Togo introduces new rules requiring part of cashew supply to go to local processors

Economic governance

Monday, 16 March 2026 19:03

Togo introduces new rules requiring part of cashew supply to go to local processors

(Togo First) - Togo's executive has adopted new measures to strengthen oversight of the cashew trade. The decision, issued in late December 2025 through a joint ministerial order signed by Economy Minister Badanam Patoki and Agriculture Minister Antoine Gbegbeni, was made public this week.

The new rules amend regulations dating back to 2008. They require all licensed buyers and producer cooperative societies to deliver at least one-third of the volume of cashew nuts they collect or purchase to local processing units before selling to exporters. Compliance must be documented through a receipt or dispatch note issued by the processing units.

The authorities say the measures aim to promote greater local processing. Operators who fail to meet the requirement face exclusion from sales to exporters for the duration of the current campaign.

The regulation also reaffirms that the purchase and export of cashew nuts remain subject to accreditation issued by the Cashew Sector Coordination Committee. Any cargo destined for export without the required documentation may be seized, with all related costs borne by the exporter.

The new requirement builds on an export tax introduced on cashew nuts and other products from Jan. 1, 2026, also intended to encourage local processing.

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