NRA, SICPA Train Clearing Agencies on Excise Tax Stamp Compliance
The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has stepped up efforts to improve compliance with excise tax requirements by training clearing and forwarding agencies on the use and verification of tax stamps.
The one-day session was organised by the Excise Unit of the NRA’s Domestic Tax Department in collaboration with SICPA, at Dove’s Nest in Murray Town, Freetown.
The engagement focused on helping clearing and forwarding agencies understand their responsibilities when handling excisable goods and the role of tax stamps in the revenue collection system.
Excise Unit Manager Mustapha Fofanah told participants that excise tax stamps serve as a revenue assurance and compliance mechanism. According to the NRA, the system enables authorities to monitor excisable products while helping address tax evasion, smuggling and counterfeiting and improving product traceability.
Fofanah urged clearing and forwarding agencies to familiarize themselves with established procedures and fulfill their obligations when processing excisable goods.
SICPA Service Centre Technician Alhaji Amadu Kondeh provided technical guidance on the handling, application and verification of excise tax stamps. He also addressed operational difficulties that stakeholders could encounter during the process.
Participants used an interactive question-and-answer session to seek clarification on tax stamp requirements, clearance procedures, verification and compliance.
The NRA said the engagement is part of its broader efforts to strengthen stakeholder education, improve tax compliance, combat illicit trade and support domestic revenue mobilization.
The authority’s Product Tracing System uses digital tax stamps to support government oversight of supply chains involving excisable products, with stamps required to be affixed and activated before applicable products enter the market.