Buying a car in Canada is one thing; gathering the right documents to legally export it to Lomé is another. Incomplete paperwork can delay loading the vehicle or complicate procedures on arrival in Togo. Here is the checklist of documents to prepare, both for the purchase and for export.
Documents related to the vehicle purchase
Before thinking about export, make sure to obtain from the seller:
- the registration certificate (bill of sale or title) in their name;
- a signed bill of sale indicating the price, date, VIN, and the identities of both seller and buyer;
- proof that any outstanding loan balance has been cleared and that there is no lien on the vehicle;
- ideally, a vehicle history report (such as Carfax) and a mechanical inspection report.
These documents form the foundation of your file: they prove legal ownership of the vehicle, a prerequisite for any export.
Documents required to export from Canada
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) oversees the export of used vehicles. Requirements generally include:
- presenting the vehicle along with its ownership documents, generally 72 hours before loading for a used vehicle — this timeline should be confirmed directly with the CBSA, as it may vary by case;
- an export declaration through the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS);
- proof that the vehicle is not subject to an unresolved safety recall or reported theft;
- depending on the case, a specific form for exporting used motor vehicles.
We strongly recommend consulting the official CBSA website (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) or a customs broker to confirm the exact requirements applicable to your situation, as timelines and forms can change.
Documents needed for ocean shipping
To arrange ocean container shipping with a freight forwarder like VELOX LOGISTICS, you will generally need to provide:
- a copy of the title or bill of sale;
- identification for the shipper;
- complete contact details for the consignee in Lomé;
- vehicle information: make, model, year, VIN, weight, and dimensions if available.
This information is used to issue the Bill of Lading, the essential document proving the cargo was entrusted to the carrier, which the consignee will need to collect the vehicle in Lomé.
Documents required on the Togo side
On arrival at the Port Autonome de Lomé, the consignee must handle customs clearance procedures with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR). Documents typically requested include the Bill of Lading, the vehicle's purchase invoice, identification for the consignee, and other documents depending on current regulations. We recommend verifying the exact, up-to-date list directly with the OTR (otr.tg) or a local customs broker, as VELOX LOGISTICS does not handle customs clearance in Togo.
Keeping digital copies of all documents
It's strongly recommended to scan and keep a digital copy of every document before shipping: bill of sale, title, export declaration, and Bill of Lading. This makes it easier to communicate with your carrier, customs broker, and authorities if any question arises along the way.
Why you should plan for these documents as soon as you buy the vehicle
Many buyers only start thinking about export paperwork after the vehicle has already been purchased, which can create unnecessary delays. It's better to tell the seller, right from the negotiation stage, that the vehicle is intended for export to Togo: this ensures they actually have all the necessary documents (a clear title, no lien, a detailed invoice) before the sale is even finalized. A seller familiar with this type of transaction will usually be able to provide these documents without difficulty.
The special case of vehicles still under financing
If the vehicle you want to buy is still subject to a loan or lease, the seller needs to obtain a lien release from their financial institution before they can transfer a title free of any claim. This step can take several days, or even weeks, depending on the institution involved. It's recommended to explicitly ask the seller to confirm there is no lien, for example through an official statement or a search in the relevant provincial registry, before making a significant deposit.
What to check on the bill of sale
The bill of sale should ideally include: the full names and contact details of both buyer and seller, the transaction date, the agreed price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the odometer reading at the time of sale, and an explicit statement that the vehicle is free of any lien. An incomplete or vague document can complicate matters, both for export from Canada and for customs clearance in Lomé.
Planning for administrative timelines
Each step — gathering documents from the seller, filing the export declaration through CERS, preparing the Bill of Lading, and then clearing customs in Lomé — comes with its own timeline, which can vary depending on circumstances. We recommend starting to gather your documents as soon as you're seriously considering the purchase, rather than waiting until the last minute, to avoid any delay in the loading process in Montreal.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
VELOX LOGISTICS arranges ocean container shipping (20' or 40') departing from Montreal only, to the Port Autonome de Lomé. We help you gather the information needed to issue the Bill of Lading and point you toward official resources (CBSA, OTR) for export and customs procedures. VELOX LOGISTICS does not handle customs clearance in Togo and does not guarantee the vehicle purchase: those steps remain the responsibility of the buyer, their customs broker, or their local representative.
Check our FAQ, our Togo destination page, and complete your booking once your documents are ready.
FAQ
How far in advance must I present my vehicle to the CBSA?
Generally 72 hours for a used vehicle, but this timeline should be confirmed directly with the CBSA as it may vary depending on circumstances.
What is CERS?
The Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) is the platform used to electronically declare the export of goods, including vehicles, from Canada.
Does VELOX LOGISTICS handle the export declaration with the CBSA?
VELOX LOGISTICS can guide you, but responsibility for complying with CBSA requirements lies with the exporter; we recommend confirming every requirement directly with the CBSA or a broker.
What documents do I need for customs clearance in Lomé?
Generally the Bill of Lading, the purchase invoice, and identification, but the exact list should be verified with the OTR or a local customs broker.
What happens if a document is missing at loading time?
Loading can be delayed until the file is complete, so it's essential to prepare all documents well in advance.
Can VELOX LOGISTICS help me obtain proof that there's no lien on the vehicle?
No, this check must be carried out by the buyer or their representative through the relevant provincial registry before the purchase.
Conclusion
Gathering the right documents is a key step to buying and exporting a car from Canada to Lomé without unpleasant surprises. The bill of sale, title, CERS export declaration, and Bill of Lading form the backbone of your file. VELOX LOGISTICS supports you in organizing ocean shipping from Montreal.
Request your quote today for shipping your vehicle to Togo.
Key facts — VELOX LOGISTICS
- Based in Montreal (Saint-Léonard, Quebec); every shipment departs from Montreal.
- Vehicles ship by 20- or 40-foot ocean container only. We do not offer RoRo shipping.
- VELOX LOGISTICS does not sell vehicles: we arrange transport for the vehicle you have bought.
- Prices and timelines are quoted for each shipment, based on the vehicle, the container and the next available sailing.
- Customs clearance in Togo is arranged by the recipient, with a licensed customs broker in Lomé.
VELOX LOGISTICS — 6135, boul. Couture, Saint-Léonard (Montréal), QC H1P 3G7 · WhatsApp 514-718-0282 · info@veloxlogistics.io
