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.
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Last Updated - May 15, 2025