Togo fines and delays for exchanges and smuggling

London P&I highlights reports of substantial fines, detention and possible prison sentences for vessels calling at Lomé, Togo, where exchanges of items between ship and locals have been treated as smuggling.

Members and Assureds calling at Togo, particularly Lomé, should be aware that fines of EUR 60 million to 130 million and prison sentences of up to one year are reportedly being imposed for exchanges of items between the ship and local people or fishermen.

Our local correspondents, Budd Group, have reported three cases in which low-value, small-quantity items such as sludge, bottles of water and scrap were exchanged for seafood or SIM cards. These exchanges led to the detention of vessels and customs fines for smuggling.

The authorities are said to calculate the fines by reference to the value of the items exchanged, the estimated value of all vessels involved, and customs duties of 28-49% applied to both the vessel values and the exchanged items. The correspondent also reports that customs authorities have refused to discuss the fines imposed until a fine demand document is signed, which has caused significant delays for the vessels involved.

Further information on the customs fine in the circular issued by Budd Group can be accessed here, and relevant articles of the Togolese customs code in French can be found here.

Members and Assureds are strongly advised to make sure crew are fully aware of this issue before calling at ports in Togo, particularly Lomé, and to ensure that they do not engage in any form of item exchange with local people to avoid fines and delays.