Boakai Renews Tariff Suspension on Off-Grid Solar Goods

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has signed Executive Order No. 168, renewing and revising the suspension of import tariffs on qualifying off-grid solar energy products for one year, as part of efforts to expand electricity access in rural areas still outside the national grid.

The suspension applies to off-grid solar lighting and electrification systems, standalone solar photovoltaic components, energy-efficient appliances, batteries, panels and control units, provided they are properly classified under the relevant Harmonized System customs codes and listed in a schedule attached to the order.

The measure is intended to lower the cost of importing renewable-energy equipment, which the government has identified as a significant barrier to investment and to wider consumer access to clean, affordable electricity, particularly for rural and underserved communities with limited or no access to Liberia's electricity grid.

Only registered renewable-energy businesses qualify

To benefit from the suspension, importers must be registered with the Liberia Business Registry and actively involved in the renewable-energy sector or in an activity directly tied to deploying, distributing, installing or making productive use of qualifying products. Where required by law, beneficiaries must also be registered with the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), the government body responsible for expanding electricity access outside Liberia's main grid.

Importers must still meet applicable licensing, inspection, pre-shipment verification and customs documentation requirements, and imported goods must meet recognised technical, quality, health, safety and environmental standards.

The order does not exempt beneficiaries from other charges such as GST or VAT, the Customs User Fee, or the ECOWAS Trade Levy where applicable, all of which remain payable unless separately suspended.

The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has been tasked with implementing the suspension and issuing administrative guidance to ensure it is applied consistently at all ports of entry, while the RREA will maintain a register of eligible products and beneficiaries and share that information with the LRA and other government agencies.

The National Standards Authority will oversee compliance with technical standards. Boakai has also directed that safeguards be maintained against abuse, with penalties possible for anyone who misclassifies goods, submits false documentation, imports non-qualifying products or inflates prices.

Government to track impact over coming year

The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, working with the LRA, RREA, National Standards Authority and other relevant institutions, will monitor how the measure is implemented and assess its effects on investment, renewable-energy costs, electricity access, rural electrification and Liberia's broader energy and climate goals.

The renewed suspension will remain in force for one year from the date it was issued, unless it is modified, suspended or revoked earlier through a further executive order.