Sierra Leone Member profile
No notifications submitted by Sierra Leone
Trade policy review
Latest Trade Policy Review (Report by the WTO Secretariat): WT/TPR/S/470/Rev.1
A. Import prohibitions and restrictions and import licensing
3.42.
The import control regime has remained unchanged since the previous Review. In accordance with the Customs Act, 2011, import control measures aim to protect, inter alia, public morality; human, animal, plant life or health; or the environment. Prohibitions and restrictions can also be maintained in accordance with international conventions signed by Sierra Leone, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Stockholm Convention, and the Rotterdam Convention.
3.43.
The importation of narcotic drugs is strictly prohibited. The National Drugs Control Act, 2008 (last amended in 2021) prohibits the importation and exportation of a list of drugs, with a view to implementing provisions of International Drug Control Conventions.[58]
3.44.
As a signatory to the Montreal Protocol, Sierra Leone prohibits the import and export of products containing ozone-depleting substances. Import and export are only permitted when the substances come from or are destined for countries that are also parties to the Protocol. The Road Traffic Regulation, 2011 prohibits the importation of right‑hand-drive vehicles.
3.45.
Imports of caustic soda, pharmaceuticals, and local currency are restricted. Imports of arms and ammunition are subject to licensing.
3.46.
Prohibitions and restrictions are in place, in accordance with the Plant Phytosanitary (Import) Rules, 1974 (Section 3.3.4).
B. Export prohibitions and restrictions
3.60.
Similar to import regulations, export control measures are designed to protect public health, ensure safety, and promote environmental sustainability. Most of these measures are aligned with international agreements to which Sierra Leone is a signatory. For instance, under the Montreal Protocol, the export of ozone‑depleting substances is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the National Drugs Control Act, 2008 restricts the export of certain drugs. Sierra Leone has also periodically imposed export bans on logs to mitigate environmental harm. The authorities also note that temporary bans also applied to palm oil, rice, and scrap metal during the review period.
3.61.
For environmental purposes, exports of plants and charcoal require a special permit from the ministry in charge of natural resources.
3.62.
Permits are also required for the exportation of gold, diamonds, and a list of agricultural products (Section 3.2.1).
WTO's environmental database (EDB)
The EDB contains environment-related measures that may qualify as QRs and therefore should be notified under the QR Decision.