President Joseph N. Boakai has signed Executive Order #134, extending Executive Order #107 which suspended Tariffs on Off-Grid Solar Renewable Energy Products.
The tariffs on off-grid solar renewable energy products has since expired even though the government is committed to continue the development of the renewable energy sector in Liberia.
The Liberian leader’s Monday, June 17, 2024 action explained that the government has reviewed the tariffs imposed on plug and play solar lighting and electrification systems, integral parts of solar standalone photovoltaic systems, efficient appliances with all accessories (panels, batteries, control units, etc.) used for stimulation of economic development in rural areas, other components needed for system integrity, and other systems directly related to renewable energy development.
President Boakai said the government has recognized the increased need to stimulate activities in the renewable energy sector 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, inter alia, to increase access to clean, affordable and quality energy services.
“In the exercise of Executive Power vested in the President by the Constitution, the President may issue Executive Orders in the public interest, either to meet emergencies or to correct particular situations which cannot await lengthy legislative processes,” the Order revealed.
The Government of Liberia, through the President has also suspended import tariffs on the types of off-grid 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 attached to this Executive Order.
The action of the President means that importers shall pay only the Custom User Fees (CUF) and the ECOWAS Trade Levy (ETL), where applicable.
He noted that only those benefiting from the Executive Order must be directly involved in the renewable energy sector, registered with the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) and in compliance with the pre-export verification of conformity requirements of the Importation Guidelines on solar energy products.
“Only products compliant to standards recognized by the National Standards Authority (NSA) as per the technical regulations on solar energy products are eligible for the suspension of import tariffs,” Boakai indicated.
Given justification for the duty waiver, Boakai said Solar Module generation of electricity is paramount, solar battery storage of generated electricity, Solar LED light is a key spare part for all system and solar LED sensor light is used for outdoor lighting and helps to create safety and security in an energy efficient manner. The Executive Order takes immediate effect.
