The Solomon Islands government has ordered the immediate cessation of import operations at sufferance wharves that do not comply with international maritime security requirements, citing risks to national revenue and border security.
Minister of Finance and Treasury Rexon Ramofafia directed the immediate closure of all sufferance wharves without accreditation under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The directive took effect on September 4, 2026.
The move is part of what the government described as a decisive intervention to address security gaps at facilities that do not hold ISPS accreditation from the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA).
Ramofafia said compliance with international maritime security standards is a strategic requirement and warned that Solomon Islands must not be regarded as a weak link in the global trade system.
Under the directive, the Comptroller of Customs and Excise has been instructed to close sufferance wharves that fail to meet ISPS requirements under the SIMA legal framework.
The Comptroller has also been directed to strengthen monitoring and enforcement at approved facilities, with operations only permitted to resume once full compliance has been demonstrated and verified.
Customs controls tightened
For sufferance wharves that are ISPS-compliant and authorised to operate, Customs must ensure duties and taxes are paid in full before cargo is released.
The directive prohibits the pre-release of goods and requires authorities to ensure that prohibited or restricted items are not landed at approved facilities.
Wharf operators must also ensure that all port dues are paid and that security declarations are obtained. The safety of customs officers, revenue and cargo must be maintained at all times.
Ramofafia said the measures are not intended to obstruct legitimate trade but to ensure that imports move through secure, regulated and internationally compliant facilities.
“Security compliance is essential to efficient trade facilitation. It protects our revenue, upholds our international obligations, and maintains confidence in our maritime security space,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the role sufferance wharves play in supporting economic activity but said continued operation of non-compliant facilities presents unacceptable risks to cargo security, revenue collection and the integrity of Solomon Islands' border-control regime.
The government has urged importers, exporters, shipping agents, customs brokers and wharf operators to ensure their operations and documentation comply fully with applicable legal and security requirements.
