Setting-up process
The promoter of the company who meets these conditions of eligibility and who seeks approval for the free zone status must send an application file for approval for the status to SAZOF following a form issued by SAZOF. This form can also be teleloaded from the website www.zonefranchetogo.org.
The completed application form must include the following:
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Introduction of the promoter (s)
Provide the Curriculum Vitae and criminal records of the promoters. Join a copy of the by- laws of the company project. -
Description of the project
Describe the type of industry or service . For an industrial project, specify the finished products that will be made, the raw materials that will be used and the transformation process. Join the production diagram, ictures etc. For a service project, describe the service and its orientation in exporting. -
Schedule of Export
Provide the schedule of export ( in volume / quality and value) for the first 3 years and specify the countries of destination of the products or services. -
Commercial ground of the Project
Give all information that makes it possible to appreciate the future outlets.. Example: previous experiences, market research, supply or service contract, letters of intent, etc -
Raw materials (if any )
Give the supply schedule for the first three years: volume / quality, value and country of origin. -
Impact on the environment
Describe the wastes and any other pollutants that may be generated by the activity of the company and indicate the measures that will be taken to control them or eliminate them...
An Environmental Impact Assessment can prove necessary before the setting up of the company. -
Machinery and Technical Equipment
Give a description of the machinery and equipment, rolling stock, office furniture, etc. -
Need in Working Capital
Estimate the needs in working capital . -
Labourforce
Indicate the number of national and expatriate workers and the level of their wages. -
Financial planning
Indicate how the start - up, construction , machinery, equipment, facilities costs and the needs in working capital are funded. -
Profitability of the company
Establish the operating statement for the first three years. -
Localization
Specify the location of the company.
The application form duly filled in is submitted to the Minister of Economy and Finance's office.
After submission, the complete application file is processed by a Committee hosted at the Minister of Economy and Finance. Thus, when the Committee considers the project eligible for the Free Zone Status, it is granted a provisional approval for the Free Zone Status. The law states that the time limit for issuing the provisional approval is 30 working days from the date of the submission of the complete application form.
When a project is considered eligible by the Permanent Approval Committee, authorization to operate in the Free Zone is notified to the company by letter (signed by the Minister of Economy and Finance) serving as of provisional approval.
This company therefore has a maximum period of six (6) months, renewable once at the SAZOF's assessment to start its activities.
Once the provisional approval has been granted, the promoter may take all other steps to set up his business. These include:
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formalities for the creation of his company at the - Company Formation Center (CFE), created within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Togo (CCIT). This center operates in the form of "One-Stop Shop" where all formalities for the creation, modification and windingup of companies are carried out;
- the realization of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in collaboration with the National Agency for Environmental Management (ANGE).
The Certificate of Exporting Enterprise, serving as the final Approval document is issued by order of the Minister of Economy and Finance, on SAZOF's report, from the very moment when the company actually becomes operational and after having shown its export capacity.
