The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has issued a public notice on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, informing all stakeholders about the imminent conclusion of the grace period for the sale of beverage and tobacco products without Tax Stamps. The deadline for compliance is set for Wednesday, May 15th, 2024.

In the public notice, the NRA emphasizes the importance of full compliance with the Tax Stamp regulations. Importers, agents, manufacturers, and retailers of excisable products are urged to ensure comprehensive declaration of any unstamped products to the NRA before the specified deadline.

It is highlighted that failure to comply with the Tax Stamp regulations beyond the May 15th deadline will be considered an offence. Enforcement measures may include seizure and forfeiture of goods, sealing of business premises, imposition of penalties and fines, and legal proceedings that could lead to imprisonment.

To ensure compliance, a dedicated monitoring team consisting of personnel from the NRA and the Sierra Leone Police is actively monitoring the situation on the ground. Their focus is on identifying and confiscating unstamped goods, which are deemed smuggled, from the market.

The NRA reaffirms its commitment to administering taxes effectively while facilitating trade to bolster the Government’s fiscal capacity for national development. Stakeholders are reminded to adhere to the Tax Stamp regulations to avoid penalties and legal consequences.