– To Boost Rural Access
Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. has issued Executive Order No. 152, reinstating the immediate suspension of import tariffs on a wide range of off-grid solar renewable energy products. This decisive action comes after the expiration of the previous Executive Order No. 134 and reaffirms the government’s commitment to expanding clean, affordable, and reliable energy access across Liberia—particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The order, which took effect immediately upon its signing this August, eliminates import duties on essential solar technologies including solar lighting systems, photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient appliances, and critical components such as batteries and control units. Products covered under the suspension also include solar-powered agricultural mills, water pumps, radios, televisions, egg incubators, blenders, and cooling systems such as solar refrigerators and cold rooms. Also benefiting are electric cooking appliances such as induction cooktops and electric pressure cookers, as well as solar water heaters and fans.
In the order, President Boakai emphasized that the policy is intended to stimulate rural economic development, encourage private investment in renewable energy, and reduce barriers to the adoption of clean energy technologies. The government has identified access to energy as a cornerstone of national development and a catalyst for improved livelihoods, education, and health outcomes.
To qualify for these benefits, importers and entities must be actively engaged in the renewable energy sector and registered with the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA). Additionally, all products must be certified as compliant with technical standards recognized by the National Standards Authority of Liberia.
While import tariffs are suspended, importers will still be required to pay Custom User Fees (CUF) and, where applicable, the ECOWAS Trade Levy (ETL).
This executive action leverages the president’s constitutional authority to address urgent developmental priorities and correct economic conditions unsuitable for prolonged legislative processes.
The move has been widely hailed by energy sector stakeholders as a timely intervention that will lower costs for consumers, promote green energy adoption, and support Liberia’s climate and sustainable development goals.
The full list of products and their corresponding Harmonized System (HS) codes is attached to the executive order and has been disseminated to relevant agencies including the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for implementation.
