FRCS Detects Undeclared Firearm on Foreign Yacht               

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is reminding all foreign yacht owners, skippers, and crew of their legal obligation to declare all firearms and ammunition upon entry into Fiji waters.

The reminder follows a recent enforcement action involving a foreign-flagged yacht that failed to declare weapons on board, resulting in the matter being referred to the Fiji Police Force for further investigation.

Under Fiji’s Arms and Ammunition Act and Customs regulations, all firearms and ammunition carried aboard vessels entering Fiji must be declared to Customs officers at designated ports of entry, including Savusavu, Levuka, Suva, Denarau Marina, Vuda Marina, Lautoka, and Rotuma.

Any firearms and ammunition on board must be surrendered to Customs and held in secure custody by the Fiji Police Force for the duration of the vessel’s stay in Fiji. Arrangements for their release before departure must be made directly with the Fiji Police Force.

The importance of complying with these requirements was recently highlighted when FRCS Maritime officers intercepted a foreign-flagged yacht at Vuda Marina following intelligence-led risk assessments. During a targeted inspection, officers discovered one pistol and twenty-three rounds of ammunition that had not been declared by the vessel owner.

The matter has since been referred to the Fiji Police Force for further investigation and appropriate action.

FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, said compliance with Fiji’s border security requirements is mandatory for all vessels entering the country.

“Undeclared firearms and ammunition pose a serious risk to Fiji’s border security and public safety. FRCS will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against individuals or vessels that fail to comply with our laws. All yacht operators entering Fiji are expected to provide complete and accurate declarations and cooperate fully with Customs and Police authorities,” said Mr. Singh.

General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Vuda Marina Fiji, Mr. Adam Wade, said Fiji remains an open and welcoming destination for international yachts, but entry into the country depends on compliance with Fiji’s laws.  

“Declaring firearms is a straightforward legal requirement, and we urge all skippers to work transparently with our border authorities. I commend our dedicated border officers and maritime teams for their vigilance and hard work in keeping our waters secure,” he stated.

All visiting yachts are required to submit an Advance Notification/Inward Report (C2-C) at least 48 hours prior to arrival in Fiji. The declaration must accurately disclose all firearms, ammunition and other controlled items carried on board.

Failure to declare such items is a serious offence under Fijian law and may result in enforcement action, including seizure, investigation, and prosecution.

FRCS encourages all visiting yacht operators to review the requirements outlined in the joint C2-C Form and comply fully with all Customs and Police procedures. For further information on vessel clearance requirements and firearm surrender procedures, mariners are encouraged to contact their nearest FRCS Maritime office or visit the official FRCS website.

Last Updated - 6 hours ago