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Sierra Leone Customs Tariffs Hike Incites Shop Owner Demonstration

Sierra Leone Customs Tariffs Hike Incites Shop Owner Demonstration

Written by Betty Milton | From Awoko

Most shops in central part of Freetown were yesterday shut down as a sign of demonstration for the alleged drastic increment in customs duty for imported goods. Importers claimed there has been a hike in customs tariffs and this happened without any communications stating the reason for the increment. This they claim has resulted in a price increase in every commodity purchased in the shops and even markets.

After several meetings and to get the government understand their situation and see reason to reduce the disputed tariffs, importers have decided to stage a peaceful protest by closing shops.

The Vice President of the Sierra Leone Importers Association Chernor Sankoh said they were shocked when they noticed that the prices have shot up when the new system was introduced at the Customs Duty at the Quay.

He disclosed, before the new system was introduced they used to pay about twenty to thirty million Leones depending on the size and quality of the goods, but this has increased to about fifty to sixty million for clearing.

The Vice President stated that they want the government to intervene in the issues as the problem, includes declaration and customs uplift.
Another issue which was highlighted by Mr Sankoh was that some of their goods are being stolen at the Quay and some even get damaged when the containers are opened for inspection as they don’t use the scanners now.

In a telephone interview with the Corporate Services Manager of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Mohamed Bangura, he maintained that there has been no increment in price but that there is a change in procedures.

Read more at Awoko