The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), in partnership with Data Tech International (DTI), today announced the launch of a new public dashboard for the VAT Monitoring System (VMS). The platform offers citizens and businesses a clear, daily-updated view of Fiji’s fiscalization progress and introduces tools for direct public participation in VAT compliance.

The dashboard, accessible through the FRCS VMS portal, displays indicators refreshed daily, including the number of fiscalized taxpayers and business locations, activated secure elements, recorded sales, invoice volumes, and receipt verifications. Users may filter data by administrative area to understand local trends, while integrated tools allow the public to verify invoices, report when fiscal invoices are not issued, and flag suspicious receipts.

“This launch is both a transparency milestone and a practical step toward fair competition,” said FRCS Chief Executive Officer Mr. Udit Singh. “By expanding VMS coverage to new sectors and opening access to real-time indicators, the public can see progress, understand expectations, and play an active role by verifying receipts. It sends a clear message that the rules apply equally and that honest businesses will not be undercut by non-compliance.”

DTI Chief Executive Officer Mr. Goran Todorov emphasized the system’s accessibility. “DTI is proud to support FRCS with a tested, reliable, and mobile-friendly dashboard designed for every Fijian. By combining daily data, local drill-downs, and easy reporting tools, we strengthen trust in the tax system and support FRCS’s modernization efforts.”

The initiative coincides with FRCS’s phased expansion of VAT monitoring to business sectors previously outside scope, reinforcing a level playing field and ensuring all taxpayers meet their obligations.

What the public can do on the VMS portal:

• Verify whether an invoice is valid (with or without a QR code).
• Report non-issuance of a fiscal invoice.
• Flag suspicious invoices for further review.
• Explore daily VMS metrics and trends, including views by province or area.

FRCS is urging businesses to maintain compliance and encouraging citizens to make use of the portal. “Transparency protects compliant taxpayers, informs smart enforcement, and builds public confidence that the system is fair,” Mr. Singh added.

The Public VAT Monitoring Dashboard is now live and accessible at: https://vms.frcs.org.fj/

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Maritime Seaport Enforcement Team successfully intercepted 57,740 undeclared cigarette sticks during the last financial year. Cigarettes are classified as highly dutiable goods and are often smuggled by seafarers upon arrival at ports of entry.

Revenue leakage occurs when such goods are not declared at the time of arrival with the intent to evade lawful payment of import duties. These practices undermine government revenue, which is vital for sustaining national development.

FRCS enforcement officers remain steadfast in their commitment to detecting, intercepting, and preventing illegal activities to protect revenue collection and ensure full compliance with customs laws and regulations.

We strongly urge all travellers, seafarers, and shipping agents to make honest and accurate declarations of their goods upon arrival. Non-compliance will result in penalties and legal action under the applicable laws.

FRCS will continue to strengthen border control measures and safeguard government revenue, ensuring it supports the sustainable growth and development of our nation.

FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, stated:

“This interception is another reminder of the crucial role FRCS plays in protecting Fiji’s borders and safeguarding government revenue. Smuggling not only deprives the nation of much-needed funds for development, but also undermines fairness for compliant taxpayers and businesses. We remain fully committed to enforcing our laws and will continue to adopt stronger measures to ensure integrity and compliance across all ports of entry.”

FRCS was honoured to be part of the Fiji delegation attending the Mutual Evaluation Committee (MEC) meetings of the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), held in Tokyo, Japan. The delegation was led by Ms. Selina Kuruleca, Permanent Secretary for Justice, in her capacity as Chair of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Council. Our Manager Risk Assessment & Financial Intelligence, Mr Rohitesh Dass represented FRCS at the MEC meetings.

FRCS’s participation in these high-level discussions reflects its critical role in Fiji’s national framework for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. As a key agency responsible for monitoring cross-border financial flows and enforcing customs regulations, FRCS contributes significantly to the integrity and effectiveness of Fiji’s AML/CFT (Combating the Financing of Terrorism) regime.

The MEC meetings provided a valuable platform for Fiji to strengthen regional and international cooperation, share best practices, and prepare for its upcoming mutual evaluation scheduled for late 2025 and into 2026. Discussions focused on:

•  Technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives
•  Reviews of recent evaluations of other jurisdictions
•  Identifying sectoral gaps and opportunities for improvement in AML/CFT efforts

FRCS continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Fiji’s financial system from illicit activities, working in close partnership with other national and international stakeholders to uphold transparency, accountability, and security. By learning from the experiences of others and engaging with international partners, FRCS as well as Fiji is committed to continuously improving its AML/CFT (Combating the Financing of Terrorism) framework.

FRCS was pleased to participate in FBC’s Domo-ni-Vanua and Drishtikon radio talk-back shows this week, as part of its ongoing public education and awareness initiatives. The focus of the discussion was the VAT on New Dwelling House (NDH) incentive which is a tax refund scheme introduced under Section 70 of the Value Added Tax Act 1991. This initiative is designed to support Fijian citizens in acquiring or constructing their first home by allowing them to claim a refund on VAT paid.

During the program, FRCS representatives provided detailed information on eligibility criteria, the maximum VAT-inclusive price allowable for claims, required documentation, and the step-by-step process for submitting claims through the Taxpayer Online Services (TPOS) platform.

FRCS’s regular participation in radio talk-back shows reflects its strong commitment to taxpayer education and public engagement. By simplifying complex tax concepts and addressing real-time queries, FRCS empowers individuals and businesses to better understand their tax obligations and encourages voluntary compliance.

The sessions were highly interactive, with the team responding to a wide range of questions from listeners. FRCS continues to offer free tax education programs covering various aspects of tax and customs administration. For further assistance or to learn more about upcoming training opportunities, please contact us at 3243000, 1326, or email info@frcs.org.fj.