For customers planning on moving to Sierra Leone, Abels Moving Services have been made aware that a new Advanced Cargo Declaration process will be implemented.
The Government of Sierra Leone has decided to implement Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) to comply with the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) code. They have contracted Transport and Ports Management Systems (TPMS) to regulate the process which will be applicable for both Import and Export of items shipped to and from Sierra Leone.
The following procedure and charges will therefore be put in place:
Cargo details need to be provided to obtain either an Entry Summary Number (ENS) for Imports to Sierra Leone or an Exit Summary Number (EXS) for Exports from Sierra Leone.
The ENS/EXS number has to be provided to the Shipping Line at the booking stage so that it is included on the B/L as well as the Cargo Manifest.
Shipments without ENS/EXS numbers will not be allowed by Shipping Lines
Shipping Lines will declare the advance cargo manifest 24hrs before departure from the last transhipment port in case of Imports and 24hrs before departure for Exports.
Advance Cargo Manifest will be checked by TPMS in conjunction with Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) for compliance with the ISPS code.
The Advanced Cargo Declaration service will be subject to charges stipulated by TPMS.
The charges for use of Advanced Cargo Declaration will be collected in addition to the freight cost from the freight payer, the charges will be applied from the following dates:
Imports: all vessels loading from 1st April 2015 from the various origins.
Exports: all vessels loading in Freetown from 15th March 2015.
For customers moving to Sierra Leone please call your Abels customer liaison on their direct line or call head office on +44(0)1842 816600 or email shipping@abels.co.uk