By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning and the Liberia National Fire Service, has announced a new administrative regulation establishing fees for the issuance of Fire Safety Certificates across the country. The regulation, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at strengthening fire safety compliance and ensuring standardized enforcement nationwide.
According to the joint procedure notice, the new framework empowers the Liberia National Fire Service to regulate and assess Fire Safety Certificate fees for individuals and institutions seeking certification. Applicants will be required to make payments through the Liberia Revenue Authority, ensuring that all collected funds are deposited into the government’s consolidated account in line with national revenue laws.
Officials noted that the regulation is consistent with provisions outlined in the Liberia Consolidated Revenue Code of 2021, which governs the collection and management of government revenues. Authorities believe this move will enhance transparency and accountability in the collection of fire safety-related fees.
The newly introduced fee structure covers a wide range of entities, including commercial, industrial, and service-oriented institutions. Among the highest fees listed are US$100 for commercial building construction permits and fire firm certificates, signaling the government’s intent to prioritize safety compliance in large-scale operations.
Industrial facilities such as factories, logging companies, and hotels are expected to pay US$85 for certification, while entities such as banks, hospitals, international non-governmental organizations, and airlines will be charged US$60. The regulation reflects a tiered system designed to match fees with the scale and risk level of operations.
Mid-level businesses, including supermarkets, radio stations, corporations, and universities, will pay between US$40 and US$45. Meanwhile, a broad category of smaller enterprises such as restaurants, pharmacies, boutiques, and internet cafés will be charged US$35 for their annual certification.
Lower-tier fees have also been assigned to smaller establishments and services, including clinics, beauty salons, mini marts, and schools, which will pay US$30. Provision shops and certain small-scale operators will pay US$25, while individual vehicle categories such as sedans and tricycles will pay US$10.
The government emphasized that the Fire Safety Certificate will be valid for a period of one year, after which all entities must renew their certification to remain compliant with national fire safety regulations. This annual renewal requirement is expected to improve routine inspections and adherence to safety standards.
The regulation was jointly signed by Finance and Development Planning Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and Director G. Warsuwah Barvoul, Sr. of the Liberia National Fire Service, underscoring a coordinated government approach to public safety and revenue mobilization.
