European Union (EU). Generally, applications are submitted via paperwork. The technical standards for equipment to be certified must meet the requirements set by the international organization (ETSI EN).

As proof of compliance, the equipment must be tested at an ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratory (also in accordance with EU regulations). The test report is then attached as one of the documents in the certification application. Applications are submitted directly to the ARCEP office.

The authority will evaluate whether the documentation meets the technical standards in effect in Togo. Once the documents have passed evaluation, an ARCEP certificate will be issued.

For applications that have not been approved, the applicant must correct any missing or incorrect information. Documents that are in compliance may be resubmitted to ARCEP for re-evaluation.

Sample Requirements

Although there is no requirement for local testing, applicants for type approval certification in Togo must submit samples as part of the application requirements. Samples are submitted as part of the homologation process and may be used by the authority for technical evaluation.

The number and condition of the samples depend on the requirements of the competent authority. Each sample must be clearly identified and include:

The equipment’s technical characteristics and a schematic diagram of its operation
Brand and model
The codes of various modules and system cards, including version, card number, and serial number

Document Requirements

Applications for equipment type approval must be accompanied by administrative and document requirements consisting of:

Application Form
Proof of Payment
Letter of Authorization (if using a Local Representative)
Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity
Equipment description
Network interface electrical diagram
Description of the various system components, software, and a list of the basic components that make up the system, along with their reference numbers
Equipment operating and user instructions
Test Report from an Accredited Laboratory (RF, EMC, Safety)

Submission process

Submission: Offline

Currently, ARCEP does not accept online submissions. A complete application must be submitted to the Regulatory Authority, with a receipt or proof of submission obtained, at the following address: ARCEP Authorization Counter, 4638 Boulevard Eyadema, Cité OUA, ARCEP Building.

Lead Time of Certification

Lead time: Approximately 1-2 months

The lead time for type approval certification applications in Togo is quite long. According to ARCEP's current homologation procedure, the authority has up to 30 calendar days to review a complete application and notify the applicant of its decision. Earlier regulatory publications have also referenced processing periods of 42 calendar days and up to two months.

Validity Period

Validity: 5 years

The ARCEP certificate is valid for five years. If the product is still being marketed in Togo after that period, the certificate may be renewed, provided the following are submitted:

A declaration regarding the equipment and its characteristics
Payment of the technical file management fee
Affixing of the approval label

Renewal is granted upon written request, accompanied by a statement that production of the equipment has not been discontinued.

Label Requirements for Togo Type Approval

Product label: Required
Approval mark: Required

Every type of equipment that has received approval must be labeled before being placed on the market. The label must include the approval number and date. The label must be permanently affixed and may not be removed during the validity period of the approval.

Certificate Example

Note: This is the format specified in the applicable regulations.

Issued under: Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes (ARCEP)
Certificate: ARCEP Type Approval
Validity: 5 years
Lead time: Approximately 1-2 months

Alternative Country Names

Togolese, Togolese Republic, République Togolaise, Того, トーゴ, 토고, TG

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