Min. of Trade Imposes Moratorium on Onions and Potatoes, Reinstates Cement Duties
Onions, Potatoes and Bagged Cement
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment under the leadership of newly sworn-in Minister, Hon. Mod K. Ceesay, has issued a series of press releases announcing the moratorium on onions and potatoes and the reinstatement of excise duties on the importation of bagged cement.
Below are the various press releases issued by the government.
Reinstatement of Excise Duty on Bagged Cement: 20th January 2026
Subject: Expiry of Temporary Overland Importation of Bagged Cement and Reinstatement of Excise Duty
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment hereby notifies the general public, importers, distributors, and all relevant stakeholders that the temporary authorisation permitting the overland importation of bagged cement will expire on 1st February 2026.
Accordingly, effective 1st February 2026, the excise duty on bagged cement will be fully reinstated at GMD 180 per bag.
Moratorium on Onions and Potatoes: 26th January 2026
ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 2026 MORATORIUM ON THE IMPORTATION OF ONIONS AND POTATOES
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) hereby notifies the general public, especially importers, traders, and the farming community, that the 2026 moratorium on the importation of onions and potatoes will take effect from 1st March 2026 to the end of June 2026 for onions and the end of July 2026 for potatoes, subject to extension.
This measure is in accordance with the National Trade Policy, which seeks to strengthen domestic agricultural production, enhance food security, and support local farmers to access the domestic market during peak harvest periods to minimise post-harvest losses.
The Ministry will work closely with the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and other security agents to ensure strict enforcement of the moratorium. All incoming shipments of onions and potatoes after 1st March 2026 without prior exemption will not be cleared.
The Ministry counts on the cooperation and understanding of the stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative.
Clarification on Onions and Potatoes Moratorium: 31st January 2026
Clarification on the 2026 Moratorium on the Importation of Onions and Potatoes Regarding Shipment in Transit
Banjul, The Gambia – To ensure a smooth transition and effective implementation of the moratorium on the importation of onions and potatoes announced on Monday, 26th January 2026, the Ministry wishes to further state that clearances shall only be issued for shipments of onions and potatoes loaded onto vessels on or before 2nd February 2026. To this end, the Ministry will only issue clearances after verification of the Bill of Lading and related supporting documents submitted by importers.
The general public and the business community are reminded that the moratorium period for onions remains in effect from 1st March until 30th June 2026, and for potatoes from 1st March until the 31st of July 2026, unless otherwise extended.
