Berbera (SLpost)- Somaliland’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has stepped up efforts to modernise customs administration and strengthen revenue collection, combining stakeholder consultations on proposed amendments to the Customs Law with an inspection of key tax and customs offices in Berbera.
The ministry held a consultation with importers, customs clearing agents, business representatives, shipping agents, representatives of DP World and other stakeholders to discuss proposed amendments and additions to Somaliland’s Customs Law, Law No. 73/2016.
The consultation was attended by Finance Minister Abdilahi Hassan Aadan, the ministry’s Director-General, Mohamed Suleiman Hassan, the Director of Customs and other officials. Participants discussed the law’s role in regulating customs operations, facilitating legitimate trade and improving the administration of goods entering or passing through Somaliland’s borders.
Stakeholder consultation on customs law reform
According to a press release by the ministry, the consultation was intended to gather views and recommendations from businesses and other stakeholders to help ensure that the proposed amendments address current operational needs and reflect the demands of modern trade.
The review is also aimed at supporting regional trade connectivity, improving customs services and bringing Somaliland’s legal and administrative framework closer to contemporary trade practices.
The ministry did not disclose specific provisions proposed for amendment or indicate when the revised legislation might be finalised.
Finance minister inspects customs and tax offices
Separately, Minister Abdilahi Hassan Aadan, accompanied by Director-General Maxamed Suleiman Hassan, inspected several ministry offices in Berbera to assess operational performance, tax collection services and customs administration.
The delegation visited the Customs Centre at the Port of Berbera, the port’s Customs Inspection Branch, the Saaxil Regional Inland Revenue Office and the General Accounts Office.
During the visits, the minister and Director-General received briefings from regional officials on the performance of the offices, existing operational challenges and areas requiring further attention.
The inspection focused on monitoring daily operations, strengthening accountability and ensuring that financial activities are carried out efficiently and in accordance with the ministry’s policies and procedures.
The ministry said the visit provided an opportunity to assess regional operations directly, identify areas requiring improvement and strengthen coordination among officials.
African Development Bank supports financial reforms
The ministry said broader efforts to reform and modernise legislation and systems governing public financial management and revenue administration are supported by the African Development Bank, particularly through the ISEGP project.
The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen financial management, improve revenue systems and align national regulations with international practices.
Together, the customs law consultation and the inspection of regional offices reflect the ministry’s focus on updating the legal framework governing customs operations while monitoring the implementation of tax and revenue administration at the operational level.
The ministry has not announced specific decisions or corrective measures resulting from the inspection. Further details on agreed actions and proposed legislative changes remain subject to official confirmation.
