January 28, 2025 3 min read Share:

FRCS Celebrates International Customs Day 2025

Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka officiated at the 2025 International Customs Day (ICD) celebrations held at the FRCS Headquarters in Nasese this morning. Hon Rabuka was accorded with the full traditional welcome by the FRCS officers.

ICD, observed on January 26th each year, stands as a testament to the vital role of customs in shaping global trade and cooperation.

The theme for this year’s ICD is “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity”. The theme emphasizes that Customs’ commitments go beyond compliance, calling for active implementation and continuous improvement.

In his welcome remarks, the FRCS Board Chair, Mr. Malakai Naiyaga, acknowledged the vital role customs play in global trade and security, ensuring that the borders remain secure while facilitating the seamless movement of goods and services.

Mr. Naiyaga said that this year, FRCS also acknowledged the importance of translating its commitments into tangible actions that promote trade facilitation, ensure security, and support sustainable economic growth.

“Our commitment to efficiency is reflected in the ongoing improvements we have implemented to enhance trade facilitation,” he said.

Hon. Rabuka commended the efforts of the Customs officers who tirelessly work to ensure that our ports and borders operate smoothly, facilitating legitimate trade while minimizing disruptions.

“The role of customs in national security cannot be overstated. It is through their meticulous inspections and monitoring that our nations are protected from the influx of contraband, counterfeit goods, and other harmful entities,” he stated.

“Today, we salute the dedication and bravery of customs officers who stand as the first line of defense, ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

Hon. Rabuka also stated that the revenue collected through customs duties and taxes forms a substantial portion of national budgets, funding essential public services and infrastructure projects.

“As we celebrate International Customs Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering our customs administrations. The theme, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” is not merely a slogan but a testament to the enduring dedication of customs officers around the world,” he said.

January 17, 2025 2 min read Share:

ABF Provides FRCS Technical Assistance in the Development of Standardised Customs Penalty Matrix

FRCS successfully conducted a week-long workshop focused on reviewing the current penalty matrix and other penalty schemes utilized under our customs framework. The workshop aimed to ensure that the penalty frameworks are robust, transparent, and aligned with the best international practices.
 
 
The Australian Border Force (ABF) is funding the workshop, and it is facilitated by the ABF team, Ms. Aneeta Kakoschke and Ms. Lauren Hollington. Customs investigators from the Compliance Division, the Border Enforcement Unit, and the Maritime Compliance Unit of FRCS collaborated to review and recommend enhancements to the existing penalty structures to bolster compliance and enforcement capabilities.
 
FRCS acknowledges the pivotal role of ABF as a major supporter and sponsor in the development and progress of Fiji’s customs operations. This partnership continues to strengthen FRCS’s capacity to safeguard Fiji’s borders and promote compliance with customs laws.
 
The collaboration between FRCS and ABF is essential in fostering shared goals of enhancing regional security, trade facilitation, and effective enforcement.
January 10, 2025 3 min read Share:

FRCS Hands Over TELS/NTS Responsibilities To TSLS

FRCS officially handed over all responsibilities related to the Tertiary Education and Loan Scheme (TELS) and the National Toppers Scheme (NTS) that have been administered by FRCS to the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) this morning.

These responsibilities included:

  • Receipting loan repayments from students
  • Providing travel release to students going abroad
  • Providing clearance for full repayment of loan and completion of bond service
  • Liaising with the Fiji Immigration Department on updates to the Controversial List
  • Bond and payment reconciliation.

 

 

 

Last year, the TSLS Act was amended to legislate and give effect to the travel and bond clearance and recoveries on unserved bond function from FRCS to TSLS. During the hand over ceremony, FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh stated that  the FRCS team had worked extremely hard to provide excellent service to all the students who have come to FRCS for assistance. Mr. Singh added that FRCS has assisted thousands of students with their travel release, clearance for full payment or completion of bond service and other requests.

He thanked the Fiji Immigration Department for its collaboration and assistance with the Departure Prohibition Order (DPO). Mr. Singh also thanked the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) for assisting us with the required information for full clearance and TSLS for working closely with us on this initiative over the years. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the FRCS TELS Recovery Unit and other officers for working tirelessly in ensuring timely travel release, clearance and other requests by students and guarantors.

Effective from 13th January, FRCS will not be providing any services related to TELS/NTS.

This will be provided by TSLS. For more information and clarification, people can contact TSLS.

January 8, 2025 2 min read Share:

FRCS HOSTS WEBINAR FOR FHTA 

 
FRCS delivered an interactive webinar session for the members of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) on a number of industry-relevant taxation policies and processes including tax lodgment and payment due dates, changes in the 2024/2025 National Budget effective from 1st January 2025, taxation certificates, deadline for the phase 1 and 2 of the VAT Monitoring System (VMS), VAT deregistration process, updating business information on the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS) and online payment. FHTA and FRCS regularly meet and collaborate on several issues including National Budget policies, status of Tourism Industry, risk management and capacity building.
 
The webinar offered an excellent opportunity for our team to provide insights into tax related issues specific to the Tourism industry to FHTA members. The members also discussed their existing or expected challenges related to taxes with our tax experts to see how both agencies can work together on pragmatic solutions. Our team was pleased to see the superb interaction and engagement from the participants. FRCS also appreciates the continued collaboration and commitment by FHTA members to meet their tax obligations.
 
January 3, 2025 3 min read Share:

FRCS Continues to Provide Training for MSMEs

We are extremely pleased to share that our MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise) team has successfully wrapped up a series of basic tax and financial literacy trainings for MSMEs in Lautoka and Suva which also included a customised training tailored specifically for the Nacula Homestay Operators.
 
Some of the topics covered during these trainings included business and tax registrations, bookkeeping, tax principles, financial literacy, Pay as You Earn (PAYE), provisional tax, online payments, lodgement of tax returns, preparation of profit and loss statements and balance sheets and payment obligations. The trainings were aimed at further enhancing awareness of tax obligations and promote voluntary compliance. Through the enhanced knowledge on accurate registration, bookkeeping and timely tax submissions, participants were encouraged to take proactive approach towards complying with the financial and tax obligations.
 
The customised trainings conducted for the Nacula Homestay Operators was particularly beneficial as it helped the Homestay Operators to better comprehend how to apply the general business and tax principles directly to their operations. All training sessions were very interactive and incorporated group exercises and discussions that engaged participants and allowed them to apply the knowledge gained. This hands-on approach further enhanced the learning experience of the participants, fostering greater understanding of the practical aspects of managing their finances and taxes.
 
FRCS provides a free-of-charge service to assist MSMEs to understand their tax obligations and become compliant and we encourage MSMEs to contact our team on 3243000 or 1326 or email at msme@frcs.org.fj for any assistance or advise required.
January 3, 2025 2 min read Share:

FRCS Supports Anti-Corruption

Taxes are the main sources of revenue for governments to fund public services and projects. Corruption, like tax evasion, also leads to erosion of government revenue. As such FRCS was pleased to collaborate with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and the relevant stakeholders to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD).
 
For FRCS, this was an imperative collaboration as it brought visibility to the issue of corruption and helped in informing the public about the detrimental effects of this deception on society, economy, and governance. We believe that a joint collaborative effort by all stakeholders will further amplify the message of anti-corruption and draw attention to the urgency of tackling corruption.