GREAT Coalition orders closure of non-compliant sufferance wharves to protect revenue, strengthen border and maritime security.
Ministry of Finance and Treasury has directed the immediate cessation of all import operations at sufferance wharves across the country that are not compliant with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The directive, issued by Minister of Finance and Treasury Rexon Ramofafia, came into effect on 4th September 2026 as part of a decisive government intervention to protect national revenue and strengthen border security.
Minister Ramofafia said the move is necessary to address serious security gaps at facilities that do not hold ISPS accreditation from the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA).
He stressed that adherence to international maritime security standards is not optional but a strategic requirement to ensure Solomon Islands is not regarded as a weak link in the global trade system.
Under the directive, the Comptroller of Customs and Excise has been instructed to close all sufferance wharves that fail to meet ISPS requirements under the SIMA legal framework.
The Comptroller is also to strengthen monitoring and enforcement at approved facilities, and to only allow operations to resume once full compliance has been demonstrated and verified.
For sufferance wharves that are ISPS compliant and approved to operate, the Comptroller must ensure that all duties and taxes are paid in full before cargo is released, that there is no pre-release of goods, and that no prohibited or restricted items are landed.
In addition, all port dues must be paid, security declarations must be obtained, and the safety of officers, revenue and cargo must be assured at all times.
Minister Ramofafia said the purpose of the directive is not to hinder legitimate trade but to ensure that trade is conducted through secure, regulated and internationally compliant facilities.
He noted that effective border management is fundamental to safeguarding revenue and reducing opportunities for smuggling, under-declaration and other forms of customs fraud.
“Security compliance is essential to efficient trade facilitation. It protects our revenue, upholds our international obligations, and maintains confidence in our maritime security space,” the Minister said.
He acknowledged that sufferance wharves play an important role in supporting economic activity. However, he warned that continued operation of non-compliant facilities poses unacceptable risks to cargo security, revenue collection and the integrity of the country’s border control regime.
Importers, exporters, shipping agents, customs brokers and wharf operators have been urged to ensure that their operations and documentation fully comply with all legal and security requirements.
GCU PRESS RELEASE
