ADVISORY PORTS & MARINA OPERATORS – Notification of Requirements for Sufferance Wharf

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) hereby notifies the Ports and Marina Operators of the mandatory requirements for the operation and approval of Sufferance Wharves in Fiji. Effective immediately, all loading and unloading of foreign-going vessels, barges, or crafts at unapproved and informal locations is strictly prohibited. This decision follows recent security breaches involving illegal operators and is being enforced to strengthen Fiji’s border security, protect legitimate trade, and uphold the integrity of Customs controls.

 

As prescribed under Section 4 of the Customs Act, 1986, a Sufferance Wharf is defined as: “a place, other than an approved place of loading or unloading, at which the Comptroller may, subject to such conditions as he or she may either generally or in any particular case impose, allow any goods to be loaded or unloaded”.

 

Criteria for Approval of Sufferance Wharf Applications

 

1. Formal Application – Written application to the Comptroller of Customs or Chief Executive Officer, FRCS.

 

2. Premises & Site Specifications – Approved site plan indicating washrooms, storage areas, and office space. For non-land premises, nautical specifications of loading and discharge points.

 

3. Mandatory Certifications & Approvals – Valid National Fire Authority (NFA) Certificate, Valid Tax Compliance Certificate, Valid Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Certificate, City/Town Council approval, Certificate of Registration from the Registrar of Companies, Company structure documentation.

 

4. Ownership / Tenancy Requirements – Proof of ownership of premises; or valid lease/tenancy agreement with a minimum three (3) year term.

 

5. Security & Monitoring Obligations – Perimeter fencing of not less than three (3) metres in height, embedded in the ground; Installation of CCTV surveillance with 24/7 live access provided to FRCS.

 

6. Operational & Business Information – Written proposal outlining the nature and purpose of operations, including projected monthly volumes of goods/passengers for the next 36 months; Estimated description and value of goods to be stored (if applicable).

 

7. Financial & Licencing Requirements – General bond security; Licence payment as prescribed by FRCS.

 

Enforcement

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in denial or revocation of approval, and any unauthorized activities may be subject to penalties under the Customs Act and other applicable laws.

 

Contact for Clarification

For further information, submissions, or clarifications, please contact: Mr. Nausad Ali, Chief Customs Officer, Sea Port & Maritime Operations Email: nali@frcs.org.fj | Telephone: (679) 324 3335. Alternatively, queries may be directed to the Licencing Team at Suva.

 

FIJI REVENUE AND CUSTOMS SERVICE

15 September, 2025

Last Updated - February 4, 2026

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ADVISORY PORTS & MARINA OPERATORS – Notification of Requirements for Sufferance Wharf

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) hereby notifies the Ports and Marina Operators of the mandatory requirements for the operation and approval of Sufferance Wharves in Fiji. Effective immediately, all loading and unloading of foreign-going vessels, barges, or crafts at unapproved and informal locations is strictly prohibited. This decision follows recent security breaches involving illegal operators and is being enforced to strengthen Fiji’s border security, protect legitimate trade, and uphold the integrity of Customs controls.

 

As prescribed under Section 4 of the Customs Act, 1986, a Sufferance Wharf is defined as: “a place, other than an approved place of loading or unloading, at which the Comptroller may, subject to such conditions as he or she may either generally or in any particular case impose, allow any goods to be loaded or unloaded”.

 

Criteria for Approval of Sufferance Wharf Applications

 

1. Formal Application – Written application to the Comptroller of Customs or Chief Executive Officer, FRCS.

 

2. Premises & Site Specifications – Approved site plan indicating washrooms, storage areas, and office space. For non-land premises, nautical specifications of loading and discharge points.

 

3. Mandatory Certifications & Approvals – Valid National Fire Authority (NFA) Certificate, Valid Tax Compliance Certificate, Valid Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Certificate, City/Town Council approval, Certificate of Registration from the Registrar of Companies, Company structure documentation.

 

4. Ownership / Tenancy Requirements – Proof of ownership of premises; or valid lease/tenancy agreement with a minimum three (3) year term.

 

5. Security & Monitoring Obligations – Perimeter fencing of not less than three (3) metres in height, embedded in the ground; Installation of CCTV surveillance with 24/7 live access provided to FRCS.

 

6. Operational & Business Information – Written proposal outlining the nature and purpose of operations, including projected monthly volumes of goods/passengers for the next 36 months; Estimated description and value of goods to be stored (if applicable).

 

7. Financial & Licencing Requirements – General bond security; Licence payment as prescribed by FRCS.

 

Enforcement

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in denial or revocation of approval, and any unauthorized activities may be subject to penalties under the Customs Act and other applicable laws.

 

Contact for Clarification

For further information, submissions, or clarifications, please contact: Mr. Nausad Ali, Chief Customs Officer, Sea Port & Maritime Operations Email: nali@frcs.org.fj | Telephone: (679) 324 3335. Alternatively, queries may be directed to the Licencing Team at Suva.

 

FIJI REVENUE AND CUSTOMS SERVICE

15 September, 2025

Last Updated - February 4, 2026

Back to Top