February 28, 2025 3 min read Share:

PWPDP Empowers Women in Customs and Strengthens Security Across the Pacific

Congratulations to the thirty emerging female customs officers, including five from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), who graduated from the Pacific Women’s Professional Development Program (PWPDP) today.

PWPDP, an initiative by the Australian Border Force (ABF) in collaboration with the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), aims to empower women in customs roles across the Pacific, enhancing their career prospects and strengthening regional security.

This six-week program equipped participants with essential leadership skills, preparing them for future challenges in global trade and fostering strong professional networks.

FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh, highlighted the program’s significance in building a future where women in customs can thrive and lead with confidence, integrity, and innovation.

The program included a three-week online phase followed by a nine-day residential phase at the FRCS Headquarters in Suva.

FRCS Director of Customs and Border, Ms. Shelini Kumar, also congratulated the graduates, emphasizing that this milestone marks the beginning of transformative journeys for their careers and communities. She praised their courage, resilience, and determination in stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing growth.

Initiatives like PWPDP are crucial as customs remains a male-dominated field globally, with women comprising only 36% of the workforce and holding less than a quarter of management positions.

This year, participants from 17 Pacific nations, including the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Australia, took part in the program.

ABF Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Vanessa Holben said the program was a testament to the ABF’s commitment to building a stronger Pacific customs family.

“By investing in the development of women in customs, we not only enhance regional capacity but also create inclusive environments. We know diverse perspectives are critical in developing innovative solutions to addressing border security challenges,” Deputy Commissioner Holben said.

February 26, 2025 1 min read Share:

FRCS Emphasizes Compliance Following Court Ruling on Customs Clearance Incident

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) wishes to inform the public of the outcome of a recent court case involving an individual who attempted to retrieve a parcel without Customs clearance and resorted to threatening behaviour.

The incident transpired when the skipper of a yacht entered a local post office and menaced a female staff member and security personnel with a knife before absconding with his parcel, thereby circumventing the requisite Customs procedures.

Following legal proceedings, the resident magistrate adjudicated that the prosecution had incontrovertibly established all elements of the offense, resulting in a guilty verdict.

FRCS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the enforcement of Customs laws and the assurance of compliance with all regulations. All visitors, including those arriving by yacht, are mandated to adhere to Fiji’s Customs Acts, regulations, and procedures while within the country. Any breaches will be addressed in strict accordance with the law.

Furthermore, FRCS reminds the public that any obstruction or threatening behaviour towards a Customs officer constitutes a grave offense under Section 123 of the Customs Act. Such actions will not be tolerated and will incur legal repercussions.

We also take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the Fiji Police Force for their cooperation and support in upholding border security and public safety.

February 18, 2025 2 min read Share:

Customs Officers Intercept Undeclared Ammunition at the Nadi International Airport

Customs officers at the Nadi International Airport successfully intercepted undeclared ammunition from a passenger arriving on a flight from Los Angeles. Ammunition can be considered a weapon because it is a crucial component of a weapon system and can create an effect on a target. Additionally, ammunition can function as an expendable weapon on its own.

The interception followed targeted risk assessments and specific indicators identified by our frontline officers. The passenger and the baggage were promptly referred to the Border Police for further investigation.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is dedicated to safeguarding Fiji’s borders and ensuring adherence to all customs and security regulations. We encourage all travellers to comply with customs declaration requirements and remind the public that strict penalties are enforced for non-compliance

FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, praised the vigilance and swift action of the customs officers involved in the interception.

“This successful operation highlights our officers’ dedication to protecting our borders and preventing the entry of prohibited or undeclared items. We take all border security threats seriously and will continue to enhance our risk assessment and targeting measures. We urge all passengers to comply with customs regulations, as failing to declare restricted or prohibited items can result in serious consequences,” Mr. Singh stated.

February 14, 2025 3 min read Share:

FRCS Surpasses Half-Year Revenue Target

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has recorded a strong revenue performance for the first half of the 2024–2025 fiscal year. Net revenue for the period totalled $1.81 billion, exceeding projections by $136 million (8.2%) and surpassing the same period last year by $262 million (16.9%).

Consistent monthly revenue growth played a key role in this achievement, with FRCS maintaining a positive variance against forecasts each month. This steady performance contributed to the overall half-year surplus. CEO Mr. Udit Singh attributed these results to the strong contributions of key tax categories—VAT led collections at $837 million (46.4%), followed by income tax at $518 million (28.6%), trade taxes at $310 million (17.1%), and other taxes and levies at $142 million (7.9%).

Mr. Singh highlighted the broader economic growth over the past six months as a major driver of revenue gains. Expansion in the services sector, particularly tourism, alongside increased investments in telecommunications, significantly bolstered collections. Higher income tax payments reflected improved business turnover and profitability, while rising VAT collections indicated strong consumer demand.

These impressive figures, according to Mr. Singh, underscore the dedication of FRCS staff, the cooperation of taxpayers, and the overall positive momentum of Fiji’s economy. FRCS remains committed to building on this success by enhancing service delivery, strengthening compliance, and fostering taxpayer engagement to secure a robust revenue base for national development.

With strong consumer spending and sustained business growth, FRCS anticipates continued solid revenue performance for the remainder of the fiscal year.

February 10, 2025 3 min read Share:

FRCS Renews Gold Card and AEO Membership in West



The Assistant Minister for Finance, Hon. Esrom Immanuel officiated the FRCS renewal of Gold Card and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) membership event for the western division at the FRCS office in Nadi.
 
36 companies including their subsidiaries that have a consistent history of excellent tax and customs compliance were presented with the Gold Card and AEO renewal membership certificates.
The Gold Card members contribute 57% of FRCS revenue, with collection rising from $882 million in 2021 to $1.67 billion in 2024.
 
The Gold Card Premium Services was established in 2012, following a government announcement that priority and privileged services be accorded to those companies that are compliant in the matters of taxation and customs. In 2018, FRCS established the AEO Programme which is designed for traders who have an excellent level of compliance, proper management of records and internal control, proven financial validity and robust supply chain security.
 
A similar event was held in Suva on Wednesday evening where FRCS presented 58 companies including their subsidiaries with the Gold Card and AEO renewal membership certificates.
FRCS congratulates all its Gold Card and AEO members for renewal of their memberships as their commitment to compliance and fair share of tax contributions directly enables the government to provide essential services like free healthcare, free education, and vital social welfare programs.
 
We also encourage all Fijians to follow the example of our Gold Card and AEO members.
 
View all images on this LINK.
February 6, 2025 5 min read Share:

FRCS Renews Gold Card and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Membership

FRCS presented 58 companies including their subsidiaries that have a consistent history of excellent tax and customs compliance, with the Gold Card and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) renewal membership certificates during an event organised by FRCS at its Headquarters in Nasese yesterday evening.  

The Gold Card members contribute 57% of FRCS revenue, with collection rising from $882 million in 2021 to $1.67 billion in 2024.

The Gold Card Premium Services was established in 2012, following a government announcement that priority and privileged services be accorded to those companies that are complaint in the matters of taxation and customs. In 2018, FRCS established the AEO Programme which is designed for traders who have an excellent level of compliance, proper management of records and internal control, proven financial validity and robust supply chain security.

While officiating the FRCS Gold Card and AEO membership renewal event, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics, Hon. Prof. Biman Prasad stated that yesterday’s event was to honour businesses that have not only met but exceeded their obligations by adhering to tax and customs regulations.

According to Hon. Prasad, the Gold Card and AEO programs are more than just recognition, they are part of a larger vision to celebrate and reward businesses that have contributed their fair share to the nation’s growth.

“As all of you are aware, paying taxes is not only a civic duty but an essential pillar of our nation’s progress. Taxes fund public services—everything from education, healthcare, and social welfare to infrastructure such as roads, ports, and clean water systems. They also support local government services, including law enforcement, fire departments, and public parks. Without taxes, our government cannot function or provide the vital services that we all rely on. Taxes are at the heart of national development and governance,” he said.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all Gold Card and AEO members. Your commitment to compliance and your fair share of tax contributions directly enable the government to provide essential services like free healthcare, free education, and vital social welfare programs,” Hon. Acting Prime Minister said.

Hon Prasad also commended FRCS for its continuous efforts to improve voluntary tax and customs compliance in Fiji.

He stated that these initiatives are essential in ensuring that Fiji remains on a path of sustainable growth and development.

FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh stated that the Gold Card members receive a range of benefits, including priority tax and customs services, expedited clearances, duty-free allowances, and priority processing at various government agencies.

Mr. Singh also stated that FRCS has partnered with the Fiji Immigration Department, Airports Fiji Limited, Biosecurity Authority, Land Transport Authority, and Fiji Airways to enhance these privileges.

According to Mr Singh, while the percentage of revenue collected in portion to total revenue   from Gold Card members have reduced, the dollar value revenue collection has increased.

He stated that despite maintaining the Gold Card membership numbers, a few members were removed from the program due to non-compliance while new members were added.

“FRCS is committed to compliance and will not tolerate non-compliant behaviour, “Mr. Singh stated.

He also said that the FRCS Gold Card and AEO team is working towards further enhancing our priority and privileges to our members including increasing the Gold Card and AEO membership from 2 years to 3 years, working closely with our partner agencies to further strengthen their services to our Gold Card and AEO members and providing a more targeted and personalised service to them.

While giving her vote of thanks, our Director Taxation Ms. Momina Beg thanked all the esteemed Gold Card and AEO members for their close collaboration and proactive engagement with FRCS and for being compliant in tax and customs. 

“By being compliant, our Gold Card and AEO are not only helping FRCS in successfully executing our work but also contributing greatly to Fiji’s economic growth and development.  The Gold Card and AEO programs are successful because of the close collaboration and engagement between FRCS and the members,” Ms Beg said.

FRCS will also be holding a Gold Card and AEO membership renewal event in Nadi on Friday to recognise and acknowledge the great contributions of the Gold Card and AEO members in the West.

To access all the photos visit our Facebook page on this LINK.

February 4, 2025 2 min read Share:

Customs Officers Intercept a Fijian National Suspected of Smuggling Methamphetamine into Fiji at the Nadi International Airport

Customs officers at the Nadi International Airport successfully intercepted a 33-year-old Fijian national attempting to smuggle what is suspected to be methamphetamine into the country on Friday, 31st January 2025. The individual, who arrived on an international flight, was found with white substance concealed in various ways in his baggage which tested positive for methamphetamine during preliminary examination.

The passenger was selected for full customs examination based on customs risk-based selectivity. During the examination, customs officers discovered food products and a backpack with false walls, both containing substances suspected of being methamphetamine. The total weight of the substance is approximately 2.3 kilograms.

The case has been referred to the Fiji Police Force for further investigation.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Chief Executive Officer, Udit Singh, stated that FRCS and its partner agencies have invested heavily in securing Fiji’s borders.

 Mr. Singh added that the Customs officers receive capacity-building opportunities locally and internationally, along with secondment opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills in border security.

FRCS has recently established a passenger intelligence and targeting unit which has led to profiling and targeting of such individuals. Mr. Singh also issued a stern warning to criminals that our officers are fully prepared to fight this war on drugs and protect our borders.

He stated that illicit drug smugglers will be caught.