Case Study:Supply Chain Security in Sierra Leone

On 1 July 2004 changes were made to International Maritime regulations with the introduction of the International Ships and Port Facilities Security (ISPS) Code. As with all other countries of the world, Sierra Leone was under pressure to comply with the Code and improve the security of its main port (Freetown).

This was even more important to Sierra Leone as they wanted to reduce tax evasion and thereby increase import duty revenue collection, intercept illicit cargoes and improve compliance between cargo and Customs documentation.

The Sierra Leone Government realised they did not have the money to invest in enhanced port/trade security and did not possess the skills to introduce a new security regime without significant outside help.

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Sierra Leone was under pressure to comply with the ISPS Code and improve the security of its main port.

A Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) investor was needed to help the Government of Sierra Leone to achieve their aims. Bids were invited for a 10-year BOOT concession for port security enhancements, including:

• The provision of assistance to ensure the Port of Freetown became fully compliant with the ISPS Code.

• The introduction of a cargo scanning facility at the Port of Freetown to allow the non-intrusive inspection of all inward, outward and transit containers.

• The integration of scanners into the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Customs processing system and Police security checks.

• In July 2004 Intertek/PMSi Supply Chain Security Solutions were awarded the contract because they could comprehensively meet the needs of Sierra Leone and had a proven track record of working with other Governments.

The Solution

Supply Chain Security in Sierra Leone

Contact Us:

Intertek Government Services Academy Place, 1-9 Brook Street, Brentwood, Essex CM14 5NQ United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1277 223 400 Fax: +44 (0)1277 220 296

The BOOT programme is paid for by the charging of a Port Security Fee for each Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) that passes through the Port (inward or outward). The fee is collected by the shipping lines from the customer and paid to Intertek by the local shipping agent in Sierra Leone.

Intertek/PMSi invested in the scanner and undertook all the work necessary to introduce it into Sierra Leone. This included:

• Construction of a scanning facility by a local building contractor, including a building in which the scanner is housed and through which containers are driven for scanning.

• Design and selection of the appropriate scanner system for the work needed. A 6MeV relocatable scanner from the Chinese manufacturer Nuctech was chosen for its suitability for both the project and the environment.

• Installation of a number of security measures to protect the facility, including special fencing, security lighting, CCTV, and the implementation of 24 hour guard security.

• Training suitable Customs and Police officers to interpret the images. Recruitment and training of Intertek/PMSi local staff.

• Working with parties who would be associated with the operation of the scanner (e.g. Port Authority, Customs, Police, haulage companies, importers, shipping lines) to address issues such as procedures, documentation flows, etc.

• All this was project managed in its entirety by Intertek/PMSi and overseen by an Intertek/PMSi civil engineer.

Since setting up the BOOT port security assistance scheme on behalf of the Sierra Leone Government in July 2004, Intertek have seized significant quantities of contraband goods, such as cigarettes, and duties have increased as misdeclaration of container cargo is now easily detected. Over time the scanning unit has acted as a deterrent to those considering smuggling items into Sierra Leone or trying to avoid paying full duty on goods.

How does it work?

What happened next?

What’s happened since?

info.government@intertek.com www.intertek.com/government