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.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) welcomed a delegation from French Customs in New Caledonia, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between customs administrations in the Pacific.

FRCS delegation, including Director Border, Ms. Shelini Devi and senior officers of FRCS, met with Mr. Cédric Rollet, Director of French Customs in New Caledonia, and Mr. Philippe Sigaud, Supervisor and Adviser for Regional Cooperation, to discuss shared priorities and opportunities for closer collaboration.

The meeting builds on existing regional cooperation and capacity building efforts between the two administrations. Discussions focused on exploring options for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), enhanced intelligence sharing, and officer exchange programs, which would allow customs officers from both agencies to share expertise, experience and best practice.

This meeting marks a significant milestone for Fiji as it continues to build on its relations with regional partners following its term as Chair of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO).

Fiji’s earlier term as OCO Chair has opened many doors for deeper engagement with our regional counterparts. Meetings such as this reinforce our commitment to working together to protect our borders, facilitate legitimate trade and travel, and address shared challenges, including transnational crime and illicit trade.

Both parties agreed that closer collaboration would help strengthen border security, improve information exchange, and enhance the capability of customs officers across the Pacific.

FRCS remains committed to working with its regional and international partners to promote secure borders, support trade facilitation, and strengthen the Pacific’s collective response to emerging customs and border risks.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Savusavu team attended the Rural Women’s Day Celebration at Wailevu, engaging with rural women and community members to raise awareness of the roles and responsibilities of FRCS.

The awareness session focused on educating the community on key areas, including:

• Customs Laws and Border Security – Raising awareness of Customs laws, regulations, and border security requirements.
• Voluntary Compliance – Encouraging compliance with Customs and taxation requirements and promoting voluntary compliance within the community.
• Prohibited and Restricted Goods – Providing information on the importation of prohibited and restricted items, as well as applicable Customs duties and taxes.

Community outreach initiatives such as this provide an important opportunity for FRCS to connect directly with rural communities, strengthen public understanding of Customs and taxation obligations, and encourage responsible compliance.

FRCS recognises the important role rural women and community members play in supporting national development, protecting Fiji’s borders, and contributing to the country’s revenue through voluntary compliance.

 Together, we can build informed communities, strengthen partnerships, and protect Fiji’s borders.

FRCS Suva Maritime Compliance Team successfully intercepted and detained 8,340 sticks of undeclared cigarettes from a foreign fishing vessel that arrived on Friday, 16 October 2026.

The interception was made possible through targeted risk profiling, intelligence shared by our counterpart agencies, and the vigilance of Customs officers applying effective search techniques. The officers’ alertness and thorough searches helped uncover sophisticated concealment methods, with the cigarettes hidden in difficult-to-access areas of the vessel to evade detection.

The undeclared cigarettes were valued at $65,230, representing potential government revenue loss and a risk to Fiji’s border security.

With the assistance of Fiji Detector Dogs Unit and through close collaboration with our key partners, FRCS continues to strengthen maritime enforcement, detect illicit goods and safeguard Fiji’s borders.

This successful operation highlights the importance of intelligence sharing, effective risk management, vigilant officers, thorough search techniques and strong inter-agency cooperation in protecting our maritime borders.

FRCS remains committed to protecting government revenue, combating smuggling and securing Fiji’s borders.

FRCS proudly congratulates eight of its senior women leaders who were among 26 accomplished women to successfully complete the Fiji Senior Executive Women in Leadership Programme (FSEWLP), delivered by the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants (FICA) at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

Conducted over four intensive days across two weeks, the programme brought together senior women leaders from a wide range of professions, creating a unique platform for learning, collaboration, and personal growth. Participants were empowered to deepen their understanding of business operations, strengthen professional networks, refine their leadership styles, and enhance their professional brands in an increasingly dynamic and evolving business environment.

The programme provided a transformative journey of self-discovery and leadership development, equipping participants with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and valuable insights to help them lead with greater confidence, purpose, and impact.

Lead Facilitator Dr Nacanieli Rika and Co-Facilitator Ms Sainimili Saukuru expertly guided participants through engaging and interactive sessions, emphasizing the critical role of mentors, coaches, and sponsors in supporting career advancement and leadership success. Through meaningful discussions and collaborative activities, participants freely shared experiences, exchanged ideas, and gained new perspectives on effective leadership.

A key highlight of the programme was the opportunity for participants to engage with an inspiring lineup of accomplished women leaders who shared their personal leadership journeys and professional experiences. These guest speakers highlighted the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, resilience, and leading with purpose as essential qualities of successful leadership.

For the eight FRCS women leaders, the experience was both empowering and inspiring. They expressed their sincere appreciation to their supervisors and FRCS for investing in their professional development and providing opportunities to participate in initiatives that foster leadership excellence. Their achievement reflects FRCS’s continued commitment to empowering women, developing future leaders, and fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and professional growth.

FRCS recently conducted an awareness session for tax agents on the Statement of Tax Accounts (STA) as part of its ongoing Professional Development Programme.

The session provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the STA, including its key features, how to effectively interpret and read account statements, and the differences between the information accessible to taxpayers and that viewed by FRCS officers. The aim was to enhance tax agents’ understanding of the STA and support them in providing accurate and efficient services to their clients.

The session was highly interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions and seeking clarification on various aspects of the STA. FRCS officers addressed questions and shared practical insights, helping to strengthen participants’ knowledge and confidence in navigating tax account information.

FRCS remains committed to building the capacity of tax professionals through regular awareness and training sessions, ensuring they are well-equipped with the latest information and tools to support tax compliance and service delivery across Fiji.

FRCS recently hosted an interactive awareness session on the Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) for members of the Suva Retailers Association at the FRCS Headquarters in Nasese.

The session brought together retailers from across Suva to strengthen understanding of EFD requirements and support businesses in meeting their tax obligations with confidence. As key contributors to Fiji’s economy, retailers play an important role in promoting tax compliance and maintaining a transparent business environment.

Participants received comprehensive information on a range of EFD-related topics, including an overview of the Electronic Fiscal Device system, EFD Regulations, recent National Budget changes, compliance requirements, registration processes, and the various solutions available to businesses.

The session also featured a detailed presentation on the VAT Monitoring System, highlighting its role in enhancing transparency, improving compliance outcomes, and supporting efficient tax administration. Attendees gained valuable insights into how the system benefits both businesses and FRCS by streamlining reporting and record-keeping processes.

A key highlight of the programme was the lively question-and-answer session, where participants actively engaged with FRCS officers, seeking clarification on implementation requirements and practical aspects of compliance. The open discussions provided an opportunity for retailers to address concerns and better understand their obligations.

FRCS remains committed to working closely with the business community and providing the guidance and support needed to help taxpayers comply with their tax responsibilities. Through ongoing engagement and awareness initiatives, FRCS continues to foster strong partnerships with stakeholders and promote a culture of voluntary compliance across Fiji.

FRCS recently welcomed approximately 200 students from Years 4 and 7 of Suva Muslim Primary School to its Headquarters in Nasese, Suva, as part of the school’s educational excursion programme.

The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the important role FRCS plays in supporting Fiji’s growth and development. Through an engaging awareness presentation, students learned about the organisation’s core responsibilities, including revenue collection, border protection, trade facilitation, and its contribution to funding essential public services that benefit communities across the country.

As part of the programme, students toured various FRCS divisions, where staff showcased the day-to-day operations that support the nation’s tax and customs systems. The interactive sessions gave students a better understanding of the diverse career opportunities within FRCS and highlighted the dedication of employees who work behind the scenes to serve Fiji.

One of the highlights of the visit was a live demonstration by the FRCS Dog Unit. Students were fascinated by the highly trained detector dogs and learned how they assist in safeguarding Fiji’s borders by helping officers identify prohibited and undeclared goods.

FRCS officers actively engaged with the students throughout the visit, answering questions and sharing valuable knowledge about the organisation’s work. The excursion not only broadened the students’ understanding of government services but also encouraged them to appreciate the importance of integrity, responsibility, and public service.

FRCS remains committed to community engagement and educational outreach initiatives that help young people better understand the organisation’s role in nation-building while inspiring the next generation of Fiji’s future leaders.