Togo to introduce an automated tracking system to fight smuggling and illegal trade

Economic governance
Monday, 17 August 2020 15:59
Togo to introduce an automated tracking system to fight smuggling and illegal trade

(Togo First) - Togo’s revenue authority (OTR) will soon launch an automated tracking system (ATS) to maximize revenue collection, trace some goods, and ease tax collection. The news was disclosed on republiquetogolaise.com, the government’s official portal.  

Unveiled last week, the tool will also help ensure the safety and authenticity of goods concerned, expand the legitimate economy, prevent illegal imports, as well as the production and sale of fake goods. 

The new system will be reinforced by a secure tax marking mechanism which will cover imported goods and goods consumed in the country. 

Commenting on the new system, the OTR declared: “From now on, it will be impossible to import goods to Togo without the administration being aware. Every product that is not marked by the ATS will be seized by the customs office.”

Bridging a tax gap of nearly CFA15 billion

The move, according to the tax commissioner Adoyi Essowavana, should “boost the State’s revenues.” Indeed, the new system should help reduce the tax gap (the gap between expected and actual tax incomes) recorded for many consumer goods. This gap, estimated at nearly CFA15 billion, is due to parallel trade circuits, under-declaration, and under-evaluation of goods. 

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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