Customs Clearance for Imports in Fiji
To successfully complete customs clearance for imports in Fiji, importers must adhere to a series of formal procedures and requirements. The process involves obtaining relevant permits or approvals, depending on the type of goods being imported. Essential documents typically include a commercial invoice, bill of lading or airway bill, and any necessary import permits from authorities such as the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) or the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS) for medicinal products. Importers must then submit an electronic customs declaration through the FRCS’s ASYCUDA World system. Following submission, customs officers may inspect the goods, after which import duties, taxes, and fees are assessed. Upon payment of all required fees, customs clearance is granted, and goods are released for entry into Fiji.
Procedure and Steps
Step 1: Register with FRCS
Actions: 1.1 First-time importers/exporters are required to register with the Customs Automated System prior to importing/exporting goods by providing the relevant documents via email or in person to the ASYCUDA Team at FRCS Complex, Nasese, Building 2, Ground Floor.
1.2 The ASYCUDA Team, upon receipt of the email or manual application, shall verify the documents, create a TIN record in the Customs Automated System, and advise the applicant.
Step 2: Shipment Arrival at Fiji Ports or Airport
Actions:
2.1 The Carrier or Shipping Agent registers the inward manifest 48 hours prior to the consignment’s arrival at the Fiji Sea Port or 9 hours prior to its arrival at Fiji airports.
Note:
- Only the Carrier or Shipping Agent is authorized to register the inward (import) cargo manifest in the ASYCUDA World system.
- For each inward vessel carrying import cargo, only one cargo manifest should be registered in the system.
- Any changes or additions to the registered manifest require a formal request for manifest amendment.
2.2 Once the goods have been shipped, the Arrival Notice will be issued by the carrier or freight forwarder to inform you or your designated Customs agent three days prior to the arrival of the goods at the port (sea) or airport (air).
2.3 Upon receiving the arrival notice, you or your designated Customs agent must verify all shipment details (e.g., Bill of Lading number, cargo description, consignee information).
Required Documents:
- Single cargo manifest
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB)
- Freight Forwarders’ Master Bill of Lading (MBL)
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Clearance Documents
- Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA) Documents (if applicable)
Step 3: Registering the Customs Declaration
Actions:
3.1 Before submitting the Customs Declaration, you or your designated Customs agent needs to ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared and accurate. These documents support the information entered on the Customs Entry (SAD Form).
3.2 The ASYCUDA World system will automatically calculate the customs duties, VAT, and any other applicable taxes based on the information provided in the Customs Declaration (e.g., the HS code, customs value, and country of origin) and issue an assessment notice.
Required Documents:
- Customs Entry (SAD Form)
- Import Permit
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Other documents (e.g., Concession declaration if needed, discounted agreements if applicable)
Step 4: Visit FRCS and Pay the Customs Fees and Charges
Actions:
4.1 You are responsible for paying all customs duties, taxes, and VAT and a fee is payable for each entry lodged with FRCS. If the entry is not collected within four (4) working days, a late fee of $115 applies.
4.2 Payment can be made via:
- Local FRCS offices (in person).
- Registering a Pre-Payment Account, or
- Bank Transferred Online payment via:
| Bank Account Name- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service | Bank Number | SWIFT Code |
| ANZ – Customs Payments | 7347366 | ANZBFJFX BSB 010890 |
Required Documents:
Assessment notice
Step 5: Customs Clearance of Goods
Actions:
5.1 Once payment is confirmed, the FRCS will begin processing the Customs Declaration.
- Blue Lane: The consignment will be directed to the blue lane for post-audit checks if there is a need for additional document reviews, checks of import permits, or clarification of the goods’ classification under the Harmonized System (HS) Code.
- Green Lane: If the Customs Declaration is not selected for customs verification, it will be directed to the green lane for the release of goods.
- Yellow Lane: FRCS will review the submitted Customs Declaration and the supporting documents. High-risk shipments that require a thorough examination will be directed to the red lane. If approved, the consignment will be directed to the green lane and receive customs clearance without further actions.
- Red Lane: Physical inspection is mandatory for goods selected for the red lane. Customs officers will conduct a detailed inspection of the goods, checking for proper documentation, compliance with local laws, correct HS Code classification, and payment of duties and taxes. If approved, the consignment will be directed to the green lane and receive customs clearance without further actions.
Step 6: Clearance from Other Government Border Agencies
Actions:
6.1 Border agencies review the documents submitted and reroute the SADs in the Customs Automated system.
6.2 You or your designated Customs agent pays the required fees.
6.3 Based on the result of the document review:
- The consignment may be released without further actions (office release).
- A physical inspection of the goods may be carried out.
- A tailgate inspection may be conducted.
6.4 After the inspection and review process, the respective border agency will issue the clearance of the goods.
Note: Release of all import consignments is subject to assessment and clearance by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji. Consignments related to food, beverages, or medicine are subject to assessment and clearance from the Ministry of Health.
Required Documents:
- SAD Form
- Bill of Lading
- Packing List
- Import Permits
- Other required documents
Step 7: Release Your Goods from Ports
Actions:
7.1 The cargo release order is generated in ASYCUDA World, and the issuance will be notified to you or your Customs Agent via email.
7.2 Once the cargo release slip is generated, the shipping line submits the delivery docket through their portal.
7.3 After the goods are cleared through all systems, you or your designated Customs agent can proceed with collecting the goods from the port.
Last Updated - July 28, 2025