The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) recently convened an industry forum at the Fiji Football Association Academy in Labasa, under the theme “Strengthening Partnership Between Stakeholders and FRCS.”  This initiative aimed to foster greater collaboration and dialogue between FRCS and key industry players operating in the Northern Division.

In his opening remarks, FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, acknowledged the Northern Division’s growing importance in Fiji’s economic landscape. He highlighted the region’s increasing development momentum, infrastructure investments, and expanding business activities as critical contributors to national growth.

FRCS Board Chair, Mr. Malakai Naiyaga, further emphasized that as investment continues to shift toward the North, its contribution to Fiji’s GDP, revenue generation, and regional development is becoming increasingly significant. This positions the Northern Division as a vital engine of national prosperity.

The forum featured a presentation by FRCS Director Corporate Services/Chief of Staff, Mr. Shavindra Nath, who outlined key elements of the 2025/2026 National Budget Policies, including trends in revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), and the use of e-wallets. He also elaborated on available incentives, tax deductions, and tariff structures designed to support business growth.

FRCS Director Compliance, Ms. Kelerayani Dawai, presented on the Compliance Improvement Strategy (CIS) and the VAT Monitoring System (VMS), reinforcing FRCS’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with FRCS Board members, executive leaders, and senior managers, gaining valuable insights and clarifications on tax and compliance matters.

Hosting such forums in the Northern Division not only strengthens stakeholder relationships but also ensures that businesses in remote regions are well-informed, empowered, and aligned with national regulatory frameworks. These engagements promote inclusive economic development, encourage investments and support sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and cooperatives, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and resilient national economy.

FRCS remains committed to conducting similar forums across Fiji to ensure consistent outreach and support for all regions.

FRCS, through its Nadi Customs and Border Division, hosted an insightful engagement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) at the FRCS Airport Conference Room to strengthen cooperation under Annex 9 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) framework.

The session was led by Mr. Rigamoto Aisake, Executive Manager for Aviation Security and Facilitation at CAAF, supported by Mr. Mosese, and focused on enhancing understanding of ICAO’s “Facilitation” standards which is a key global instrument promoting the efficient and secure movement of passengers, baggage, cargo, and mail across international borders.

Mr. Aisake’s presentation underscored the critical alignment required among border agencies, the strategic contribution of Customs to Fiji’s aviation obligations, and the importance of balancing facilitation with national security. Participants gained valuable insights into how inter-agency coordination supports Fiji’s international compliance and reputation in global aviation.

Speaking after the session, FRCS officials noted that the engagement served as a timely reminder of Customs’ pivotal role beyond inspections, emphasizing its contribution to trade, tourism, and border integrity.

“What we do at the frontline doesn’t just impact passenger movement, but it also  defines how Fiji connects with the world,” commented the participants.

The engagement reflects FRCS’s ongoing commitment to modernize border processes, strengthen strategic partnerships, and uphold Fiji’s international obligations in aviation security and facilitation.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Emily King to its Board of Directors. Her appointment, made in accordance with Section 4 of the FRCS Act 1998, is effective for a three-year term beginning 30th September 2025.

FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, warmly welcomed Ms. King to the Board, stating: “Ms. King brings a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives that will significantly contribute to the strategic direction and governance of FRCS. Her diverse skill set will strengthen our Board and enhance our ability to deliver on our strategic goals as we continue our journey towards excelling in revenue collection, border protection, and the facilitation of trade and travel.”

Ms. King is a distinguished corporate lawyer with over 15 years of experience in the financial services sector and leading legal firms in Fiji. Her career is marked by excellence in advisory and commercial transactions, and she has successfully led legal teams with integrity and professionalism.

Beyond her legal expertise, Ms. King has extensive experience in Regulatory Compliance, Enterprise Risk Management, Governance, and Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing. She currently serves as General Counsel at the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and finance.

Ms. King is no stranger to boardrooms, having served as Company Secretary and as a member of Board Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committees for various private entities. She has also contributed significantly to industry bodies, including her role as Chairperson of the Insurance Association of Fiji in 2023 and as a Council Member of the Fiji Law Society for three consecutive terms from 2016 to 2021.

She recently completed a Juris Doctor bridging course at the University of Melbourne.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms. King said: “I am deeply honoured to join the Board of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and extend my sincere gratitude to the Board and the Minister for Finance for this opportunity. I accept this role with humility and a strong sense of responsibility to the people of Fiji. I am committed to upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and service excellence, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board and management to support FRCS in its mission to serve taxpayers and strengthen national revenue systems.”

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) intercepted a foreign-flagged yacht upon its arrival at Savusavu Port this week.

An advance notification of arrival was submitted prior to docking, which was duly assessed for risk indicators. During this assessment, several red flags were identified, prompting FRCS maritime officers to carry out a targeted inspection of the vessel.

The search led to the discovery of two semi-automatic pistols, 30 pieces of C02 cartriage and 1138 pallets that were not declared by the yacht’s skipper. Under Fiji’s Arms and Ammunition Act, all firearms and ammunition are strictly regulated. Permits and licenses are required for the possession of such items, while transit vessels are obligated to declare them in advance.

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

FRCS reminds all travelers, including yacht owners and sailors, to make accurate and complete declarations when submitting advance arrival information. Failure to do so will result in enforcement action under the law.

FRCS remains committed to protecting Fiji’s borders and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.