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Liberia

Liberia map

Introduction

Information on exporting strategic goods to Liberia.


 

 

Current Situation

An arms embargo is in force on Liberia. This is both a UN and EU imposed embargo and has implemented in UK law.

NOTE: This page outlines relevant information about the arms embargo only. See the link to other restrictions for more information about other potential sanctions.

 

Implications for exporters

Extent of the embargo

An arms embargo is a ban on the export of "arms and related material" (ie military ammunition, weapons and goods) imposed by either the UN (United Nations), European Union (EU), Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The UK interprets this as covering all goods and items on the UK Military List.

Additionally some goods which are not on the UK Military List might also need an export licence. See more details about the Military End-Use Control.

Applying for a Licence

Exporters can apply for an export control licence for their goods. All applications will be considered by the Government on a case by case basis in line with the provisions of the Consolidated Criteria for UK and EU Arms Exports. See more details about Licence Decision Making.

For more details about applications see the Licences page. All licence applications should be made via the SPIRE website.

Exporters can also make a rating request for clarification on whether their goods are licensable. More information is available about the Rating Enquiry Service.

In applying and using any licence, exporters should be aware of their responsibilities. More information is accessible on the Compliance and Enforcement pages.

 

More Details

Further information is available in the following Notice to Exporters:

Keep updated with the latest changes to Sanctions and Embargoes by Joining the ECO Mailing List.

 

Key Legislation (Background)

 

UN Security Council Resolutions

The UN initially imposed an arms embargo on Liberia in November 1992. This ban ended in 2001 and a new embargo was imposed via UNSCR 1521. This resolution has subsequently been renewed.

To access copies of any relevant UN Resolutions see the:

United Nations Security Council Resolutions 

 

EU Legislation

Subsequent to the adoption of UNSCR 1521, the Council of the European Union adopted Common Position 2001/357/2001 in May 2001.  The embargo has subsequently been extended, amended and modified by further Common Positions.  

To access copies of any relevant and latest updates to EU legislation see the:

European Commission website: EU Sanctions 

 

UK Legislation

The relevant statutory instruments implemented in UK law are:

  • Export Control Order 2008 (SI 2008/3231)
  • The Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) Order 2004 (SI 2004/948)
  • The Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) Order 2004 (SI 2004/348)
  • The Liberia (Technical Assistance and Financing and Financial Assistance) (Penalties and Offences) Order 2004(SI 2004/432)
  • The Liberia (Freezing of Funds and Economic Resources) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1264), as amended by The Liberia (Freezing of Funds and Economic Resources) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (SI 2004/1710) and The Liberia (Freezing of Funds and Economic Resources) (Amendment No2) Regulations 2004 (SI 2004/2574)
  • The Immigration (Designation of Travel Bans) Order 2000 (SI 2000/2724) as amended by The Immigration (Designation of Travel Bans) (Amendment) Order 2004 (SI 2004/3316)
  • The Liberia (Restrictive Measures) (Overseas Territories) Order 2004 (SI 2004/347) as amended by The Liberia (Restrictive Measures) (Overseas Territories) (Amendment) Order 2004 (SI 2004/1112)
  • The Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) Order 2004 (SI 2004/305) as amended by The Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2004 (SI 2004/1120)
  • The Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) Order 2004 (SI 2004/306) as amended by The Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) (Amendment) Order 2004 (SI 2004/1113)

See more information about the Orders made under the Export Control Act.

To access copies of any UK legislation see the:

Office of Public Sector Information - Legislation page 

 

 

Other Restrictions

Liberia is also subject to other sanctions including a travel ban and assets freeze. See further information on financial sanctions on Liberia (HM Treasury website) and Liberia sanctions information (FCO website).

Liberia is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It is also subject to the ECOWAS Convention on the Import, Export and Manufacture of Light Weapons. More information is available on the West African States page.

 

 

Export Control Organisation

Created: 7 April 2009

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