Licencing Requirements for Yacht Agents

Following the 2026/2027 National Budget, a new licencing requirement has been introduced for yacht agents and will come into effect on 1 August 2026. For the purposes of this provision, a yacht agent is defined as any individual or entity authorised to act on behalf of a yacht owner or master.

Key Responsibilities of the Licenced Yacht Agents:

  • Signing Customs documents on behalf of the yacht owner or master, where permitted under Customs laws.
  • Preparing and submitting all required documentation to Customs, including vessel declarations, crew manifests, passenger manifests, and any other prescribed forms.

Licencing Requirements:

Pursuant to the amended Section 148 of the Customs Act, any individual or entity carrying out the business of a yacht agent must obtain a valid Yacht Agent Licence issued by Customs.

Applicants should note the following conditions and limitations:

  • Limited Scope of Authority: A Yacht Agent Licence authorises the holder to undertake agency services exclusively for yachts. It does not permit the license holder to act as an agent for cargo vessels, cruise ships, tankers, or any other class of vessel.
  • Compliance Requirements: All persons or entities operating as yacht agents under the amended Section 148 must ensure full compliance with the prescribed licencing requirements and standards.
  • Licence Fee: A licence fee of $5,000 plus VAT is payable upon approval of the application by the Customs Licencing Committee. The licence is valid for a period of three (3) years.

Penalties for non-compliance

  • The public is reminded that conducting restricted agency business without the appropriate licence constitutes an offence under the Customs Act.
  • Persons engaging in licenced agency activities without authorisation may be subject to enforcement action, including significant penalties. For example, in relation to cargo agency operations, unauthorised conduct may result in a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both.
  • All applications for Yacht Agent Licences must be submitted through the appropriate Customs channels and in accordance with established procedures to avoid regulatory action.

Any queries in regard to this Notice can be directed to the following email address: CustomsRevenue@frcs.org.fj.

Mr. Udit Singh

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

13th July 2026

Last Updated - July 13, 2026

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Licencing Requirements for Yacht Agents

Following the 2026/2027 National Budget, a new licencing requirement has been introduced for yacht agents and will come into effect on 1 August 2026. For the purposes of this provision, a yacht agent is defined as any individual or entity authorised to act on behalf of a yacht owner or master.

Key Responsibilities of the Licenced Yacht Agents:

  • Signing Customs documents on behalf of the yacht owner or master, where permitted under Customs laws.
  • Preparing and submitting all required documentation to Customs, including vessel declarations, crew manifests, passenger manifests, and any other prescribed forms.

Licencing Requirements:

Pursuant to the amended Section 148 of the Customs Act, any individual or entity carrying out the business of a yacht agent must obtain a valid Yacht Agent Licence issued by Customs.

Applicants should note the following conditions and limitations:

  • Limited Scope of Authority: A Yacht Agent Licence authorises the holder to undertake agency services exclusively for yachts. It does not permit the license holder to act as an agent for cargo vessels, cruise ships, tankers, or any other class of vessel.
  • Compliance Requirements: All persons or entities operating as yacht agents under the amended Section 148 must ensure full compliance with the prescribed licencing requirements and standards.
  • Licence Fee: A licence fee of $5,000 plus VAT is payable upon approval of the application by the Customs Licencing Committee. The licence is valid for a period of three (3) years.

Penalties for non-compliance

  • The public is reminded that conducting restricted agency business without the appropriate licence constitutes an offence under the Customs Act.
  • Persons engaging in licenced agency activities without authorisation may be subject to enforcement action, including significant penalties. For example, in relation to cargo agency operations, unauthorised conduct may result in a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both.
  • All applications for Yacht Agent Licences must be submitted through the appropriate Customs channels and in accordance with established procedures to avoid regulatory action.

Any queries in regard to this Notice can be directed to the following email address: CustomsRevenue@frcs.org.fj.

Mr. Udit Singh

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

13th July 2026

Last Updated - July 13, 2026

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