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Sierra Leone - Latest on PSI - 12/02/04

The UK based Intertek International Limited has signed a new pre-shipment inspection contract with the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone. This agreement comes into effect at the end of March when the Intertek office opens in Freetown (29/03/04). Bureau Veritas (BIVAC) will be responsible for such inspection until that date.

The agreement was disclosed at the NRA headquarters in Freetown on February 10th 2004 at a press conference. Dr John Karimu Commissioner-General of NRA remarked on a number of innovative changes to the pre-shipment charges:

Firstly there will be a reduction of inspection charges from 1.25% of CIS value to 1.10% of the FOB value which is expected to be favourable to importers. Importation of rice will remain at the same rate of 0.25% of FOB value.

A special fund has been established whereby 0.15% of the 1.1% PSI charge is to be put aside and utilized for helping customs acquire internet technology and IT systems.

The agreement was signed by Kevin Orchard, Africa regional Director of Intertek. To view the official press release please click here.

For further information on Intertek click here. To view OTAL's regulatory advice and a port profile on Freetown click here.

Vehicle Imports for Sierra Leone - 21/10/02

In order to reduce the congestion due to the quantity of vehicles over crowding the quay at the port of Freetown, Customs have implemented the following measures, with immediate effect :

1 - All imported vehicles must be cleared from the quay within 30 days or they will be sold by Public Auction.

2 - All vehicles which have been kept at the quay for 44 days and over from the date of their arrival are now liable for sale to the Public.

3 - We will not accept freight collect cars to Freetown.

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PSI of Imports

General Information

Inspection Requirements

Goods Exempted from PSI

• Precious stones and precious metals
• Objects of art
• Explosives and pyrotechnic products
• Weapons and ammunition, implements of war imported by the Government of Sierra Leone
• Live animals
• Current newspapers and periodicals
• Household and personal effects including motor vehicles provided the motor vehicle qualifies for exempt entry under settlers effects or returning resident entitlement. All other vehicles are subject to inspection (imports only)
• Parcel post
• Commercial samples
• Gifts by foreign governments to State schools and libraries, religious missions, foundations charities and recognised humanitarian organisations; gifts or supplies to diplomatic or consular missions or UN organisations imported for their own needs
• Goods as might be specified by the government

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The information given in this document has been given in good faith and believed to be correct at the time of writing. Please verify these facts with other relevant sources before using this as the basis of any action taken as we regret we cannot accept liability for an consequences due to inaccuracies in this information.

"THE CARRIER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MISSING OR INCORRECT IDR/CRI NUMBERS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY REMAINS WITH THE MERCHANT. ANY FINES/ PENALTIES LEVIED AGAINST THE CARRIER ARE FOR THE MERCHANT'S ACCOUNT"