Regulation on reduction reforestation, conservation and forest research fee amending Regulation 23 (FDA Regulation No. 27)

REGULATION NO. 27 ON WDUCTION OF REFORESTATION, CONSERVATIONAND,FORESTRESEARCH FEES AMENDINGREGULATION #23 WHEREAS. the Act Adopting 'a Revenue and Finance Law approved. May 24. 1977published June 20. 1977 in Chapter 20 Stumpage and forest product fees, charges the FDA to determine and regulate from time to time the rates and basis of Liberian Forest Fees (section 20, 2,20-3,20.4) and; WHEREAS. on the 12th of January 1998, because of increased volume of trade of logs originating from Liberia the Authority correspondingly increase the Reforestation, ConservationFees and introduced the Research Fee (Regulation No. 23);and WHEREAS. the FDA is empowered to monitor timber prices and production cost (FDA's Act Section 41 (ii) and; 'WHEREAS, since January 2000. the FDA observed a decline in the prices of Liberian Timber00 the International Market; and WHEREAS, since 12tlJ of January 2000, there has been increases in production, land transport, air freight and handling charges; and WrIEREAS, since the depressed condition of the. Liberian Timber prices on the international market and increase in production cost supports a reduction in the current reforestation conservation and forest research fees to ensure reasonable proceeds for the concessionaires, which can be used to stimulate the forestry sector of the national economy; and NOW. THEREFORE, the Government of Liberia through the Forestry Development . Authority (FDA). hereby rule and regulate that a reduction be made in the rates of Reforestation and Conservation fees shown in Sections I, Il and In respectively of Regulation No. 23.. Section 1: Reforestation Fee L All treescut for commercial purposes on all lands within the Republic of Liberia shall be assessed at $3.00 per cubic meter, of full tree length irrespective of species or grade and intended use. 2. Assessed Length is the log length after felling, topping. and removal of defects, if any, in accordance with FDA's Management Rules and Regulations form time to time. .Section II: Conservation Fee a) A Forest Conservation Fee of three dollars ($3.00) per cubic meter for class "A" species shall be levied on all logs for commercial use within the Republic of Liberia, 93 Class "A'~ snecies are as follows: 1. Sapo/Utile 2. Makore 3. Sapele 4. Kosipo 5, TiamaJEdinam. 6. Khaya/Acajou 7. Lovoa/Diberou 8. Niangcn/Whisrnore 9. GuareaIBosse 10. Frarnire 11. Aningre b) At Forest Conservation fee of $1.50 per cubic meter for Class "B": species shall be levied on all logs produced for commercial use within the Republic of Liberia. Class "B" species are as follows: 1. BetelMasonia z. Amazekoue 3. Tali 4. Danta/Kotibe S. Movingil 6. IlJomba 7. Afzelia/Doussie 8. Bornbax/Kondroti 9. Dahorna/Dadema JO. Sacoglottis 11. Faro/Dannielle 12.0bo(olMamea Section III: Forestry Research Fee 13. Abura/Bahia 14. Wawa/Obeche \5. Tetra/Sikon 16. Naga 17. Ekki/Azobe 18. Kllsia/Bilinga 19. Didelotia 20. lroko 21. Lambali 22. Aie1e 23. Frake/Lirnba 24. Avoidre 25. Antiaris 26. All other species A Forestry Research Fee of US$O.50 per cubic meter irrespective of species and grades shall be levied. Regulation No. 23 SECTION I: SECTION II: SECTION ni REFORESTATION FEEIS HEREBY REPEALED CONSERVATION FEE rs HEREBY REPEALED FOESTRY RESEARCH FEE IS HEREBY REPEALED AND CJ4 Section V: Effective Date This Regulation shallbecome effective on March 1.2001 and be announced in the public mediaand published in the FDA?s Newsletter. SIG~TED: Demetrious B. Taylor MANAGING DIRECTOR Monrovia, Liberia March 2001