In the progression of Customs modernization, Trade Facilitation and Border Controls denotes a shift in Customs focus on revenue generation proper to border controls and trade facilitation. The department is geared to support government reforms in improving doing business experience in Sierra Leone.
The Department maintains an integral role in facilitating the free movement of persons and goods across the country’s frontiers, with emphasis on the turnaround time and client experiences and border controls.
Key Tasks:
Revenue Administration: of various tax handles by way of fair assessment, collection, and accounting.
Trade Facilitation: the introduction of risk management approach in processes, and a fast track regime for compliant businesses.
Border Control: enforcement of restricted and or prohibited imports and exports in collaboration with other MDA’s.
Data Collection: Capture trade statistics and maintain a database of import, and exports transactions.
Regulate Customs Brokers: Training, eligibility and Licenses of Customs Brokers.
Specialised Units:
Valuation – Ensure assessments of imports based on Transaction Value.
Risk management – Profile businesses, Brokers and Processes to achieve targeted controls.
Post Clearance Audit – Verify declarations from records on business premises.
Harmonized System (HS) Classification and Rules of Origin – ensure commodities descriptions and applicable rates are adhered to.