March 19, 2024 3 min read Share:

Joint Operation leads to Seizure of Smuggled Cigarettes and Controlled Gas

A joint operation conducted by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), and Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) led to the successful seizure of undeclared cigarettes and controlled gas on a flagged fishing vessel.

Cigarettes are subject to excise duty on import to Fiji. If smuggled, Fiji is deprived of revenue earned through duties and taxes. Smuggling also deprives the country of revenue that would otherwise be used to fund vital public services such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

Following the identification of the fishing vessel for rummage (search), the team inspected the cargo and discovered 98 gross of cigarettes and 4pcs of controlled gas (R597A) that had not been declared. The undeclared were seized and detained. The controlled gas was handed over to the Ministry of Environment for further action. This prompt response reflects the commitment towards enforcing customs laws and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations.

FRCS is determined to spare no effort in combating the smuggling of illegal goods into Fiji and is clamping down on all suspicious and unauthorised movement of vessels, crews and cargo at maritime and coastal waters.

The recent joint operation is a significant demonstration of the effectiveness of the Seaport Border Control Vessel Search training that was held two weeks ago. The training was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its Integrated Border Management Project and funded by the Government of Japan. The aim was to equip the enforcement agencies with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance maritime security to combat illicit activities within Fiji’s sea borders.

This successful operation underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in maintaining the integrity of our sea borders and safeguarding our nation against potential threats.

The collaboration between FRCS, BAF and MSAF in this joint operation reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security in Fiji.

FRCS is urging the members of the public to report any sightings of suspicious activity in relation to offload from foreign vessels to local vessels at sea or at our maritime domain and play a part in disrupting such activities. They can us on 324300 or 1326 or email info@frcs.org.fj.

A stern warning is reiterated to those intending to commit these crimes as they will face full prosecution under the law.

March 14, 2024 2 min read Share:

FRCS holds information session with USP Regional Students

 
Our Education team held an information session with the Regional sponsored students at the The University of the South Pacific (USP) on the significance of taxation and the critical issues surrounding it. The team provided an in-depth knowledge of FRCS’s role in revenue collection, providing tax and customs advise, facilitating trade and travel and protecting the borders. Students also learned how to sign up for our Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS), register for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), how the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme works, VAT charges on residential accommodation, amendment to VAT rates in the 2023/2024 National Budget and the whistleblower policy.
 
FRCS has been holding meetings with all universities in Fiji including the Ministry of Education to establish a more informed and educated platform for our students on tax and customs. It is imperative to equip students with essential knowledge about taxes and customs prior to their entry into the workforce as this will not only enrich their understanding but also encourage a culture of voluntary compliance.
 
Students also had the opportunity to have their queries answered during the questions and answer session. People requiring assistance on tax and customs issues can contact our team on 3243000 or 1326 or email at info@frcs.org.fj.
 
March 11, 2024 2 min read Share:

FRCS creates Awareness in Kadavu

Recently, the Ministry of Youth and Sports FIJI invited FRCS to participate in the Vueti Kadavu Youth Carnival to raise awareness among youths and the people of Kadavu on the significant role tax plays in raising the resources for governments to deliver essential public services.
The carnival provided an excellent opportunity for FRCS to take its services to the people living on the island. Our team conducted sessions with the people of Kadavu on various issues including the 2023/2024 National Budget amendments, Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS), tax legislations, business registration and claiming VAT paid on a new dwelling house. They also inspected businesses in Vunisea and nearby villages in Kadavu and assisted the villages with their application for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
The awareness sessions were very interactive which aimed at creating clarity and understanding on the role of FRCS and taxes in general.
FRCS is grateful to the Ministry of Ministry of Youth and Sports for inviting us to participate in the carnival and further enhance education and awareness on the vital role FRCS plays in Fiji’s economic development and growth.
March 11, 2024 4 min read Share:

FRCS commemorates International Women’s Day

FRCS commemorated the International Women’s Day this afternoon. The Chief Guest at the event was Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Head of Secretariat, Ms. Nancy Oraka. We also had speakers from Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Border Force (ABF) and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.
FRCS would like to wish everyone a Happy International Women’s Day.
         
 
March 8, 2024 3 min read Share:

FRCS Applauds Women In Customs

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) would like to congratulate six women in our customs and border control division for successfully graduating from the third phase of the Pacific Women’s Professional Development Program (PWPDP) last week.

Graduates Chief Customs Officer Claudette Whippy, Senior Customs Officers Tale Tikoisuva, Preethi Prasad, Mereoni Jikotani, Laisa Naulumatua and Customs Officers Anshu Mudaliar and Ani Mei Salusalu are not only proving that they can lead at all levels of FRCS but are also ready to mobilise positive changes in border protection, tax compliance, transnational crime investigations, maritime surveillance and facilitation of trade.

Keeping in line with the 2024 International Women’s Day campaign theme of “inspire inclusion”, our customs women are not only inspiring their fellow female colleagues to be included in leadership roles but for more women to join the customs profession.

In a joint initiative between the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), the Australian Border Force (ABF) and RMIT University, 44 women from 14 Pacific countries graduated from the third phase of the PWPDP.

Applauding our women for their excellent achievement, FRCS Acting CEO, Mr. Malakai Naiyaga said this was a fantastic achievement for our customs and border control leaders.

“It is great to see that our women are overcoming the hurdles and are making positive advances towards leadership role. We are proud of you all – well done,” Mr. Naiyaga said.

“FRCS is working actively and steadily over the years to become a gender-balanced administration and I am proud to state FRCS has a good gender balance in our leadership team and throughout the organization.”

FRCS Chief Customs Officer, Ms. Claudette Whippy said “Previously we thought that strategic leadership belonged to the executive level in our agencies.  But now we’re confident to apply strategic leadership within our own teams, units and departments to accomplish positive border protection outcomes.”

FRCS will be commemorating the International Women’s Day 2024 on Friday afternoon. Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Head of Secretariat Ms. Nancy Oraka will be the Chief Guest while we will also have speakers from Australian Tax Office (ATO), Australian Border Force (ABF) and FRCS.

FRCS would like to wish everyone a happy International Women’s Day.

March 7, 2024 4 min read Share:

FRCS Holds Forum for the Registered Tax Agents

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is embracing an open-door policy and developing a sound working relationship with taxpayers and its stakeholders.

Last week, FRCS held a forum for the registered tax agents in Suva as part of its continuous efforts to actively engage with the Agents. During the Forum, we updated them on the recent enhancements to the tax system processes and on current tax matters.   The forum is the first face to face event that FRCS has held, and it was well attended.

Tax agents play a vital role in Fiji’s tax system. While welcoming them to the forum, FRCS Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Malakai Naiyaga stated that the forum is intended to develop into a productive and collaborative relationship between Tax Agents and FRCS.

“FRCS has already made a commitment in its strategic plan to maintain its focus as being a customer centric organization. It is a journey which FRCS is taking that requires a lot of internal changes as well as a change in our organization culture which we are currently undertaking,” Mr. Naiyaga said.

“Central to this is our commitment to listen, gather feedback, implement improvements to the business processes not only focused on enhancing customer experience but also reducing the cost of doing business and closing any tax gaps”, he said.

According to Mr. Naiyaga, FRCS actively seeks to develop a trusted partnership with our taxpayers and partners such as the registered tax agents.

“We are committed to genuine consultation and the Tax Agent’s forum is a testament to that,” he stated.

“From both our perspectives, we strive to make it easy for all our citizens, both individuals and businesses to actively participate in the tax system and pay their fair share of taxes.”

Sharing some of the FRCS strategies aimed at improving the administration of tax and customs laws, Director Taxation Ms. Momina Beg emphasized on the importance of timely filing and payment of taxes.

Ms. Beg also highlighted that FRCS will be taking a firm stance on trust taxes which may include measures such as garnishing trust monies.

“Our dedicated taxpayer education team is available to assist, train and partner with you. We work with entities like FICA, visit businesses and partner with universities to promote tax literacy, with tax agents being our top priority,” she stated.

The tax agents were also reminded of the compliance requirements in accordance with the Tax Agent’s Code of Conduct 2018 and briefed on the enhancements made on the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS) processes.

The forum ended with a networking session between the tax agents and our revenue team.

FRCS will also be holding forum for tax agents in the western and northern divisions in the coming months. 

March 7, 2024 3 min read Share:

FRCS Trains FICAC Officers

We were pleased to be invited by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption – FICAC to speak on the tax reforms and the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) process to FICAC officers during their Annual Staff Induction Training in Suva.
Our Senior Manager Education, Mr. Vilimone Nailotei provided an in-depth presentation on the evolving tax system in Fiji, laws administered by the FRCS, importance of compliance, tax morale, PAYE and the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS).
Our Education team has been actively engaging with the taxpayers based on their needs and at the same time working on building trust and confidence in FRCS and the tax system.  
March 6, 2024 2 min read Share:

FRCS meets with AFP and ABF

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) are committed to assisting each other in terms of collaboration and continuous engagement to intercept transnational crimes.
Recently, FRCS Acting CEO, Mr. Malakai Naiyaga, Director of Customs, Ms. Shelini Kumar and Manager Border Enforcement Unit, Mr. Winston Rounds convened a meeting with the Counsellor of the Australian Border Force (ABF), Mr. Uriah Turner and senior officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Mr. Adrian Morton, Ms. Judy Hurley and Mr. Paul Edwards to enhance partnerships, share intelligence, and coordinate efforts aimed at safeguarding our national borders from illicit activities.
FRCS is grateful to ABF and AFP for their support in providing technical assistance and capacity building initiatives. These contributions have enabled FRCS to strengthen its border protection capabilities.