Shipping goods from China to Togo has become increasingly common as businesses and individuals take advantage of China’s manufacturing power. Whether you need a fast solution for small parcels or cost-effective shipping for bulk goods, choosing the right method—air freight, express shipping, or sea freight—can save time, reduce costs, and streamline your operations. Why Import […]
Shipping goods from China to Togo has become increasingly common as businesses and individuals take advantage of China’s manufacturing power. Whether you need a fast solution for small parcels or cost-effective shipping for bulk goods, choosing the right method—air freight, express shipping, or sea freight—can save time, reduce costs, and streamline your operations.
Why Import from China to Togo?
China is a leading supplier of goods to Togo, offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. Commonly imported items include electronics, textiles, machinery, and construction materials.
Key benefits of importing from China:
Affordable and high-quality goods.
Access to diverse products tailored to various industries.
Reliable logistics networks between the two countries.
Shipping Options from China to Togo
There are three main shipping options for transporting goods from China to Togo:
Air Freight: Fast and ideal for urgent or high-value shipments.
Express Shipping: Convenient door-to-door service for smaller parcels.
Sea Freight: Economical for large or heavy cargo.
Air Freight: Speed and Efficiency
Air freight is the fastest shipping method, suitable for high-value or time-sensitive goods like electronics, fashion items, and medical equipment.
How It Works
Goods are transported to an airport in China.
Cargo is loaded onto an aircraft heading to Lomé–Tokoin Airport.
On arrival, goods are cleared through customs and delivered to the consignee.
Key Features
Transit Time: 5–10 days.
Cost: Charged by volumetric weight (combination of size and weight).
Best For: Urgent, lightweight, or high-value shipments.
Express shipping is a great option for small parcels and time-sensitive deliveries. Major couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS operate efficiently on this route.
How It Works
The courier collects goods from the supplier in China.
Parcels are consolidated and flown to Togo.
Customs clearance and final delivery are handled by the courier.
Key Features
Transit Time: 3–7 days.
Cost: Higher than standard air freight but includes door-to-door service.
Best For: Small packages, e-commerce orders, or business samples.
Advantages
Hassle-free: Includes customs clearance and delivery.
Tracking: Real-time updates on shipment progress.
Challenges
Expensive for larger shipments.
Additional fees for remote delivery areas.
Sea Freight: Affordable for Bulk Cargo
Sea freight is the most economical shipping method for large or heavy cargo. It is ideal for non-urgent goods like furniture, machinery, or raw materials.
Options
Full Container Load (FCL):
Rent an entire container (20-foot or 40-foot).
Best for shipments exceeding 15 cubic meters.
Less than Container Load (LCL):
Share a container with other shippers.
Costs are based on the volume or weight of your goods.
Ideal for shipments under 15 cubic meters.
How It Works
Goods are transported to a Chinese port, such as Shanghai, Ningbo, or Shenzhen.
Containers are shipped to Lomé Port in Togo.
Cargo undergoes customs clearance before inland delivery.
Key Features
Transit Time: 30–50 days.
Cost: Charged by cubic meter (LCL) or flat rate (FCL).
Best For: Large, bulky, or heavy shipments.
Advantages
Cost-effective: Lower per-unit shipping costs.
Scalable: Suitable for both small and large shipments.
Challenges
Longer transit times.
Additional costs for inland transportation if required.
Customs Clearance in Togo
Customs clearance is an essential part of shipping to Togo. Proper documentation and compliance with local regulations ensure smooth processing.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice: Details the value of the goods.
Packing List: Specifies item quantities and dimensions.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: Acts as proof of shipment.
Import Declaration Form (IDF): Filed with Togolese customs.
Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Required for regulated products.
Duties and Taxes
Import duties vary depending on the type of goods. Rates range from 0% to 25%.
Value-Added Tax (VAT) of 18% applies to most imported items.
Pro Tip: Partner with an experienced customs broker to avoid delays and ensure compliance.
Shipping Costs: Key Factors
Shipping costs from China to Togo depend on several variables:
Shipping Method: Air and express shipping are more expensive than sea freight.
Weight and Volume: Larger or heavier shipments cost more.
Destination: Remote locations within Togo may incur higher delivery fees.
Customs Duties and Taxes: Based on the declared value of goods.
Estimated Costs
Air Freight: $5–$10 per kg.
Express Shipping: $10–$25 per kg.
Sea Freight (LCL): $100–$300 per cubic meter.
Sea Freight (FCL): $2,500–$4,500 per 20-foot container.
