Minister of trade urges businesses to get their products accredited
Thursday, 10 June 2021 16:43 
(Togo First) - On June 9, the World Accreditation Day, Kodjo Adedze, the Togolese minister of trade, industry, and local consumption, called all business owners and lab heads to ensure that their products meet accredited standards.
Accreditation, he said, is indispensable to conquer the international market, especially in the context of the management of the Covid-19 health crisis, the post-pandemic economic recovery, the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the promotion of local consumption.
“Accreditation provides the technical and operational foundations that are essential to the functioning of our societies. It supports the development programs of states in areas such as cross-border trade, food safety, health, environmental protection, industrial and infrastructure development,” the minister said.
Truly, accreditation makes it easier for goods to move from one country to another. It is an attestation issued by accredited conformity assessment bodies, notably laboratories, certification, and inspection bodies.
In Togo, accreditations are overseen and guaranteed by the High Authority for Quality and Environment (HAUQE) and institutions such as the Comité Togolais d’Agrément (COTAG), an entity in charge of handling certification and accreditation processes undertaken by businesses, public and private bodies present in the country.
Let’s note that border controls and inspections at domestic sales points for the secure marking of products will begin on July 1 throughout Togo.
