Shopping in Togo

Markets, boutiques and supermarkets sell a mixture of local and imported goods. Direct purchases from producers and Made in Togo fairs provide additional channels for clothing, household products and other local goods. Grocery examples include rice, sugar, cooking oil, milk, flour, tomato concentrate, pasta, frozen products and drinks. Availability and prices can change between localities and seasons. Nam Asia provides market-price information, and selected staple goods may have temporary price ceilings under a current ministerial order. Check whether such an order applies instead of assuming that one national price applies everywhere. For groceries, personal care and household products, compare the label, expiry date, lot number, origin, packaging, quantity and storage condition. Ask for a receipt and check that the product matches the stated quantity and price. The SAM fiscal mark applies to covered beverages, water and tobacco products. Suspected fraud or unsafe goods can be reported through the Ministry of Commerce, Handicrafts and Local Consumption consumer line 8585. Pharmacies, supermarkets, boutiques and artisan points sell personal and household care products; B7 artisanat also covers hygiene and body-care activities. No universal in-person return rule has been established for ordinary purchases, so inspect goods before payment and agree on any exchange or repair terms. Clothing is available in markets, ateliers, from stylists and through local textile and clothing businesses. Inspect fabric, size, stitching and defects, and record the agreed price and delivery date for made-to-order or altered items. A written agreement and receipt are useful because no universal in-person return rule has been verified. Phones and electronics are sold through telecom retailers, shops and artisans, including B3 electronics businesses. Check the exact model, condition, accessories, network compatibility, warranty terms and receipt; there is no verified national retailer inventory or price baseline. Mobile money is an electronic payment service linked to a phone or wallet rather than a banknote. Common services listed by BCEAO-related payment information include Flooz, TMoney, Gozem Money and Coris Money. Cash remains accepted in many settings, while card acceptance depends on the seller. Flooz merchant payments can use USSD code *155#, QR or NFC, but the wallet, phone or SIM, network connection and merchant acceptance determine whether a transaction succeeds. Fees, transaction limits and settlement times vary by provider and transaction. A merchant seeking Flooz acceptance may need an operator or CFE card, NIF, the responsible person's identification and a corporate contract. Online shopping is growing but remains fragmented. Togo's electronic-commerce framework includes Decree 2018-062/PR and Law 2017-007. A formal online seller generally needs a .tg or .com domain, a trust-service subscription, secure transaction arrangements and registration through the CFE or a related registration desk. Before an order, the seller should disclose its identity and contact details, registration information, product features, full price including taxes, delivery charges and commissions, payment method, warranty, delivery time, withdrawal, return, exchange and refund terms, dispute process and privacy information. Prices should be stated in FCFA with taxes and delivery charges clearly identified. TogoGnim has been reported as a platform for local-product ordering, online payment and delivery, but its current availability should be checked. Gozem offers shopping and delivery with cash, mobile-money and card options where available. Access depends on a phone, data connection, network coverage and whether the seller delivers to the requested area. For an online order, the provider must allow final review and correction of errors before submission. If this function is absent, the consumer may cancel within 14 days after receiving the goods. The default execution period is no more than 30 days unless another period was agreed. For damaged or mismatched goods, the provider bears the direct return cost and should refund within 30 days. If the provider fails to perform, the contract can be resolved with a refund within 30 days. Secure payment and an electronic invoice with preserved authenticity and integrity support the buyer's position. Delivery prices and timing depend on the company, service and destination. Authorized postal and courier companies include SPT, DHL International Togo, Pako Agency or PakoFedex, Top Chrono, Africa Express Holding or UPS, and Bollore Transport & Logistics. Informal and platform-based couriers may also exist, but nationwide coverage is not established. Add delivery charges, payment fees, commissions and taxes when comparing offers. Prices in Togo are generally market-determined. Under Law 99-011, sellers should display prices and sale conditions, including any liability limits, and buyers should request an invoice, receipt or expense note for each sale or service. An invoice should identify the parties and addresses, date, exact goods or service, quantity, unit and total price, VAT, discounts, due date and payment terms. Keep invoice copies for five years. The Direction du Commerce Interieur et de la Concurrence and the Direction de la Consommation Locale support public administration of these matters. The Ministry's 8585 line and the Ligue Togolaise des Consommateurs can help with suspected fraud or consumer complaints. A 2026 reform was adopted in first reading, but its final promulgation and effective date were not verified, so a proposed new national commission should not be treated as fully operational. For telecom or postal complaints, contact the company first and then ARCEP through its 8000 line or its web, WhatsApp or Messenger channels if the issue remains unresolved. Mobile and online access is generally stronger in urban areas; coverage and delivery options vary in the interior. Togo's packaging framework restricts non-biodegradable plastic production, import, distribution and sale, subject to exceptions such as biodegradable, medical, agricultural and certain non-toxic food uses. Repair and maintenance through artisans can extend the life of clothing, household goods and electronics where replacement is less suitable.