Togo's HAUQE Holds Session on National Quality Standards

The Togolese government has mobilized stakeholders around national quality standards, with an awareness session held in Lomé since August 17. The High Authority for Quality and the Environment (HAUQE) and its technical agencies organized the session to improve understanding of standardization and certification procedures among producers, processors, and operators.

The legal significance of this development lies in the establishment of national standards that will help products comply with health and commercial requirements while improving market access. The 46 national standards and 31 certification programs developed since 2024 cover key sectors such as soybeans, maize, sorghum, meat, and poultry. These standards are intended to structure value chains and promote better quality management among operators.

The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this initiative include the Togolese Standardization Agency (ATN) Act, which governs the development and approval of national standards. The ATN is responsible for conducting technical reviews of draft standards before their approval by the agency. This process involves identifying sectoral needs, establishing technical committees, and ensuring that standards meet health and commercial requirements.

The key parties involved in this initiative include the HAUQE, its technical agencies, the ATN, and various stakeholders from the agri-food sector. The Togolese government's efforts to promote national quality standards are expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and trade relationships with other countries.

Practitioners should monitor this development as it may lead to changes in regulatory requirements for businesses operating in the agri-food sector. Attorneys advising clients on compliance with Togolese regulations should be aware of the new national standards and certification programs, which will likely become mandatory for operators in key sectors.