Shipping to and from Liberia

Limark in Liberia

Connecting Liberia across Africa and beyond

As a seasoned logistics provider in Liberia, Limark leverages our deep understanding of West African trade dynamics to ensure the seamless flow of your cargo. Our expertise lies in navigating Liberia’s port regulations, optimizing inland transportation, and facilitating seamless border crossings into neighboring markets.

With operations spanning over 40 African countries, Limark’s vast network connects Liberia to key trading hubs across the continent and beyond. We offer tailor-made solutions to streamline your supply chain, whether you’re exporting Liberia’s rich natural resources – rubber, timber, or iron ore – or importing essential machinery and manufactured goods.

Import regulations

Importing goods to Liberia requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Regulations and restrictions

Prohibited imports

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Counterfeit goods violating intellectual property rights
Pornographic and indecent materials
Plastic bags and non-biodegradable packaging (with exceptions)
Materials contradicting national ideology
Casino/gambling machines and equipment

Restricted imports requiring permits

Ethyl alcohol and alcoholic beverages
Precious metals, diamonds, precious gemstones
Encryption software and devices
Ozone-depleting substances and refrigerants
Radioactive materials and nuclear equipment

Relevant agencies

Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) – Customs Services Dept.
National Standards Laboratory (NSL)
Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)
Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MOCI)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Ministry of Health – Food & Drug Division
National Lottery Authority

Demurrage and detention

Free storage periods

Sea freight (Freeport of Monrovia) – 5 working days free
Air freight (Roberts Int’l Airport) – 3 calendar days free

Demurrage charges after Free Time (per calendar day)

20′ Dry Container: $30-50
40′ Dry Container: $50-80
20′ Reefer Container: $70-110
40′ Reefer Container: $110-160

Container detention charges after free days (per day)

20′ Dry Container: $30-40
40′ Dry Container: $40-60
20′ Reefer Container: $50-70
40′ Reefer Container: $70-110

Long-term storage

Container Freight Stations and depots offer long-term storage
Rates: $200-350/20′ and $300-550/40′ per month

Calculation

Free days are calculated from the date containers discharged from the vessel/aircraft
Demurrage accrues per calendar day until removal from the port
Detention is charged from the day equipment is released until returned

Required import documentation

Standard documents

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Import License/Permit (if required product)
Certificate of Origin

Commercial invoice requirements

Detailed description of goods (name, HS code, quantities)
Transaction value and currency
Terms of sale/delivery (Incoterms)
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller

Packing list requirements

Marks and numbers on packages
Descriptions of goods
Package quantities, weights, and dimensions

Other certificates

Phytosanitary Certificate (plants/agriculture)
Health/Veterinary Certificate (animal products)
Free Sale Certificate (food, beverages, pharmaceuticals)
Conformity Certificate (manufactured goods)
Radiation Report (prescribed products)

Import licenses and permits

General import licensing

Register as an importer and obtain a Tax ID from LRA
Apply for an Import Permit License from MOCI
Submit documents like business registrations, articles of incorporation
License valid for 1 year, renewable annually

Obtaining specific permits

Agricultural Products – Apply for an Import Permit from MOA
Provide product samples, test reports, certifications
Permits are valid for 6-12 months, renewable annually
Food/Beverages – Apply for a Standards Compliance Permit from NSL
Product evaluation and lab testing required
Permits are valid for 1-3 years based on the product
Pharmaceuticals – Apply for an Import Permit from MOH Food & Drug Div.
Extensive drug approval/registration process
Permits issued per approved consignment
Chemicals/Pesticides – Apply for an Environmental Permit from the EPA
Environmental impact assessment required
Permits fees from $500 up for hazardous products

Customs clearance process

At least 24 hours prior to arrival, submit documentation to Customs:

Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Commercial invoice, packing list, licenses/permits
Bill of lading, airway bill, certificate of origin

Calculate and pay applicable duties/taxes/fees to LRA in advance:

Import duty (rates from 0% to 35% based on HS code)
Goods and Service Tax of 7%
ECOWAS Trade Levy of 0.5%
Statistical fee of 1.5%
Additional charges like Maritime fees, BIVAC fees, etc.

Customs verification and inspection process:

All containers pass through a scanner
Physical inspection may follow for some products
Sampling and testing for foods, chemicals, medicines

If shipment compliant, an Import Release Order issued by Customs
Pay terminal handling and transportation charges

Fees vary by port/terminal and container status

For restricted imports, licenses/permits approved first

Port/Terminal operations

Sea ports

Freeport of Monrovia

- Nation’s primary port, 25 berths
- The main gateway for containers and bulk cargo
- Cut-off 48 hours before vessel arrival
- Storage yards and dedicated terminals

Port of Buchanan

- Smaller facility with 4 berths
- Focus on bulk commodities like iron ore
- Limited container operations currently

Port of Greenville

- River port on Sinoe River
- Basic cargo handling capabilities

Air Cargo Terminals

Roberts International Airport (Monrovia)
Main air freight hub for Liberia
Cut-off 4 hours prior to arrival
Cold storage and perishables handling
Other small airports have minimal cargo operations.

All ports/airports have customs presence, scanning equipment, and access to storage yards and warehouses. Operating hours are typically 8am-5pm on weekdays.

Export regulations

Get a detailed guide that provides an in-depth look into every aspect of the export process to ensure your goods are shipped efficiently and in compliance with all legal standards.

Regulations and restrictions

Products requiring export permits/licenses

Unprocessed logs and timber products
Natural rubber in all forms (latex, sheets, etc.)
Diamonds, precious metals (gold, platinum, etc.)
Other precious gemstones and jewelry
Arms, ammunition, explosives, and military equipment
Wildlife animals, plants, and their products/derivatives
Primary agricultural commodities (cocoa beans, coffee, cashew nuts, etc.)
Mineral resources (iron ore, gold ore, bauxite, etc.)
Cultural antiquities and heritage items

Prohibited exports

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Counterfeit goods violating intellectual property rights
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Endangered/threatened species and products (unless CITES approved)

Restricted exports requiring permits

Ethyl alcohol and alcoholic beverages
Industrial chemicals, toxic materials
Ozone-depleting substances and refrigerants
Dual-use goods with potential military applications

Relevant agencies

Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) – Customs Services
Forestry Development Authority (FDA)
Ministry of Mines and Energy
Ministry of Agriculture – Plant/Animal Quarantine
Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism
National Bureau of Concessions (NBC)

Customs and documentation requirements

Standard documents required

Commercial/Pro Forma Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
Export Declaration Form (EDF)
Export Permit/License (if product needed)
Certificate of Origin

Commercial Invoice details

Full description of goods (name, HS code, quantities)
Transaction value and currency of sale
Incoterms (delivery terms used)
Full legal names and addresses of seller and buyer

Packing List information

Number of packages (cartons, crates, etc.)
Detailed contents in each package
Gross/net weights and dimensions
Package marks and numbers

Export declaration process

Register as an Exporter and obtain a unique Exporter Code from LRA
Compile and submit a full set of export documents to LRA Customs
Obtain necessary export permits/licenses for regulated goods
Pay export duties/taxes/fees assessed by Customs
Receive validated Export Declaration Form/Permit to export

Required export certificates

Phytosanitary Certificate (plants and agriculture)
Veterinary Health Certificate (live animals)
Certificate of Origin
CITES Permit (endangered/threatened wildlife)
Kimberley Process Certificate (rough diamonds)
Fumigation/Disinfection Certificate (wood products)
Cultural Property Clearance (antiquities)

Terminal/Port operations

Major Seaports for exports

Freeport of Monrovia
- Liberia’s primary port, 25 berths
- Dedicated terminals for containers, bulk, RO-RO
- Documentary cut-off at least 48 hours before vessel arrival
- Container yards with 5 days of free storage
Port of Buchanan
- Main bulk commodities export hub (iron ore, etc.)
- Basic container handling capabilities
- Same 48-hour documentary cut-off
Port of Greenville
- River port on Sinoe River
- Very limited operations currently

Air Cargo Terminals

Roberts International Airport (Monrovia)
- Main air freight gateway
- Cut-off 4 hours prior to departure
- Cold storage for perishable exports

Container operations

Empty containers returned to shipping lines
Free time typically 5 days at ports/depots
Demurrage charged after free period expires

Cargo handling and fees

Container return and charges

Shipping lines impose container detention fees
If not returned within allowance, charges apply:
- $35-55/20′ dry container per day
- $45-75/40′ dry container per day
- $50-80/20′ reefer per day
- $70-110/40′ reefer per day

Export duties and taxes

Most exported goods are exempt from duties/taxes
Exceptions – 2% duty on unprocessed logs/timber
- 3% duty on rough diamond exports
Processing/Documentation fees $50-250 per shipment

Other fees and charges

Customs Attendance fees when inspections required
Maritime Stamp Tax (2.5% of FOB value)
Terminal Handling Charges per container
Port Authority Fees per vessel/freight ton
If scanned, Container Scanning Fees ($20-50)
Unrebated VAT and Excise if previously paid upfront

Customs operating hours are 8am-5pm on weekdays at all major ports and terminals. Proper export documentation is critical to facilitate clearance and avoid penalties/delays. Special inspections by quarantine, FDA, and other agencies may be required.

Expertise You Can Trust

Navigate Liberia’s complex trade landscape with Limark

In the ever-changing world of Liberian trade, navigating regulatory complexities and logistical challenges can be daunting. Limark, a seasoned player in the region, offers a comprehensive solution. Our end-to-end cross-border logistics expertise ensures your shipments comply with all regulations and arrive on time.

Backed by local knowledge and a global network, we guarantee reliable deliveries while minimizing your overall costs. With streamlined processes designed for maximum efficiency, your cargo is in expert hands. Contact Limark today to discover how we can simplify your Liberian trade operations and optimize your supply chain.

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Partner with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers for seamless shipping to and from Liberia. Ensure full documentation compliance with the guidance and logistics services of our team.