Shipping to Sierra Leone
from the UK
FCL container shipping and air freight from the UK to Sierra Leone. Freetown QEII Quay and Lungi International Airport — export documentation, Cotecna inspection, and NRA customs clearance end-to-end.
£1,650
FCL from
20ft container to Freetown
18–24
Transit days
UK ports → Freetown
5–7
Air freight days
LHR → Lungi (FNA)
100%
NRA compliant
National Revenue Authority
Strong UK ties. A corridor we know well.
Sierra Leone has one of the strongest UK diaspora connections in West Africa. The freight corridor between the UK and Freetown carries household goods, vehicles, commercial stock, NGO supplies, and institutional cargo on a regular basis. The QEII Quay in Freetown handles containerised imports, with onward distribution across the Western Area and upcountry via road.
For time-critical or high-value cargo, Lungi International Airport (FNA) provides air freight links from Heathrow — though the airport's position across the Sierra Leone River estuary from Freetown requires careful ground logistics planning, which we account for in every operation.
Ellcworth Express manages the full journey: UK collection or depot drop-off, Cotecna pre-shipment inspection coordination, export documentation, sea or air freight booking, NRA customs clearance, and port-to-door delivery through our Freetown agent network.
Three freight modes to Sierra Leone.
FCL — Full Container Load
Dedicated containers from UK ports to Freetown's Queen Elizabeth II Quay — Sierra Leone's principal deep-water port. Suited to commercial stock, household goods, NGO supplies, and institutional cargo.
LCL — Groupage
Share container space with other shippers moving cargo to Freetown. Ideal for smaller loads that do not justify a full container. We consolidate at our UK depot under a single bill of lading.
Air Freight
Direct to Lungi International Airport (FNA), Freetown. Door-to-airport and airport-to-airport options. Fastest route for urgent cargo, medical supplies, and time-critical consignments.
How Sierra Leone customs clearance works.
NRA processes all imports through ASYCUDA World. Pre-shipment inspection via Cotecna is required for most commercial imports — it must be arranged before cargo leaves the UK.
Pre-Shipment Inspection (Cotecna)
Sierra Leone requires pre-shipment inspection for goods above a threshold value. Cotecna, the appointed inspection agency, inspects cargo at origin (UK) and issues a Clean Report of Findings (CRF). Without this, goods may be held or subject to additional duties at Freetown. We coordinate with Cotecna at the documentation stage.
Import Declaration & NRA Assessment
The National Revenue Authority (NRA) processes all imports through the ASYCUDA World customs platform. An import declaration is lodged by the Freetown agent before the vessel arrives. NRA assesses import duty based on CIF value using the ECOWAS Common External Tariff applicable to Sierra Leone.
Customs Examination & Clearance
NRA applies a selectivity system similar to other West African ports. Well-prepared shipments with a Clean Report of Findings and accurate documentation typically clear without physical examination. Our Freetown-based agents manage any examination requests and accelerate release.
Duty Payment & Port Release
Once assessed, import duties are paid through the NRA portal. A release order is issued authorising removal of cargo from QEII Quay. Our Freetown partners confirm clearance and arrange onward delivery across Freetown and the Western Area.
Common questions answered.
Shipping to Sierra Leone from the UK.
How long does shipping from the UK to Sierra Leone take?
By sea, expect 18–24 days from UK ports to Freetown. Add 5–10 working days for NRA customs clearance. Air freight to Lungi Airport (FNA) typically takes 5–7 days door-to-door.
What is a Clean Report of Findings and do I need one?
A Clean Report of Findings (CRF) is issued by Cotecna after pre-shipment inspection in the UK. It confirms the goods match the declared description, quantity, and value. It is required for most commercial imports above the threshold value. We arrange Cotecna inspection as part of the export process.
What documents are required for shipping to Sierra Leone?
You will need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin, and Clean Report of Findings from Cotecna. We provide a full checklist when you book.
How is import duty calculated in Sierra Leone?
NRA calculates duty on CIF value using the ECOWAS Common External Tariff. Rates are typically 0%, 5%, 10%, or 20% depending on product category. A 15% GST also applies. We provide a duty estimate before you commit.
Do you handle delivery from Freetown port?
Yes. Our Freetown-based partners provide port-to-door delivery across the Western Area. Note that Lungi Airport and the main Freetown port are on opposite sides of the Sierra Leone River estuary — we account for this in our logistics planning.
How do I get a quote?
Use our online quote form or contact us via WhatsApp or email. For FCL or LCL we need cargo dimensions and weight. Quotes are returned within 24 hours.
Ready to ship to Sierra Leone?
FCL from £1,650 (20ft). Air freight quoted per kg. Full NRA customs clearance coordination. Quote returned within 24 hours.