The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) monthly revenue collection continues to strengthen as the forecast has been surpassed for a second consecutive month. The strong collection has been attributed to the recovery of the tourism sector along with other key industries.

Net revenue for September recorded a total collection of $199.9m, which is above the month’s forecast by $4.7m or 2.4%. The collection is substantially higher by $78.1m in comparison to September 2021. It is also higher than the August 2022 collections by almost $9m.

According to FRCS CEO Mr. Mark Dixon, the considerable growth in revenue against last year September collections as well as against the forecast is showing resilience in the economy through the demonstration of strong recovery and growth.

The positive revenue collection for the month is attributed to significant improvement against September 2021 in the following tax types:

• Corporate Income Tax surged by $12.5m compared to September 2021 showing increased business confidence and a positive revenue outlook.
• Domestic VAT recorded growth by $24.1m revealing an increase in domestic economic activity along with the recovery of the tourism sector.
• Import VAT and fiscal duty increased by $26.2m and $5.9m respectively. This is attributed to an increase in the volume and the value of imports.
• Airport Departure Tax increased by $6.1m. The growth is attributed to the opening of international borders and travel to Fiji.

Mr. Dixon said that all these taxes are activity based and all of them are showing an upward trend.  He added that a similar trajectory is expected to continue as we head into the festive season in anticipation of increased imports, spending and consumption.

Meanwhile, revenue collections were not the only thing that kept us busy.

As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity, our Sports and Social Club members and their families cleaned the Savusavu Special School and the Nasavusavu District school last weekend.

“The corporate social responsibility activity at the schools in Savusavu was an excellent initiative by our team to do social good and give back to our community,” Mr. Dixon said.

“People often see us behind the counters collecting money but our CSR efforts show that we are also active in our communities, serving the Fijians and aspiring to bring about change.”

Mr. Dixon said FRCS will be undertaking more CSR initiatives in the coming months.

The Fiji Detector Dog Unit (FDDU) held an open day today for female officers from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the Fiji Police Force to seek their interest in becoming K-9 handlers.
This year marks the 6th anniversary of FDDU and they have been instrumental in drug, undeclared currency and firearms and ammunition seizures. The Unit is currently male dominated, however, its leadership would like to advance the Unit with the inclusion of female officers.
Applauding the initiative, FRCS CEO Mr. Mark Dixon encouraged female officers from FRCS and the Fiji Police to join they FDDU.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our female officers to consider a future career as a detector dog handler – breaking down barriers, changing mind-sets and proving that there is absolutely no job in border enforcement that women cannot do just as well as men. It will open up additional avenues for women in our border agencies and enhance our capability in this critical area that helps keep Fiji safe” Mr. Dixon said.
“I am certain that our female officers will be just as successful in the K-9 field as their male counterparts.”
Representing the Fiji Police Force was the Director Human Resource Manager Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Meli Sateki said, “The FDDU’s K-9 capabilities, through the support of the New Zealand Police continues to be strengthened and it is an exciting time to be part of the Unit and we do hope that this open day will encourage more women officers to join the Unit”.
The Open Day programme included presentations on requirements for being a K-9 handler, trainings involved, success stories of FDDU, a walkthrough of the kennel and demonstration with K-9.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) would like to advise Fijians that the Service does not request payments through social media or messaging apps such as Viber and WhatsApp.

FRCS has received reports of  people impersonating Customs Officers and requesting customs clearance payments through social media or messaging apps.

We wish to clarify that FRCS payments are only made to cashiers at FRCS Offices, online or through FRCS bank accounts. Additionally, FRCS only uses its social media platforms for education and awareness or to enhance the Organisation’s visibility.

Fijians should report to FRCS on 3243000 or 1326 or info@frcs.org.fj if they receive requests for any payment, including payment of taxes, duties or levies through social media or messaging apps. They should also request for copies of relevant documentation or reference numbers from those requesting payments for verification with FRCS.

FRCS is concerned about scammers impersonating FRCS Officers and swindling money out of Fijians.  The penalty for the unlawful assumption of character of a FRCS Officer is a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both.

We wish to advise all Fijians to be vigilant and avoid becoming prey to such fraudulent activities.