The main seaport in
Sierra Leone is the Port of Freetown, which is situated in Freetown the capital.
For many years the war-torn West African port of Freetown was out-of-bounds.
Recently British paratroopers have entered the country and a few shipping
lines, including OT Africa Line, have resumed port calls.
The Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) established by the Ports Act in 1964
performed regulatory and other duties relating to coastal and river transportation.
The creation of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) in July 2000
with regulatory powers over maritime transport has now relieved SLPA of these
regulatory functions.
A considerable amount of the Authority's infrastructure was destroyed in the
1997 invasion of the capital and again in 1999 by fighting forces. In addition,
the number of employees also lost their lives during this period as a result
of the Port's invasion. Two of the four warehouses were destroyed and a crater
was formed on Berth 5. Since then the warehouses have been repaired and returned
to full use but Berth 5 remains out of use because of underwater rehabilitation
works being carried out.
Following the end of the civil conflict, the World Bank (WB) and the World
Food Programme (WFP) provided funds for the rehabilitation of the port. These
works were split in to two phases. Phase 1 was completed in March 2002. Funding
under a credit agreement meant the SLPA must pay 20% of the total estimated
cost of the Port and Marine Slipway as counterpart funding. This amounted
to US$2 million, which came from internally generated resources. In additional
further assistance was provided by the World Food Programme (WFP) for new
cargo handling equipment and for the rehabilitation of Shed 4, which was
damaged during the civil conflict.
The majority of shipments to Freetown are food and aid supplies for the UN
troops but bit by bit commercial business is recovering and imports and exports
are picking up. The port is located in Cline town, the eastern part of Freetown
and handles the largest vessels. The port, which is formed of Queen Elizabeth
II Quay (QE II Quay), has a protected anchorage on the River Rokel. The port
is 10 metres deep at high tide and 7 metres at low tide, and has an overall
length of 1,067 metres. It has 6 berths, 4 large warehouses and container stacking
area of over 31,000-sq m, which has just been resurfaced.
Discharge operations are often slow due to inadequate equipment at the port.
Much of the ports handling equipment has been requisitioned by the UN to unload
military hardware. Hefty war risk insurance is another burden shipping lines
have to face. (See article below)
However Abraham Macauley, General Manager of SLMA is heavily focused on efforts
to instil a new approach to promote the maritime sector in Sierra Leone. Surveying
and dredging projects are under consideration to expand facilities and non-port
functions such as security and the marine slipway is being divested to private
companies. This means that the SLMA can focus on core port operations and vessel
turnover time. The SLMA is also positioning mandatory navigational aids at
the port entrance with an approach by the World Bank to fund such items as
buoys and lighthouses.
Another objective is to regulate and develop maritime transport
on inland waterways which played a major role in the economic development of
the country during the colonial days. The SLMA believes it can do this again
now that peace has been restored.
Draft at Berth
7-10 meters
No of Deepwater Quays
Queen Elizabeth II Quay (QE II Quay)
Length of Quay
1,067 metres consisting of 6 berths
Click here to
view our local agent, SAGA's access and infrastructural review on Freetown
port.
Transport
News
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Intertek Scanning Fees Freetown - 11/03/08 Please click
here for the official letter from the Sierra Leone
Maritime Administration (SLMA ) with regard to the new procedure for the collection
of scanning fees for containerised cargo.
Please note that this is applicable for all imports effective 01/05/08.
New President New Chapter: Transport
Companies are waiting for details of the new government's mining strategy,
expected to be unveiled early next year, following presidential elections
in September. However if recent news coverage is anything to go by potential
moves to impose more strenuous conditions, including higher tax and development
of the countries infrastructure will be high on the agenda.
According to the Minister for Mines, Alhaji Abubakarr Jalloh, foreign mining
companies must build new roads, railways and ports in Sierra Leone which will
benefit the country's poor if they want to extract its precious minerals. “We
want companies to come together and create a plan for a massive harbour that
will have the capacity to take big ships and to have a railway system and a
future network." [Reuters 07/12/07]
Vessel Submission: Fines For Late Delivery Sierra Leone Bans Exports Of Mineral Samples
Sierra Leone has banned exports of mineral samples effect from 20/11/07 in
a bid to stop valuable diamonds, gold and other commodities being illegally
shipped out of the country. President Ernest Bai Koroma pledged to stamp
out corruption stating samples were being exported with insufficient controls.
Many mining companies export samples of earth and rock for analysis to determine
mineral content.
Pursuant to section 5 of the finance act 2007 (act no.22), the national revenue
authority wishes to inform the general public that with immediate effect, each
consignment of goods imported in respect of which a duty waiver is granted,
will attract an administrative fee of five hundred thousand Leones (le 500,000)
per consignment. This replaces the previous fee of 1.25% of the CIF value.
For the purpose of this administrative fee, a consignment is the totality
of goods contained in one airway bill or bill of lading as at the time of application
for the duty waiver.
Scrap Metal Exports Suspended
The government has suspended all exportation of scrap metals till further notice.
This comes as the President tries to restore the electricity supply in the
country as many cables have been stolen and exported as scrap. [29/10/07]
Port Equipment Fails
Freetown port is still suffering from little and inadequate equipment to meet
day-to-day demands leading to the slow movement of containers. The port recently
came to a complete stand still when the only forklift broke down due to the
fuel being mixed with water. As a result, there was no container moves for
48hrs. [29/10/07]
Works Minister Vows to Improve Road Network
The newly appointed Minister of Works, Housing and Infrastructure vowed to
improve the road network across the country. Minister John Saad disclosed
that most of the plans for the construction of new roads and the maintenance
of the old roads are in place but stressed that the only problem is the implementation
process that is slow. [CT 02/11/07]
IMF Report Vindicates Kabbah/SLPP Government
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a summary sheet of Sierra
Leone's financial standing as at September 30, 2007. The report includes
information about quota, reserve position, SDR holdings, outstanding credit,
recent lending arrangements, projected payments due to the IMF, and monthly
historical transactions with the Fund. The report indicates outstanding performance
at the macroeconomic level by the erstwhile SLPP Government of Tejan Kabbah
and Solomon Berewa and indicates that Sierra Leoneans do not currently owe
a single debt to the IMF. This official IMF document from Washington DC comes
at a time when unfair media reports are giving the false impression that
the SLPP Government of former President Tejan Kabbah mismanaged the economy.
The IMF data shows that the SLPP's Financial Management team did an "outstanding
job" in stabilizing the country's economy. [Awareness Times 23/10/07]
Sierra Leone’s New President
Ernest Bai Koroma was sworn in as Sierra Leone's new president on 17/09/07.
He won 54.6% of the vote in a run-off with the incumbent vice-president Solomon
Berewa. Mr Koroma's All People's Congress (APC) also won a majority in parliamentary
elections held in August 2007. [BBC 18/09/07]
MoU Signed For The Lease Of Railway And Pepel Port Facilities
In Sierra Leone
London Mining Plc [www.londonmining.co.uk] has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding
[MoU] with the Government of Sierra Leone in respect of the proposed lease
of the railway line from the Marampa mine to the port as well as the port and
its facilities. The Marampa iron ore mine is located about 80km of Freetown.
London Mining has held a mining license at Marampa since September 2006. London
Mining has requested the use of the Marampa-Pepel Railway Line and Pepel Port
and facilities from the Sierra Leone Government in order to be able to transport
the iron ore that will be produced from Marampa mine to the Pepel terminal
for shipment abroad.
Large parts of the existing railway between the Marampa mine site and Pepel
port have been damaged or removed and the Pepel port facility will also need
to be repaired before it is fully functional. The Sierra Leone Government has
agreed to establish an asset holding company to oversee the fixed rail and
port facilities and will grant exclusive access to London Mining to the fixed
rail and port facilities for a minimum of three million tonnes per annum. London
Mining has agreed to fund the costs of these repairs and has also agreed to
undertake and fund a feasibility study to determine whether the facilities,
with modification, can accept multiple users in the future [at the expense
of future users].
The Government of Sierra Leone transferred the moveable railway assets and
port facilities at Pepel to London Mining on the 01/09/07 to include locomotives,
rolling stock, scrap metal and approximately 60,000t of iron ore fines concentrates
at Pepel. [ACN Newswire 03/09/07]
Opposition Wins
Opposition leader Ernest Bai Koroma (APC) has won Sierra Leone's presidential
election run-off, according to national election commission officials. He
won 54.6% of the vote while his rival Vice-President Solomon Berewa of the
ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) obtained 45.4%. [16/09/07]
Sierra Leone Elections
Voters in Sierra Leone went to the polls on 11 August to elect a new president
and members of parliament. It was the country's second poll since the end
of the decade-long civil war in 2002, and the first without international
supervision. The national electoral commission said that with just over a
third of votes counted, APC leader Ernest Bai Koroma, was in the lead in
presidential elections with 46%. Officials have said a runoff, due to be
held in September if no presidential candidate wins 55%, is looking likely.
[17/08/07]
What is the background?
Outgoing President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah won the first post-war polls in 2002
with a landslide victory, receiving 70% of all votes cast. His Sierra Leone
People's Party [SLPP] won 83 of the 112 parliamentary seats.
President Kabbah's victory followed a decade-long civil war during which 50,000
people were killed and thousands more had their bodies mutilated.
British intervention in 2002 led to the official end of the war. It made way
for the disarming of tens of thousands of rebels and militia fighters by UN
peacekeepers, who withdrew in December 2005.
How does the system work?
Sierra Leone has a single-chamber parliament with 124 seats. Of these, 112
are held by elected members. The remaining 12 are reserved for traditional
chiefs.
Members of parliament serve four-year terms.
Parliamentary candidates must be Sierra Leonean citizens by birth and be at
least 21 years old.
The constitution demands that parliamentary candidates be able to speak and
read English "with a degree of proficiency, sufficient to enable them
to take an active part in the proceedings of parliament".
What about the president?
The president's tenure in office is limited to two five-year terms.
Aspiring presidential candidates must be Sierra Leone citizens and belong
to a registered political party. They must be at least 40 years old.
To win the presidential race, a candidate must receive 55% of the votes cast.
If there is no clear winner, a run-off will be held after two weeks.
Who is leading the race?
Seven parties have been cleared for the elections. The main contenders in the
presidential race belong to the leading three parties.
1. Sierra Leone People's Party [SLPP]
Vice-President Solomon Ekuma Berewa, the head of the SLPP, is the front-runner
in the race. Mr Berewa, 71, served as attorney-general and justice minister
between 1996 and 2002.
The SLPP gets most of its support from the south, where it also faces stiff
competition from the People's Movement for Democratic Change [PMDC].
2. All People's Congress [APC]
The APC presidential candidate, Ernest Bai Koroma, is running for the second
time. He came second in the 2002 presidential race, receiving 22.3% of the
votes cast. His party holds 27 seats in parliament.
The APC governed the country between 1968 and 1992. In 1978, it introduced
a one-party system, which remained in place until 1992.
Many voters continue to associate the party with mismanaging the country and
precipitating the civil war.
3. People's Movement for Democratic Change [PMDC]
The PMDC is a breakaway faction of the SLPP. It was officially registered in
January 2006.
PMDC's presidential candidate, Charles Francis Margai, hails from a prominent
political family. His father, Albert Margai, served as premier from 1964 -1967.
His uncle, Milton Margai, was Sierra Leone's first prime minister, who led
the country to independence in 1961.
Links
Personal Effects & Groupage Shipments - 25/05/07
As from 22nd May 2007 all importers and agents clearing personal effects, groupage
and motor vehicles will need to follow a new NRA directive. Please click
here to view the complete document.
Railway Plan On Track
President Kabbah has placed rail development top of his agenda in the latest
ten year Transport Sector Development Plan. Rail transportation was introduced
into Sierra Leone in 1898 during colonial rule but was phased out in 1975
as unprofitable.
The Plan presented at a Development Partnership Committee [DEPAC] meeting other
specific areas to be focused on and funded by the donor community are:
· Airports
·
Port - which is to be a landlord port and transhipment centre
·
The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration
·
Road Transport Authority - improvement of main road and minor roads. [TI 23/04/07]
Government Bans Timber, Granite Stones Exportation
A press release from the Office of the President states the government has
placed a ban on the illegal exploitation and export of timber, dimension
stones and granite from the country. “The attention of Government has
been drawn to the illegal exploitation and export of timber, dimension stones
and granite from the country. It is obvious that the deforestation in the
Freetown peninsula is destroying the catchment areas, which could eventually
lead to a severe shortage of water, whilst the uncontrolled removal of granite
from the hills surrounding populated areas could expose settlements at the
bottom of the hills to severe land slides in the future. As these activities
are destructive to the environment and bring only minimal benefits to the
state, Government has decided to stop the exploitation and export of these
two commodities with immediate effect,” the release stated.
The release noted that, the Government is taking steps to put in place adequate
measures “Until such measures are put in place however, no persons or
companies would be allowed to engage in these activities. The police and custom
officers have been directed to take appropriate action.” [08/05/07]
Sierra Leone To Establish First Stock Exchange
Deputy Finance Minister, Joe Kallon, said that the introduction of a stock
exchange in the war-scarred west African country is part of the government's
efforts to revamp the shattered economy.
The stock market is expected to be operational by year end, according to the
country's central bank. [AFP 16/04/07]
Two Services Now Available For Lungi International Airport Access
Having had no helicopter or hovercraft service to take them to the airport
since Paramount’s mishap in mid January air travellers can now choose
between 2 helicopter services, Paramount and Inter City, both charging
USD50 per trip and soon a hovercraft service operated by IPC costing USD
40 per
trip. The location of Lungi International Airport across the Freetown river
estuary is reported to be unhelpful in attracting foreign investment particularly
in tourism, involving as it does expensive (and sometimes frightening)
helicopter or hovercraft trips or a lengthy and uncomfortable ferry journey.
Death Trap Bridge in Pujehun
This dilapidated wooden structure is the Pujehun bridge built across a river
near Jiweila, Soma Chiefdom. The people of Pujehun are calling upon President
Kabbah and the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) to pressure the Sierra
Leone Roads Authority to repair the structure before it collapses. [AT 11/04/07]
Chamber of Commerce Elects New Executive
The Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture held an annual
general meeting where a new executive was elected. Managing Director of Rokel
Commercial Bank Henry Akie Macauley was elected president followed by Alhaji
Tunde Cole of National Petroleum Company as First Vice President, Gladys
Strasser King as his deputy, Aluma Kamara as Treasurer and Alhaji Unisa Alim
Sesay as the PR Officer. The election of ten members into the council are
as follows: Arthur Yaskey, Charles Campbell, Andrew Keili, Christo Foster,
Adebola Williams, Blanche Gooding, Dr. Abdulai Kakay, Dele Jones, Bola Williams
and Idriss Kanu. The Chamber has a membership of 150. [STP 25/03/07]
Improving The Business Environment For Investment
According to the World Bank “Doing Business” Report, Sierra Leone
is one of the most expensive countries in the world to start a business. The
cost of registering a company in Sierra Leone is comparatively high. There
are many reasons for this including long business registration processes, legal
costs and the tax system. This situation is an obstacle to the growth of the
Sierra Leone economy. Hence the Government has taken the policy decision to
create a business friendly environment which will encourage job and wealth
creation.
The Government of Sierra Leone is currently working on a programme designed
to remove ‘Administrative Barriers to Investment’. This is a joint
programme with DFID and the Foreign Investment Advisory service (part of The
World Bank). The aim of the programme is to improve the business climate in
Sierra Leone which is important both to local and foreign businesses. The following
are some important changes that have already been approved by Government and
will soon be reflected as amendments in existing legislations:
· Simplification and streamlining of the company registration process
·
Eliminating exchange control permission as a company registration requirement
·
The removal of the mandatory requirement to engage a solicitor for the preparation
of the Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) for the registration
of a company
·
New and simplified rules merging work and residence permits
·
Abolishing the need for an annual Business License obtained from the Registrar
General
·
Elimination of payment of advance tax as precondition for registering a business
This is the first of a series of measures which are being introduced to encourage
the private sector. Other recent measures include the restructuring of the
investment and export promotion agency, SLEDIC which has now been submitted
to Parliament for consideration. [STP 04/04/07]
Sierra Leone In US$105m Road-Building Deal
According to Development Secretary Kona Koroma, Sierra Leone's government has
signed a deal worth US$105 million with Arab partners to rebuild a key road
linking the agricultural eastern Kenema and Kailahun districts. Participants
include the Kuwaiti and Saudi Funds for Development, the Arab Bank for Reconstruction
and Development, the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund, whose representatives
approved feasibility and engineering studies at a meeting in Freetown. Sierra
Leone's government will be contributing US$2.5 million.
Freetown has also asked
the Kuwaiti Fund for Consultancy Services to submit a list of contractors
who have had experience in Africa to the
state-run Sierra Leone Roads Authority for consideration. Work on rehabilitating
the road is due to start in December and be finished by 2010. [29/01/07
visitsierraleone]
Paris Club Cancels All Debt Owed
Paris Club creditors stated they were cancelling Sierra Leone's outstanding
$218 million debt to them in the latest major international boost
for the West African country's economic recovery efforts. Five years after
the end of a devastating 1991-2002 civil war, Sierra Leone's government
is winning recognition from international partners for its efforts
to
reduce corruption, fight poverty and consolidate economic growth.The
club said its representatives had decided to cancel 91% of Sierra
Leone's debt stock as it stood at the end of 2006. Some creditors also
committed
on a bilateral basis to granting additional debt relief of $22 million
euros.
In December, the World Bank and IMF said Sierra Leone qualified
for a $1.6 billion debt write-off from its main creditors under global schemes
to cancel the debts of the world's poorest countries. This write-off
covered
debts owed to the World Bank, IMF, African Development Bank, commercial
creditors, and other governments. The relief followed completion by
Sierra Leone's government of an economic programme overseen by the World Bank
and the IMF.
In 2006, the economy grew by an estimated 7.5% and it is forecast
to expand 6.5% in 2007. [25/01/07]
Sierra Leone’s Economy Picking Up
The Minister of Finance, John Oponjo Benjamin has stated that the economy
of Sierra Leone is picking up and that, "the country is beginning
to see light at the end of the tunnel." The Minister's reaction
came shortly after the International Monetary Fund [IMF] issued yet
another praise-filled release concerning the performance of the Sierra
Leone Government’s handling of the economy under the direction
of Minister John Benjamin. In its Public Information Notice [PIN] No.
07/19 of February 13 2007, the IMF wrote, "Executive Directors
welcomed Sierra Leone’s continued robust and broad-based economic
growth and the recent moderation of inflation, and commended the authorities
for their steady progress in consolidating the environment of peace
and stability."
Helicopter Service Grounded - 14/02/07
The helicopter shuttle service between Freetown and Lungi has been suspended
till further notice. The operator, Paramount Airlines, is grounded. The
hovercraft which also stopped months ago means that the only alternative
method of transit
left is the ferry, which can add at least 3hrs to the journey.
Please find a You-Tube
video clip of the helicopter journey between Freetown to Lungi below:
SLMA To Amend Merchant Shipping Act - 24/01/07
Sierra Leone Maritime Administration [SLMA] has taken the onus to amend the
Merchant Shipping Act, the Licensing and Regulation of Shipping Agents in
the country. The Executive Director of the Administration, Philip S J Lukuley
noted that ship owners and operators, are represented in different countries
by ship agents in carrying out their responsibilities. The shipping industry
which has ship agents as key players need to be regulated to make the trade
very viable and the movement of ships safe.
“ Because of the sensitive and important role played by the shipping agents,
the Government through the Ministry of Transport and Communications has deemed
it extremely necessary that no person shall operate as a shipping agent unless
that person holds a shipping agent license issued by the Sierra Leone Maritime
Administration”
Government has decided to introduce legislation to govern
the activities of Shipping Agents, and actively seeks to control the charges
levied by Shipping
Agents which will have serious repercussions if allowed to go through. Needless
to say the agencies have strongly objected and discussions are ongoing. [OTAL
Agent 24/01/07]
Helicopter Servicing Airport Island Has Licence Withdrawn
- 24/01/0
Paramount, who runs the helicopters between Lungi airport and mainland Freetown
have had their licence withdrawn due to concerns re safety, all travellers
visiting Freetown must now use the ferry. [OTAL Agent 24/01/07]
Latest Port Operations - 12/12/06
Quay operations are improved as ships operational activities are done within
24 hours.
Sierra Leone - DFID, Trade Ministry Launch Investment Documentaries
In a bid to promote foreign investment confidence in Sierra Leone, a team from
the British Department for International Development [DFID] in collaboration
with the Ministry of Trade and Industry have officially launched five investment
promotional documentaries on Sierra Leone covering tourism, mining, fisheries
and the agriculture sectors. These key investment areas of Sierra Leone’s
economy are a way of highlighting the potentials therein in store for potential
investors.
Destination Inspection Introduction Delayed -
18/01/06
It was reported that all vessels leaving after 31/1/06 would be subject to destination
inspection and not pre inspection for all SL goods as directed by Intertek. However
it now appears that the DI scheme has been postponed until earliest March and
even that is optimistic. We are trying to gain more information regarding this
so please watch
this space in our next issue.
New Procedures - 21/03/06
The Sierra Leone Standard Bureau system has been implemented for a fee based
on cargo invoice value of 0.03% of CIF. This new office creation has lead
to additional documentation required for Customers before obtaining cargo.
[OTAL Agent 21/03/06]
World Bank Supports Infrastructure Development
- 21/03/06
The World Bank Board of Directors has approved an International Development
Association [IDA] grant of US$44 million for the Infrastructure Development
Project in Sierra Leone, which will rehabilitate selected priority roads, port
and airport facilities and support regulatory and institutional reforms associated
with the enhanced management of the country's road, port, and airport sectors.
The Freetown Port Infrastructure and Management component will finance the
expansion of the paved container stacking area, together with the supply of
specialized equipment to meet internationally recognized, environmental and
safety standards, while also supporting the restructuring of the Ports Authority.
This project will commence soon.
Furthermore the port of Freetown is to be brought up
to international standards in terms of security. An action plan will
be implemented for the privatisation of the port [$10.75 million].
The project is very much in its infancy with the port privatisation
contract only just being issued for tender. No consultant has been
chosen yet thus the project is a long way from the bidding stage and
even further from commencement. [OTAL Agent 21/03/06]
US$6 Million Loan for Sierra Leone Maritime
The Government of Sierra Leone has signed a US$6 million loan agreement with
the ECOWAS Regional Development Fund. The purpose of the loan is to provide
financing for the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration [SLMA].
Mr Bartholomew D Drabo, ECOWAS Managing Director stated
that the main objective of the project was to improve overall capacity
of SLMA by providing it with the necessary equipment, material, infrastructural
support necessary to carry out its assigned responsibilities of ensuring
maritime security and developing inland water transport and security
in the country. This will include rehabilitation and reconstruction
of jetties, development of the Maritime Administrative headquarters,
and acquiring rescue boats.
This payment will be the first ECOWAS Regional Development
Fund [ERDF] loan provided to Sierra Leone.
Current Equipment at Freetown Port - 21/03/06
The majority of port equipment used in the Port are privately owned or leased.
Our agency SLSA has access to a 45tons top lifter. However an additional
2 new top lifters have been introduced on a hire basis. These new lifters
are owned by Sayaba Enterprises a private contractor leasing company.
The scanner is in good condition and procedures strictly
implemented [please see our December report for full details regarding
the new scanner]. [OTAL Agent 21/03/06]
Reconstruction of Roads - 23/03/06
Reconstruction work will take place on the Bo - Kenema and Makeni – Matotoka
routes. Also included is repair of 400 km of the secondary roads network in
the Kailahun, Kono and Koinadugu districts [US$ 23.58 million]; and development
of the container storage area in Freetown port.
Trade Regulations, Customs And Standards
Membership in Free Trade Agreements
Sierra Leone is a member of the World Trade Organization [W.T.O]. It is also
a member of the Mano River Union [MRU], which creates a customs union among
Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. It is also a member of the Economic Community
of West African States [ECOWAS]. Since October 2002 Sierra Leone has been fully
eligible for participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act [AGOA].
Other Free Trade Agreements include those under EU/ACP Lomé Convention
and the EU Everything but Arms Initiative. [EBA]
It has a strengthened involvement and commitment to sub-regional
integrations and initiatives particularly with respect to ECOWAS whose
provisions supersede those of the WTO Agreements. Efforts are being
ensured that there is no conflict between ECOWAS and WTO provisions.
ECOWAS members have granted preferential treatment on the products
that were liberalized in the West African Economic and Monetary Union
[WAEMU], whose members also participate in the ECOWAS integration scheme.
Tariff and non-Tariff Barriers
Tariff rates
In Sierra Leone, tariff barriers include duties paid or imposed per product.
Tariff rates are customized under the harmonized system for codes, which are
universal
In compliance with the Government Budget delivered by the Minister of Finance
in November, 2005, amendments were made on the “External Tariff of the
Republic of Sierra Leone” which became applicable in January 2006. These
are as follows;
· All commodities, imports and domestically produced
goods, [W.E.F] 01.01.06 attract a Sales Tax of 15%.
· All commodities, such as pharmaceuticals products, [W.E.F] 01.01.06
attract a Sales Tax of 5%.
· All commodities, such as body cosmetics, [W.E.F] 01.01.06 attract a
Sales Tax of 20%.
· All commodities, such as cigarette and other tobacco products, were
levied an Import duty 20%, Excise duty 30% and a Sales Tax of 15%.
· Import on Cement was reduced from 20% to 10% duty tax.
· Mineral and alcoholic drinks are subject to a duty tax of 30%.
· Sea food whether fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or smoked now
attracts a duty of 50% when locally caught and 10% when imported.
· Ecowas Tax of 0.5% is levied on all commodities imported outside of
Ecowas Member Countries.
Non-tariff barriers include quotas i.e.
· the quantity of imported goods per month and
· Sanitary and phyto-sanitary rules.
Prohibited Imports
Prohibited imports include ammunition of any sort, army uniforms, police uniforms,
military equipment, narcotics and expired goods such as pharmaceutical drugs.
Import taxes and license requirements
Sierra Leone subscribes to the Customs Cooperation Council Nomenclature [CCCN]
and tariffs are based on a single column tariff schedule. Imports from other
MRU [Mano River Union] members enter duty free as part of the first phase
of the MRU agreement, once it has been established that these goods are produced
or manufactured in one of the MRU member states.
Duties on non-MRU goods are levied ad valorem on the
cost, insurance, and freight [c.i.f.] value of the good. Duties range
from zero to 20 percent on luxury goods, but most average around 15
per cent. Duty-free items include textbooks, medical equipment, agricultural
inputs, and personal effects. In addition to the customs tariff, all
imports are subject to a 15 per cent sales tax. Alcohol and tobacco
are subject to a 20 per cent import duty, 15 per cent sales tax and
30 per cent excise duty.
There is no licensing requirement for imports except
for items restricted for health reasons in compliance with health and
environmental toxic chemical waste. In 1989, all import licensing requirements
were eliminated. The last import restrictions on cigarettes ended in
early 1992. However, importers need to complete an Application Pre-shipment
Inspection [API] form to be inspected by the Bureau of Inspection,
Valuation, Assessment and Control [INTERTEK International] which is
required for all goods of a free-on-board [f.o.b] value greater than
US$2000.
Customs regulations and contact information
All shipping documents must arrive before the consignment of goods, and must
be presented by the import agent for delivery of goods and customs processing.
Air cargo documents should arrive with the consignment of goods.
Exporting to Sierra Leone requires four copies of the
certified and legalized commercial invoice, three copies of the packing
list, a bill of lading or air waybill, and four copies of a certified
and legalized customs invoice.
The commercial invoice should have a statement of origin,
a list of itemized expenses, the cost of the good in the home market,
and the c.i.f. value of the goods.
Importers require the following specific invoices from
the Customs and Excise dept before obtaining possession of cargo;
· The Duty Free Form – which is customs
filled document for all commodities on duty free concession but attract
a sales tax of 15%.
· The Duty Bound Form –filled for all commodities with chargeable
duty tax.
· The Un-invoiced Goods Form – filled for commodities which arrived
without a destination invoice.
· The Passengers’ unaccompanied Baggage Declaration form – filled
in the case when an importer requires the port to be in custody of cargo until
physical appearance.
Special import/export requirements and certifications
· Sierra Leone Standard Bureau has been created for import and export
inspection. System is primarily meant to discourage entry of substandard products
in the country, ensuring fair trade for national production and thereby contributing
to industrial competitiveness and growth. A fee of 0.03% of CIF value is charged.
· The Intertek Inspection System used to justify the invoice and quantity
value of the commodity.
· The Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce issues a certificate of origin
for all export.
Documentation required for the following commodities
Plants/Animals - Additional documentation is required for the importation/exportation
of live animals, and animal products, or plants and plant products [i.e.,
sanitary or health certificates] issued by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health
and Sanitation.
The importer must also obtain a permit from the Chief Agriculturist in Freetown
for import of vegetables or soils.
Pharmaceutical Goods – Licensed documentation from the Ministry of Health
and Sanitation and the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone.
Free Trade Zones/Warehouses
The Sierra Leone Ports Authority maintains a number of bonded warehouses where
imported goods may be stored for six free days and rent applicable thereafter
until claimed by importers. The Controller of Customs and Excise may make
advance customs rulings on items for import.
RMB 11/04/06
Patrol Boats Begin Surveillance Duties of Sierra Leone Waters -
12/06/06
Three 32-foot Dauntless Class Cutter vessels have been donated by the
US Government to the Sierra Leone Armed Forces. Along with a PB105
patrol boat donated by China these vessels will greatly increase the
coverage and security within Sierra Leone's waters. [ST 12/06/06]
Petrol Prices Increased - 23/07/06
Petrol and diesel process were increased from Le 11,250 to Le 13,500
per gallon on 3 July - at the same time kerosene went up from Le
11,000 to Le 13,500 per gallon.
SLPA Invite Bids To Upgrade Port Assets -
13/09/06
The Sierra Leone Ports Authority [SLPA] have invited bidders for a
revaluation of its assets to determine replacement value and/or liquidation.
The assets to be valued include;
· Ports building [Offices, Workshops and Sheds] at the Quay,
·
Government Wharf,
·
Aberdeen, Kissy and Tagrin Ferry Terminals; including plant and machinery
contained in them
·
Harbour crafts
·
Paved container stacking areas and access roads
·
Marine Slipway, including the cradle, buildings and their contents,
and access roads
·
Mahera Ferry
·
Any other asset [s] that may be considered necessary to be re-valued
during the valuation period
UK Investors to Construct Lungi Bridge -
13/09/06
A group of investors visiting Sierra Leone from the United Kingdom
have expressed interest in the construction of a bridge connecting
Freetown and the Lungi ferry terminal. Head of delegation, Angela
Campbell said they have not only opted to construct the bridge but
to also provide housing facilities and develop agriculture in the
country.
Sierra Leone Ports Authority Pay Dividends -
03/10/06
The Sierra Leone Ports Authority [SLPA] has presented to President
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah a cheque for US$77,000 as dividend for the year
ending 2005. This is the second time ever in the history of the SLPA
to pay a dividend to government. While presenting the cheque on behalf
of the Board and Management of the SLPA, the Chairman of the Board
of Directors, Mr. Prince Forde paid special tribute to the present
management headed by General Manager, Nestor Galley who during his
tenure of office has transformed the SLPA and Deep Water Quay into
an institution that all Sierra Leonean can be proud of.
The President also paid special compliment to the National Commission
for Privatisation [NPC] for their continued role in the reformation
of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority. Mr Galley said that the SLPA which
last year was in 32nd position out of 35 Ports Authorities in Africa
has moved to 8th position. He confidently promised that sooner or later
SLPA will be among the first three on the continent.
Tokeh-Lumley Road - 03/10/06
The contract for the reconstruction of the Tokeh-Lumley Road has been
signed. The contractor is Burhan International Construction Company
of Kuwait, who has been given order to commence works in early October
2006.
Latest Port Operations - 10/12/06
Quay operations are improved as ships operational activities are done
within 24 hours.
Sierra Leone - DFID, Trade Ministry Launch Investment Documentaries
In a bid to promote foreign investment confidence in Sierra Leone,
a team from the British Department for International Development
[DFID] in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry have
officially launched five investment promotional documentaries on
Sierra Leone covering tourism, mining, fisheries and the agriculture
sectors. These key investment areas of Sierra Leone’s economy
are a way of highlighting the potentials therein in store for potential
investors.
The implementation of the ISPS code came into effect
on the 1st July 2004, a global maritime security standard introduced
by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for member nations.
Below are the details of the Freetown ports plans for 2004:
A new international security organisation, Port Maritime
Security International (PMSi) has now been recruited by the government
to manage the security of the nation's major ports.
Ports and agency security officers have been trained
to meet the ISPS code
CCTV is being installed as well as improving the
lighting and security facilities in the port.
A scanning machine is to be installed in Spetember
2004
Sierra Leone Ports Authority
Sierre Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) is a semi-autonomous
organisation established by the Ports Act in 1964 (ammended in 1991).
It's responsibilities at inception were:
To control all ports and maritime activities in Sierrra Leone
To operate the Port of Freetown
To oversee the ports of Nitti and Pepel which were operated by
private mining companies handling bulk exports of bauxite, rutile
and iron ore.
The main seaport in Sierra Leone is the Port of Freetown,
which is situated in Freetown the capital. The port is located in Cline
town, the eastern part
and handles the largest vessels. The port which is formed of Queen Elizabeth
II Quay (QE II Quay) has a protected anchorage on the River Rokel.
The port is 10 metres deep at high tide and 7 metres
at low tide, and has an overall length of 1,067 metres. It has 6 berths,
4 large
warehouses and container stacking areasof over 31,000 sq m, which has
just been resurfaced.
Until 2001, SLPA also performed regulatory and
other duties relating to coastal and river transportation. The creation
of the Sierra Leone
Maritime Administration (SLMA) in July 2000 with regulatory powers
over maritime transport has relieved SLPA of these regulatory functions.
For further
background and development information at the port of Freetown
please click here
