The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) proudly marked International Women’s Day by celebrating the remarkable contributions of women across the organisation.

CEO Udit Singh highlighted that the global occasion serves not only to honour progress already made, but also to remind us of the work that still lies ahead. Each year’s theme invites us to reflect on equity, inclusion, and opportunity. The values that shape resilient institutions and thriving communities.

“At FRCS, we are proud to have women leading at every level. Whether in customer service, audit, compliance, technology, policy, or executive leadership, women bring insight, empathy, and excellence to our organisation. Their contributions are fundamental to the quality of service we provide the people of Fiji,” Mr. Singh said.

He emphasised that International Women’s Day is also a time to reaffirm FRCS’s commitment to gender equality.

As an organisation, FRCS remains focused on:

 Creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace

 Ensuring equal access to opportunities and leadership pathways

 Supporting the professional development of women at every career stage

 Strengthening diversity as a catalyst for innovation and organisational performance

“Achieving equality is not the responsibility of policy alone but each of us plays a role,” Mr. Singh added.

He encouraged staff to actively champion an inclusive culture by challenging bias, empowering women’s voices, fostering respect in every interaction, and mentoring emerging leaders.

“When we take these actions consistently, we move beyond symbolic recognition and create real, lasting impact.”

The celebration also featured inspiring keynote remarks from distinguished guests, including Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian High Commission Ms. Clair McNamara, Assistant Commissioner International Relations, Capacity Building and Transparency from the Australian Taxation Office Ms. Cathy Purcell, and Auditor General Ms. Finau Nagera.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, the Hon. Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, officially opened the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Lautoka Office, marking a significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public institutions and improve service delivery.

In his address, the Hon. Prime Minister said the opening of the Lautoka Office represented more than the commissioning of a modern facility. He described it as a deliberate and strategic Government investment aimed at strengthening public institutions to better serve the people of Fiji, support economic growth, and uphold the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency.

“At its core, this initiative reflects our commitment to building a responsive, accessible, and people-centred public service—one that is capable of meeting the evolving needs of all Fijians,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the progress made by FRCS in recent years, particularly in strengthening compliance systems, enhancing audit capabilities, and modernising its operations. He noted that these reforms are critical not only to improving revenue performance, but also to reinforcing public confidence in Government institutions.

“This new FRCS Lautoka Office stands as a symbol of modern governance, inclusive service delivery, and our shared commitment to building a stronger and more resilient Fiji,” he said.

FRCS acknowledged and thanked the Turaga na Taukei Vidilo and the Turaga na Tui Vitogo for their guidance, support, and leadership during the traditional ceremony. Their participation and blessings added cultural significance and dignity to the official opening.

FRCS Board Chair, Mr. Malakai Naiyaga, thanked the Hon. Prime Minister and the Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, for officiating at the opening. He said the Prime Minister’s presence sent a strong message to FRCS staff and the people of the Western Division about the importance of FRCS in nation-building and the Government’s continued support for the organisation’s mandate.

Mr. Naiyaga said the refurbished Lautoka Office reflects FRCS’s commitment to being a customer-centred and service-driven organisation. He noted that the modernised facility provides a professional and accessible environment designed to enhance service delivery for taxpayers and traders.

He highlighted that FRCS continues to perform strongly, with a positive outlook supported by resilient core revenue streams, strengthened compliance initiatives, enhanced audit and enforcement measures, data-driven risk targeting, and ongoing efforts to deepen taxpayer engagement.

“At FRCS, our role extends beyond revenue collection. We facilitate trade and play a critical role in border protection. Ultimately, our work supports the people and communities who drive Fiji’s prosperity, and we carry out these responsibilities with integrity, honesty, and accountability,” Mr. Naiyaga said.
Delivering the vote of thanks, FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, said the opening of the Lautoka Office symbolised collaboration, progress, and a shared commitment to better serving the people of Fiji.

“This facility will enhance operational efficiency, improve service delivery, and strengthen our engagement with the communities we serve,” Mr. Singh said.

As the deadline for the lodgement of Annual Income Tax returns approaches, FRCS has intensified its public education efforts to reinforce understanding of taxpayer obligations and promote timely compliance.

Our team recently featured on several prominent FBC radio programs, including the Gold Focus, Domo-ni-Vanua, and Drishtikon. These sessions provided in-depth guidance on Personal Income Tax (PIT) return filing requirements and general compliance expectations.

During the discussions, the team outlined key information such as:

– What a PIT return is and who is required to file

– The due dates and filing process.

– Penalties for non-compliance, including late filing, late payment, and poor record keeping.

– Practical steps taxpayers can take to ensure they meet their obligations.

The PIT and Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Annual Returns for the financial year ending 31 December 2025 are due on 31 March 2026. FRCS strongly encourages taxpayers not to wait until the deadline, but to file their returns early. Individuals can verify their filing obligations via the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS) by visiting: https://tpos.frcs.org.fj/taxpayerportal/.

The radio outreach also covered the mandatory Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) requirement for mobile wallet accounts, providing clarity on the process and its importance.

FRCS remains committed to supporting taxpayers by providing clear, accessible information on various tax types, how they operate, and what is required to stay compliant. We also offer free tax education programs covering a wide range of tax and customs topics.

For further assistance, please contact us at 324 3000, 1326, or email info@frcs.org.fj. Our team is here to help you understand your obligations and take full advantage of available incentives.

FRCS is stepping up its support for the country’s fast growing digital economy with delivery of specialised tax and customs awareness sessions for online entrepreneurs, freelancers, content creators, and tech enabled businesses.

Led by the FRCS Education and MSME teams, the interactive sessions covered essential topics tailored to the needs of digital business operators, including:

• Understanding basic tax concepts.

• Tax registration requirements.

• Financial literacy fundamentals.

• Customs processes.

• Record keeping and interpreting financial statements.

Participants engaged in practical discussions designed to demystify compliance and strengthen financial confidence.

FRCS Senior Manager Education, Mr. Vilimone Nailotei, praised the enthusiasm of attendees, noting that Fiji’s digital sector continues to evolve rapidly and with that evolution comes changing tax responsibilities.

He emphasized that staying compliant is more than a requirement: it is a strategic advantage that builds trust, protects businesses from penalties, and positions them for new opportunities.

“Understanding your tax obligations is essential for sustainable growth and long term success,” Mr. Nailotei told participants.

“Ask questions, participate actively, and take away practical insights you can start using immediately.”

To support entrepreneurs at every stage, FRCS continues to offer free education programs, awareness sessions, and professional guidance on both tax and customs matters.

For more information or assistance, contact us on our toll-free number 1326 or email at info@frcs.org.fj.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) officially launched the National Time Release Study (TRS) Report 2025 for Airfreight Clearance on Friday, 27 February 2026, at its office in Votualevu, Nadi.

FRCS led a joint-agency TRS in collaboration with border agencies and industry stakeholders at Nadi Airport to measure the time required for the release and clearance of imported goods.

During the launch, FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, emphasized that the TRS is a critical tool enabling FRCS and other border agencies to identify and address bottlenecks within the trade facilitation process.

He noted that airport operations function on a 24/7 basis, making efficient clearance procedures essential for time‑sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, perishable items, and high‑value consignments. Given that airfreight is generally more costly than sea freight, Mr. Singh highlighted that any delay or inefficiency can significantly increase costs for both industries and consumers.

Mr. Singh stated that the findings of the TRS will guide efforts to streamline processes, reduce delays, and align national procedures with international best practices. He added that these improvements will not only boost competitiveness but also strengthen Fiji’s reputation as a reliable trading partner within the global supply chain.

“This initiative represents a vital step toward enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of border procedures, while maintaining the integrity of trade control measures. The TRS will also play a major role in improving the Ease of Doing Business, particularly in the trading‑across‑borders indicator. With the TRS in place, industries will benefit from the standardization of trade processes in Fiji, aligned with international standards,” Mr. Singh said.

He expressed appreciation to the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Bank Group expert teams for their technical assistance throughout the TRS 2025 implementation. Their collaboration with the TRS Working Group has been instrumental in strengthening cross‑border procedures and creating a more conducive environment for trade.

Mr. Singh also acknowledged the commitment of the TRS Working Group members and the cooperation of key stakeholders, including the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), Air Terminal Services (ATS), the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS), and various industry groups that contributed to data collection across airports and airfreight clearance points.

He further noted that the successful implementation of the TRS recommendations will reinforce Fiji’s trade facilitation framework, reduce costs, and support the growth of industries nationwide.