RESTRICTED  
  
WT/ACC/LBR/11  
 
28 November 2014  
(14-6923)  Page: 1/7  
Working Party on the Accession of Liberia  Original: English  
 
  
ACCESSION OF LIBERIA 
QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES 
 The following submission, dated 30 October 2014, is being circulated at the request of the 
Government of the Republic of Liberia. 
 
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  WT/ACC/LBR/11 
 
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  OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 
1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described ar e also present in 
another system. 
Answer:  
The Revenue Code – Title 36- Liberia Code of Laws Revised of 2000 and the Administrative Notices 
MCI/No.008/05/2013/IMPORT & MCI/No.006/06/2012/EXPORT govern trade in Liberia.   
The products listed in the Administrative Notices are goods that require sanitary/phytosanitary 
control, or security control (handguns, explosives, etc.), or mandatory restrictions. Hence, these 
goods are subject to a non-automatic licence regime.  For all other products, the licence is 
automatic.  
However, there are licensing procedures at various public ministries and agencies.  The depth of 
knowledge on the licensing procedures applicable at those ministries and agencies may not be 
sufficient to provide a detailed explanation.  But,  the Environmental Protection Agency (refrigerants, toxic waste, chemicals, etc.), Mi nistry of Agriculture (SPS certificate for food 
exported out of Liberia, etc.), Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation (petroleum products, etc.) , 
Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (cocoa, coffee,  etc.) , Forestry Development Authority (logs, 
etc.), Ministry of Defense (military items), Minist ry of Lands, Mines and Energy (scrap, diamond, 
etc.), and the Ministry of Justice (explosives, etc.)  – all these public entities have 
certification/permit process in place for import an d export. Their procedures have to be exhausted 
before import/export is approved.   
Liberia requires technical assistance to identify th e various regimes operated by different ministries 
and properly categorize them.   However, the non-automatic licenses are for products covered in 
the Administrative Notices mentioned above and controlled by the relevant sector ministry or agency. 
The Government, with assistance from the International Senior Lawyers Project, has drafted a 
Foreign Trade Law which, when finalized, would provide the legal framework for Liberia's licensing regime.  
PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
2. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
There are two licensing systems in Republic of Liberia: 
 For Imports subject to automatic licence; 
 For imports subject to non-automatic licence. 
The products are mentioned in Administrative Notices MCI/No.008/05/2013/IMPORT & 
MCI/No.006/06/2012/EXPORT containing a list of products that are covered by and/or are processed through an automatic licensing regime.  
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries? 
Answer: 
Goods originating from all countries are treated the same in the system. WT/ACC/LBR/11 
 
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  4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
The licensing is not intended to restrict the quanti ty or value of imports.  The licensing regime is 
intended to cover products that require sanitary/phytosanitary control, or security control (handguns, explosives, etc.), or mandatory restrictions.   
5. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? 
Answer: 
The Revenue Code – Title 36- Liberia Code of Laws Revised of 2000 and the Administrative Notices 
MCI/No.008/05/2013/IMPORT & MCI/No.006/06/2012/EXPORT govern trade in Liberia.   
The Revenue Code is enacted into Law; but the Administrative Notices can be abolished. Hence, 
the Ministry has sought technical assistance to draft a Foreign Trade Law and to have the Legislature 
pass this law, so that the system is permanent.  
PROCEDURES 6. For products under restriction as to th e quantity or value of imports (whether 
applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established 
bilaterally or unilaterally): 
I. Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and 
formalities of filing applications for licenses?  If not, how is it brought to the 
attention of possible importers?  Of governments and export promotion 
bodies of exporting countries and their trade representatives?  Is the overall amount published?  The amount allocated to goods from each 
country?  The maximum amount allocated to each importer?  How to 
request any exceptions or derogations from the licensing requirement? 
Answer: 
In Liberia, there are no products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether 
applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or 
unilaterally). 
II. How is the size of the quotas determ ined:  on a yearly, six-monthly or 
quarterly basis?  Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a 
yearly basis but licenses are issued for imports on a six-monthly or quarterly basis?  In the latter case, is it necessary for importers to apply for 
fresh licence on a six-mont hly or quarterly basis? 
Answer: 
Liberia's licensing regime imposes no quotas.   
III. Are licenses allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers 
of like goods?  What steps are taken to ensure that licenses allocated are 
actually used for imports?  Are unus ed allocations added to quotas for a 
succeeding period?  Are the names of importers to whom licenses have 
been allocated made known to governments and export promotion bodies of WT/ACC/LBR/11 
 
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  exporting countries upon request?  If  not, for what reason?  (Indicate 
products to which replies relate. 
Answer: 
No, under the licensing regime of Liberia, there are no quotas.  
IV. From the time of announcing the opening of quotas, as indicated in I above, 
what is the period of time allowed for the submission of applications for licenses? 
Answer: 
This does not apply to Liberia as Liberia its licensing regime imposes no quotas.  
V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing 
applications? 
Answer: 
Liberia's licensing system imposes no quotas henc e no applications are required.  However, the 
non-automatic licenses are processed within 48 hours.  
VI. How much time remains, at a minimum,  between the granting of licenses 
and the date of opening of the period of importation? 
Answer: 
A licence is valid for six months.  There is no quota system is in place.  
VII.   Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pass ed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than 
one administrative organ? 
Answer: 
Consideration is largely by a single administrative organ.  However, in the cases of specific 
products (refrigerants, military equipment, etc., other ministries and agencies must grant prior 
approval.   
VIII.  If the demand for licenses cannot be fully satisfied, on what basis is the 
allocation to applicants made?  First come, first served?  Past performance?  
Is there a maximum amount to be allo cated per applicant and, if so, on 
what basis is it determined?  What provision is made for new importers?  Are applications examined simultaneously or on receipt? 
Answer: 
Liberia does not have a quota system and at such, the Government does not allocate licenses to 
applications on any basis.  
IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where 
export permits are issued by exporting countries, are import licenses also 
required?  If so, are licens es issued automatically? 
Answer: 
Liberia's licensing system does not have quotas or any restraint arrangements. WT/ACC/LBR/11 
 
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  X. In cases where imports are allowed on  the basis of export permits only, 
how is the importing country informed of the effect give n by the exporting 
countries to the understanding between the two countries? 
Answer: 
Not applicable.  Liberia's import and export operations are completely liberalized. 
XI. Are there products for which licenses are issued on condition that goods 
should be exported and not sold in the domestic market? 
Answer: 
No, this question does not apply to the import/export regime in Liberia.  
7. Where there is no quantita tive limit on importation of a product or on imports from 
a particular country: 
(a) How far in advance of impo rtation must application for a licence be made?  
Can licenses be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
Answer: 
Licence can be obtained at any moment.  Th e system is quite liberalized and open.  
If the product is subject to the automatic licence re gime, the licence is issued automatically.  If the 
product is subject to a non-automatic licence regi me, the procedures require that the licence be 
approved within a maximum of 28 days.  
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? 
Answer: 
Yes, if the product is not subject to a non-automatic licence.  
(c) Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which 
application for licence and/or importat ion may be made?  If so, explain. 
Answer: 
There is no limitation. 
(d) Is consideration of licence applications  effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ? 
Answer: 
Import licenses are automatic except for the exceptional cases referred to above. 8. Under what circumstances an application for a licence may be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a 
licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? WT/ACC/LBR/11 
 
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  Answer: 
Applicants for non-automatic import licenses follow se ctoral guidelines/checklists.  These checklists 
are available to the public.   
ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORTER S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
9. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses? 
 (a) Under restrictive licensing systems?  (b) Under non-restrictive systems? 
 If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in 
importation?  What persons or firms are eligible?  Is there a registration fee?  Is there a published list of  authorized importers? 
Answer: 
(a) Yes.  (b) Yes. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREMEN TS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
10. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
To process a licence, an importer needs the following: a) full import data on commercial invoice 
b) Import Permit Declaration c) Permit from Sector Ministry/Agency, if required  
11. What documents are required upon actual importation? Answer: 
The following documents are required for actual importation: a) Invoices b) bill of lading 
c) certificate of origin d) business registration certificate d) certificate of quality. 
12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
Answer: 
No, there is no licensing fee or administrative charge.  
13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licenses?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
Answer: 
No, there is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licenses. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 14. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? WT/ACC/LBR/11 
 
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  Answer: 
Six months.  
15. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
Answer: 
No. 16. Are licenses transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? 
Answer: 
No.  
17.  Are any other conditions atta ched to the issue of a licence? 
(a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? 
(b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
(a) No. 
(b) Yes.  There is a requirement to meet the requirements/guidelines of the sector 
ministry/agency, if required.  
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
Answer: 
No.  
19. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  Is foreign exchange always available to cover licenses issued?  What formalities 
must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Yes, the foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported. No licence is required as a condition to obtain foreign exchange.  
Foreign exchange can be obtained from the open market.  The financial sector is liberalized.  
The importer presents his/her commercial docume nts, including the customs declaration, and 
authorizes the bank to make payment for the trade transactions.  
 
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