Monrovia, Liberia - The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has issued Executive Order #107 suspending import tariffs on the types of off-grids solar lighting appliances, equipment and system components and other systems directly related to renewable energy development classified under the Tariff Numbers of the Liberia Revenue Code.

The Executive Order, which was issued Wednesday, May 11, 2022, stipulates those importers shall only pay the Custom User Fees (CUF) and the ECOWAS Trade Levy (ETL), where applicable.

“Those benefiting from this Executive Order must be directly involved in the renewable energy sector,” President Weah noted, and added: “Only products compliant to standards recognized by the National Standards Laboratory (NSL) are eligible for the suspension of import tariffs.”

The Executive Order is in line with the review of tariffs imposed by the Government on plug and play solar lighting and electrification systems, integral parts of solar standalone photovoltaic systems, efficient appliances with accessories (panels, batteries, control units, etc) used for stimulation of economic development in rural areas, other components needed for system integrity as well as other systems directly related to renewable energy development.

President Weah indicated that the Executive Order is in recognition of the increased need to stimulate activities in the renewable energy sector after years of war.

The Presidential Order further states: “It also recognizes the need to provide incentives under the Economy and Job Pillar of the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) by encouraging private sector investment in the procurement of essential off-grid solar lighting appliances, equipment and system components directly related to renewable energy development with the view to increase access to clean, affordable and quality energy services.” 

Some of the products covered under the proposed duty waiver include solar light and lantern, solar home system, solar module, solar charge controller, etc.

The Executive Order takes immediate effect as of the date of issuance, President Weah said.