A Sweet Celebration: FRCS Customer Service Team Goes Above and Beyond for Taxpayer
In a heartwarming turn of events, our customer service team received a delightful surprise on Tax Day. Gabrielle Simson, a taxpayer who had recently experienced exceptional service, visited the Customer Engagement Centre in Suva with a thank you cake, making it a memorable “cake day” for everyone involved.
Gabrielle’s journey began last year when she sold her boat to a local entrepreneur who owns a resort in Dawasamu, Tailevu. Unaware of the tax obligations tied to the sale, she faced an unexpected hurdle during a visit to Fiji. Her bank had placed a hold on her funds due to the absence of a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), which was necessary for transferring the funds from the buyer’s account to hers.
Understandably anxious and stressed by this unforeseen complication, Gabrielle travelled all the way from America to Fiji to resolve the matter. She noted that such an oversight with the American Internal land Revenue Service (IRS) could have led to severe consequences.
Fortunately, the FRCS customer engagement team in Suva dedicated their morning on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, to assist Gabrielle. They diligently worked to process the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) assessment for the boat sale and issued the Tax Clearance Certificate required for the fund transfer. Upon receiving the certificate, Gabrielle was visibly overcome with emotion and expressed her sincere gratitude to the team. She was deeply thankful for their support in ensuring she could finally settle the issue. This story is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the FRCS officers on the front line. By upholding FRCS values and integrating them into their work, they have significantly elevated the overall customer experience. Gabrielle’s heartfelt appreciation and the celebratory cake serve as a sweet reminder of the positive impact that excellent customer service can have on individuals’ lives.
Customs Officers Seize Methamphetamine Concealed in Airfreight at Nadi International Airport
The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has successfully disrupted a significant attempt to smuggle methamphetamine into the country through Nadi International Airport, following a joint operation with the Fiji Police Force. This decisive action underscores the unwavering commitment of Fiji’s border and law enforcement agencies to protect the nation from the threat of transnational crime.
The interception took place after FRCS Customs Officers identified irregularities during screening of an airfreight consignment from a Southeast African nation. A thorough inspection uncovered several packets concealing over 4 kilograms of methamphetamine.
A controlled delivery operation, executed in close partnership between FRCS and the Fiji Police Force, led to the arrest of three men who have subsequently been charged and will be produced at the Nadi Magistrates Court today.
All three accused persons have been charged with one count of Unlawful Importation of Illicit Drugs. The second accused a police officer and the third accused both face an additional charge of Possession of properties suspected of being proceeds of crime.
Authorities continue investigations into what may be a wider criminal network.
FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, commended the frontline officers for their vigilance and professionalism:
“This interception is a direct result of the sharp intelligence, surveillance, and targeting capabilities of our Customs officers, and the strong partnership we continue to strengthen with the Fiji Police Force,” said Mr Singh.
“Together, we are taking firm action to dismantle drug networks at our borders. I thank our officers and our Police partners for their relentless commitment to keeping Fiji safe.”
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rusiate Tudravu, also acknowledged the joint success of the operation:
“This is a powerful example of what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies work in unity. The arrest of a law enforcement officer also reaffirms the zero-tolerance approach towards the involvement of any individual who uses their position of authority for personal gain through corrupt means. I have directed a full-scale investigation to identify those colluding to advance the illicit drug trade in Fiji. Our shared mission is to protect our people and borders—and this outcome sends a clear message that Fiji is not a safe haven for drug traffickers.”
Mr Singh also issued a stern warning to would-be traffickers:
“Whether by sea, air, or passenger freight, we are alert, equipped, and coordinated. This interception proves that we will act swiftly and decisively against any attempt to breach our borders with illicit substances.”
FRCS and the Fiji Police encourage the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug trafficking or the importation of controlled substances. Reports can be made confidentially via email at info@frcs.org.fj.
ABF Teams Up with FRCS to Enhance Customs Licensing Framework
A dynamic team of experts from the Australian Border Force (ABF) is leading an exciting five-day workshop with Senior Customs Officials, aimed at bolstering the legal and policy framework for Customs licensing.
This marks the second workshop of its kind by the ABF team, with key goals to:
Review the new implementations made under the Customs Regime
Work together to develop the Demerit Points System for the Bonded Warehouse and Container Freight Station (CFS) Operators
Assist the Customs Brokers in Fiji to strengthen their networking with Customs with assistance of Brokers from Australia
This workshop provides a vibrant and interactive environment where participants can openly discuss challenges and brainstorm innovative solutions.
FRCS deeply values its robust partnership with the ABF and is grateful for the exceptional support and dedication from ABF in enhancing Fiji’s border management and security.
The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) celebrated the third National Tax Day today at its Headquarters in Nasese, Suva. This milestone initiative aims to foster national awareness and appreciation for taxation. The event was graced by the Assistant Minister of Finance, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, who officiated as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Hon. Immanuel emphasized that taxation is the lifeblood of any nation. In Fiji, taxes are not merely a fiscal tool but a powerful force driving economic progress, social upliftment, and nation-building.
“Tax revenues fund essential infrastructure—roads, bridges, ports, and public transport—that form the backbone of economic connectivity, trade facilitation, and productivity. These investments attract foreign investment, stimulate local enterprise, and create job opportunities,” he informed the participants.
“Taxes also sustain the delivery of fundamental public services such as healthcare, education, and social protection. These services are critical to building a healthy, skilled, and resilient society.”
Hon. Immanuel applauded FRCS for its significant achievement in transforming its services from fully manual to fully digitized. He also commended FRCS for its proactive efforts to improve taxpayer awareness and understanding through a range of educational initiatives, including public workshops, stakeholder forums, user-friendly publications, and interactive online resources.
“The Compliance Improvement Strategy (CIS) is a laudable step toward promoting voluntary compliance and risk-based enforcement. Together, these initiatives help foster a culture of civic responsibility and fairness, ensuring that our tax system remains transparent, inclusive, and efficient—in service of Fiji’s broader development goals,” he stated.
FRCS has designated 8th May as National Tax Day, commemorating the first recorded tax imposed by individual chiefs in the General Assembly established in Levuka in 1865, as documented by Ronald Derrick in his book ‘A History of Fiji’ (1950). The theme for the 2025 National Tax Day is “Empowering Sustainable Growth through Fair and Collaborative Taxation.”
As part of the Tax Day celebrations, FRCS organized essay competitions for primary and secondary school students to raise awareness about the importance of taxation. Tax education is essential for building financial literacy among students, helping them understand the financial system, manage personal finances, and make informed decisions. All winners of the competition were awarded gift hampers and cash prizes.
FRCS Board Chair, Mr. Malakai Naiyaga, reported that the current total revenue collection from August 2024 to March 2025 stands at $2.281 billion in taxes. FRCS has surpassed the cumulative forecast by $138.9 million or 6%. In comparison, during the same period last year, the collection was around $1.967 billion, which was below the cumulative forecast by $82.8 million or 4%. Consistent monthly revenue growth has played a key role in maintaining a positive variance against the monthly forecast.
Mr. Naiyaga attributed the boost in collection to the favorable cumulative collection of key tax types such as Value Added Tax (VAT), which contributed $1 billion or 45% towards the total collection so far, income taxes contributed $670 million or 29%, trade taxes contributed $391.8 million or 17%, and other taxes and levies contributed $181.3 million or 8% of the tax mix.
FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh, thanked Hon. Immanuel for his inspiring address, stating that his insights had greatly inspired key stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, educators, and the public, in understanding the role of taxation in building a resilient economy. He also congratulated all winners of the FRCS Tax Day competition and acknowledged all participants who joined in marking this significant event.
FRCS recently participated in the REACH (Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion for Rural and Urban Fijians) Program, organized by the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection. This event provided an invaluable opportunity for FRCS to engage with taxpayers from nearby settlements and raise awareness about our services, particularly the Taxpayer Online Services (TPOS) platform.
Our team was present to assist individuals with tax-related inquiries and offer hands-on support with TPOS. We were pleased with the impressive turnout and the number of visitors to our booth, which reflected a growing interest in digital tax services and proactive community engagement.
Looking ahead, FRCS plans to continue its outreach efforts by participating in similar community programs and events. We aim to expand our engagement to more regions, ensuring that taxpayers across Fiji have access to our services and support. Additionally, we will focus on enhancing our digital platforms to make tax compliance easier and more efficient for everyone.
The Lami area includes the settlements of Bilo, Qauia, Waikerekere, Kalekana, Wailekutu, Osonabukete, Wainivokai, and Vuniivi, comprising approximately 870 households.
Fiji Makes Strong Strides Towards Removal from the EU Blacklist
The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is pleased to share progress on the journey to achieve the complete removal of Fiji from the European Union’s (EU) list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, commonly known as the EU Blacklist.
Fiji was initially placed on the list in 2019 due to concerns over compliance with the EU’s international tax standards in three key areas: transparency, fair taxation, and the implementation of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) minimum standards. The initiative to remove Fiji from the EU Blacklist was formally commenced in 2023 with the joining of the BEPS inclusive framework and becoming a member of the Global Forum which is an agency of the OECD.
Strengthening Transparency
To meet international standards of transparency, Fiji has become a committed member of the Global Forum on Tax Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. This membership is a major step forward and demonstrates our resolve to operate with openness and integrity in the global financial system.
FRCS has been working closely with the Global Forum to put in place systems for both the Exchange of Information on Request (EOIR) and Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI). These are key tools that allow countries to share tax information and combat cross-border tax evasion.
As part of this process, a comprehensive maturity assessment was conducted across various arms of government, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (FFIU), Reserve Bank of Fiji, Association of Banks, and Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants. This assessment confirmed Fiji’s strong legal framework to support international tax cooperation.
Fiji’s commitment was further reinforced during a recent high-level visit by the Head of the Global Forum, Ms. Zayda Manatta. Her visit helped raise awareness at both the political and technical levels on the importance of investing in tax transparency. The delegation met with key stakeholders including Assistant Minister for Finance Hon. Esrom Emmanuel, Attorney-General Hon. Graham Leung, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Raijeli Taga, Governor of the Reserve Bank Mr. Ariff Ali, Director of FFIU Ms. Caroline, and Administrator-General of the Ministry of Justice Ms. Treta Sharma.
From left FRCS Technical Specialist International, Ms. Ronika Sharma, Manager International Relations, Mr. Mohnish Prasad, Global Forum delegate, Mr. Hakim Hamadi, Head of Global Forum Secretariat, Ms. Zayda Manatta, FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh, Director Corporate Services, Mr. Shavindra Nath, Global Forum delegate, Ms. Aurore Arcambal and Senior Technical Specialist International, Mr. Anish Kumar.
FRCS and team from the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange for Tax Purposes meeting with the Assistant Minister of Finance, Mr. Esrom Immanuel
Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, along with the Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Shavindra Nath, participated in the 17th Plenary Meeting of the Global Forum on Transparency and Information Sharing held in Asuncion, Paraguay in November 2024. Mr. Singh delivered a speech at the event, which was attended by representatives from 110 countries, reaffirming Fiji’s strong commitment to international tax cooperation.
FRCS CEO, Mr Udit Singh and Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Shavindra Nath, at the 17th Plenary Meeting of Global Forum on Transparency and Information Sharing held in Asuncion, Paraguay in November 2024.
Advancing Fair Taxation
To address EU concerns around fair taxation, Fiji reviewed and reformed several tax incentive policies. The Export Income Deduction, ICT income tax exemption, and the concessionary corporate tax rate for Global Headquarters Relocation were identified by the EU as harmful tax practices.
Fiji has taken firm action on abolishing the Global Headquarters Relocation incentive and amending the ICT incentive to remove harmful elements. These changes reflect our alignment with the EU Code of Conduct Group’s standards and underscore Fiji’s readiness to support fair and competitive tax practices.
Implementing BEPS Standards
On the BEPS front, Fiji is now an active member of the BEPS Inclusive Framework. Through this, we are fully engaged in implementing the four internationally agreed minimum standards to tackle tax avoidance and improve tax fairness.
A Nation Moving Forward
FRCS, together with other arms of government, remains fully committed to the steps necessary for Fiji’s complete removal from the EU Blacklist. We will continue to actively engage with international bodies and the EU officials to ensure our tax system remains transparent, fair, and aligned with global best practices.
Fiji is making real progress, and we are confident that our efforts will lead to a positive outcome for the country and its global reputation resulting in further trade and investment opportunities from European organisations.
