Togo ARCEP Type Approval: Decision 152/2026 in Force
Togo ARCEP Type Approval: Decision No. 152/2026 Replaces the 2001 Framework for Telecom and Radio Equipment
Togo ARCEP type approval has a new legal basis. On 23 September 2026, the Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (ARCEP) signed Decision No. 152/ARCEP/DG/26 on the homologation of electronic communications equipment and the approval of installers. It took effect on the day it was signed and repeals Decision No. 2001-002/ART&P/CD of 5 September 2001. ARCEP posted the text on its website on 2 October 2026.
Background
Togo's previous equipment approval rules dated from 2001. The new decision applies UEMOA Directive No. 04/2023/CM/UEMOA of 16 June 2023, which harmonises equipment approval across the West African Economic and Monetary Union, and Togo's 2012 law on electronic communications. Approval exists to confirm that equipment meets the essential requirements: safety, network and data protection, efficient use of spectrum, electromagnetic compatibility and interoperability.
Key Changes in the Togo ARCEP Type Approval Framework
Who and what needs approval
Under Article 2, approval is required for any terminal equipment intended to connect, directly or indirectly, to a public electronic communications network, and for any radio equipment that emits or receives, whatever its purpose. It applies when equipment is manufactured for the local market, imported, offered for sale or distributed, whether for payment or free of charge.
Three categories are excluded: equipment used for national defence and public security, equipment that only receives broadcast audiovisual services (unless it also gives access to electronic communications services), and experimental stations used for technical, teaching or scientific work.
Applicants and the file
Applications can come from the manufacturer, the importer, the distributor or their representatives established in Togo. They're filed online on ARCEP's website, and an incomplete file won't be processed. Each application must state whether it covers a new type or replaces an approved one.
The file includes the application form, a manufacturer's letter of representation, a sworn statement, proof of the non-refundable review fee, the technical description and declaration of conformity, manuals, RF, SAR, EMC and safety test reports, approvals from other authorities where they exist, and photos of the equipment.
Samples and testing
Every application needs one sample, identified by brand, model, type, place of manufacture, serial number and module codes. ARCEP keeps it permanently for later checks.
ARCEP carries out the tests for approval and the applicant pays for them. ARCEP also publishes a list of accredited laboratories, and applicants choose from that list. Conformity is assessed against Togolese standards or, where there are none, standards that ARCEP sets or recognises.
Decision time, validity and renewal
ARCEP must decide within 42 calendar days of receiving a complete file, and a refusal has to be reasoned. Equipment approval is granted for five years and can be renewed. The renewal request goes in within the 90 days before the certificate expires and must confirm that the equipment hasn't changed since approval.
Labelling and modifications
Every approved product must carry a non-removable label showing the approval number, the approval date and ARCEP's identity before it is used or sold. Approval is a market authorisation with no exclusivity.
Changes to software, hardware, brand, model or technical characteristics need a new approval; minor changes go through a modification request.
Temporary approval and recognition
A temporary approval covers equipment imported for demonstrations, exhibitions, pilots or maintenance. It lasts six months, can be renewed once, must be requested at least one month before the equipment arrives, and ARCEP answers within 15 days. Where equipment has been declared or approved by an authority that has a mutual recognition agreement with ARCEP, or by a laboratory ARCEP has approved, ARCEP checks the conformity and validity of that certificate.
Installers and enforcement
Professionals who install, commission or maintain radio installations need a five-year installer approval. Non-approved equipment can't be imported, held for sale, distributed, connected or advertised. If an approved product turns out to be non-conforming, ARCEP can suspend its sale and connection, and the importer has 15 days to fix the stock before the approval is withdrawn.
What This Means for Manufacturers
New applications for Togo now follow Decision No. 152/2026, with the full file submitted online.
Budget one sample per application that you won't get back, plus ARCEP testing costs.
Product labels need space for the ARCEP approval number, date and identity.
Firmware or hardware revisions can trigger a new approval, so change control matters more than before.
Put the 90-day renewal window in your compliance calendar.
The decision is silent on certificates issued under the 2001 rules, so holders should check their status with ARCEP or through the agency.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Before | After | Impact level |
Legal basis | Decision No. 2001-002/ART&P/CD (5 September 2001) | Decision No. 152/ARCEP/DG/26 (23 September 2026), aligned with UEMOA Directive 04/2023 | High |
Samples | To be confirmed | One identified sample per application, kept by ARCEP | Medium |
Test reports | To be confirmed | RF, SAR, EMC and safety reports; ARCEP tests or accredited labs from its list | High |
Certificate validity | To be confirmed | 5 years, renewable within 90 days of expiry | Medium |
Labelling | To be confirmed | Non-removable label with approval number, date and ARCEP identity | High |
Installers | Covered by the 2001 decision | 5-year installer approval with qualified staff | Medium |
Existing certificates | Valid under the 2001 decision | Not addressed in the decision; to be confirmed with ARCEP | Medium |
Timeline and Required Actions
Key Dates
Date | Milestone |
16 June 2023 | UEMOA Directive No. 04/2023/CM/UEMOA adopted |
23 September 2026 | Decision No. 152/ARCEP/DG/26 signed and in force; 2001 decision repealed |
2 October 2026 | Decision posted on ARCEP's website |
To be confirmed | Treatment of certificates issued under the 2001 decision |
Required Actions for Manufacturers
List the products you sell or plan to sell in Togo that connect to public networks or use radio.
Check whether your current Togo certificates need re-approval under the new decision.
Collect RF, SAR, EMC and safety reports, the declaration of conformity and the technical file for each model.
Plan one sample per application and confirm whether your test lab appears on ARCEP's accredited list.
Update labels to carry the ARCEP approval number, date and identity.
Set up change control so software or hardware revisions are assessed before shipment.
File temporary approvals for demo or pilot shipments at least a month ahead.
Conclusion
Togo ARCEP type approval now follows a UEMOA-aligned process with clear time limits, five-year validity and stricter labelling and change rules. Manufacturers should check their existing approvals and adapt their files and labels before the next shipment. Contact our team for support with type approval in Togo and across West Africa.
