Import and Export Procedures

Potential importers are required to obtain blank Import Permit Declaration (IPD) Forms from the Division of Foreign Trade within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and subsequently re-submit same with:

- Proforma Invoice in Triplicates

- Contract and/or Agreement

Prior to final approval of the Import Permit Declaration (IPD) Forms, the Ministry of Commerce must satisfy itself through consultation with the National Investment Commission that the importation of the goods for which permit is sought does not in any way contravene a prevailing protection policy.
The Commerce Ministry determines relates charges.

The Government, in 1986 contracted the services of the Society Generale de Surviallance SA (SGS) to check imports into Liberia to ensure that the quantity and quality of goods declared on imports documents are correct and that prices appearing on the invoices correspond to the export prices generally prevailing in the exporting country.

The Government levied taxes on the export of gold, diamonds and precious metals and minerals (unfinished) of 1 5 % of the value.

A royalty of 10% is also levied on diamonds and precious metals and stones rough or uncut.

Quota Arrangement:

The Republic of Liberia is not party to any quota arrangement(s) with respect to the movement of traded goods of any commodity category with any country or regional or sub-regional organization(s).

International Corporation:

Liberia is a member of the United Nations and its economic and trade-related organizations. It is also a member of the non-Aligned Movement and a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Mano River Union (MRU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Liberia, along with other African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) is a Signatory too the Trade, Aid and Economic Cooperation agreements (Lomè Convention) with the European Community (EC).