FRCS presented 58 companies including their subsidiaries that have a consistent history of excellent tax and customs compliance, with the Gold Card and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) renewal membership certificates during an event organised by FRCS at its Headquarters in Nasese yesterday evening.  

The Gold Card members contribute 57% of FRCS revenue, with collection rising from $882 million in 2021 to $1.67 billion in 2024.

The Gold Card Premium Services was established in 2012, following a government announcement that priority and privileged services be accorded to those companies that are complaint in the matters of taxation and customs. In 2018, FRCS established the AEO Programme which is designed for traders who have an excellent level of compliance, proper management of records and internal control, proven financial validity and robust supply chain security.

While officiating the FRCS Gold Card and AEO membership renewal event, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics, Hon. Prof. Biman Prasad stated that yesterday’s event was to honour businesses that have not only met but exceeded their obligations by adhering to tax and customs regulations.

According to Hon. Prasad, the Gold Card and AEO programs are more than just recognition, they are part of a larger vision to celebrate and reward businesses that have contributed their fair share to the nation’s growth.

“As all of you are aware, paying taxes is not only a civic duty but an essential pillar of our nation’s progress. Taxes fund public services—everything from education, healthcare, and social welfare to infrastructure such as roads, ports, and clean water systems. They also support local government services, including law enforcement, fire departments, and public parks. Without taxes, our government cannot function or provide the vital services that we all rely on. Taxes are at the heart of national development and governance,” he said.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all Gold Card and AEO members. Your commitment to compliance and your fair share of tax contributions directly enable the government to provide essential services like free healthcare, free education, and vital social welfare programs,” Hon. Acting Prime Minister said.

Hon Prasad also commended FRCS for its continuous efforts to improve voluntary tax and customs compliance in Fiji.

He stated that these initiatives are essential in ensuring that Fiji remains on a path of sustainable growth and development.

FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh stated that the Gold Card members receive a range of benefits, including priority tax and customs services, expedited clearances, duty-free allowances, and priority processing at various government agencies.

Mr. Singh also stated that FRCS has partnered with the Fiji Immigration Department, Airports Fiji Limited, Biosecurity Authority, Land Transport Authority, and Fiji Airways to enhance these privileges.

According to Mr Singh, while the percentage of revenue collected in portion to total revenue   from Gold Card members have reduced, the dollar value revenue collection has increased.

He stated that despite maintaining the Gold Card membership numbers, a few members were removed from the program due to non-compliance while new members were added.

“FRCS is committed to compliance and will not tolerate non-compliant behaviour, “Mr. Singh stated.

He also said that the FRCS Gold Card and AEO team is working towards further enhancing our priority and privileges to our members including increasing the Gold Card and AEO membership from 2 years to 3 years, working closely with our partner agencies to further strengthen their services to our Gold Card and AEO members and providing a more targeted and personalised service to them.

While giving her vote of thanks, our Director Taxation Ms. Momina Beg thanked all the esteemed Gold Card and AEO members for their close collaboration and proactive engagement with FRCS and for being compliant in tax and customs. 

“By being compliant, our Gold Card and AEO are not only helping FRCS in successfully executing our work but also contributing greatly to Fiji’s economic growth and development.  The Gold Card and AEO programs are successful because of the close collaboration and engagement between FRCS and the members,” Ms Beg said.

FRCS will also be holding a Gold Card and AEO membership renewal event in Nadi on Friday to recognise and acknowledge the great contributions of the Gold Card and AEO members in the West.

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Customs officers at the Nadi International Airport successfully intercepted a 33-year-old Fijian national attempting to smuggle what is suspected to be methamphetamine into the country on Friday, 31st January 2025. The individual, who arrived on an international flight, was found with white substance concealed in various ways in his baggage which tested positive for methamphetamine during preliminary examination.

The passenger was selected for full customs examination based on customs risk-based selectivity. During the examination, customs officers discovered food products and a backpack with false walls, both containing substances suspected of being methamphetamine. The total weight of the substance is approximately 2.3 kilograms.

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

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Chief Executive Officer, Udit Singh, stated that FRCS and its partner agencies have invested heavily in securing Fiji’s borders.

 Mr. Singh added that the Customs officers receive capacity-building opportunities locally and internationally, along with secondment opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills in border security.

FRCS has recently established a passenger intelligence and targeting unit which has led to profiling and targeting of such individuals. Mr. Singh also issued a stern warning to criminals that our officers are fully prepared to fight this war on drugs and protect our borders.

He stated that illicit drug smugglers will be caught.

Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka officiated at the 2025 International Customs Day (ICD) celebrations held at the FRCS Headquarters in Nasese this morning. Hon Rabuka was accorded with the full traditional welcome by the FRCS officers.

ICD, observed on January 26th each year, stands as a testament to the vital role of customs in shaping global trade and cooperation.

The theme for this year’s ICD is “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity”. The theme emphasizes that Customs’ commitments go beyond compliance, calling for active implementation and continuous improvement.

In his welcome remarks, the FRCS Board Chair, Mr. Malakai Naiyaga, acknowledged the vital role customs play in global trade and security, ensuring that the borders remain secure while facilitating the seamless movement of goods and services.

Mr. Naiyaga said that this year, FRCS also acknowledged the importance of translating its commitments into tangible actions that promote trade facilitation, ensure security, and support sustainable economic growth.

“Our commitment to efficiency is reflected in the ongoing improvements we have implemented to enhance trade facilitation,” he said.

Hon. Rabuka commended the efforts of the Customs officers who tirelessly work to ensure that our ports and borders operate smoothly, facilitating legitimate trade while minimizing disruptions.

“The role of customs in national security cannot be overstated. It is through their meticulous inspections and monitoring that our nations are protected from the influx of contraband, counterfeit goods, and other harmful entities,” he stated.

“Today, we salute the dedication and bravery of customs officers who stand as the first line of defense, ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

Hon. Rabuka also stated that the revenue collected through customs duties and taxes forms a substantial portion of national budgets, funding essential public services and infrastructure projects.

“As we celebrate International Customs Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering our customs administrations. The theme, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” is not merely a slogan but a testament to the enduring dedication of customs officers around the world,” he said.

FRCS officially handed over all responsibilities related to the Tertiary Education and Loan Scheme (TELS) and the National Toppers Scheme (NTS) that have been administered by FRCS to the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) this morning.

These responsibilities included:

• Receipting loan repayments from students
• Providing travel release to students going abroad
• Providing clearance for full repayment of loan and completion of bond service
• Liaising with the Fiji Immigration Department on updates to the Controversial List
• Bond and payment reconciliation.

Last year, the TSLS Act was amended to legislate and give effect to the travel and bond clearance and recoveries on unserved bond function from FRCS to TSLS. During the hand over ceremony, FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh stated that  the FRCS team had worked extremely hard to provide excellent service to all the students who have come to FRCS for assistance. Mr. Singh added that FRCS has assisted thousands of students with their travel release, clearance for full payment or completion of bond service and other requests.

He thanked the Fiji Immigration Department for its collaboration and assistance with the Departure Prohibition Order (DPO). Mr. Singh also thanked the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) for assisting us with the required information for full clearance and TSLS for working closely with us on this initiative over the years. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the FRCS TELS Recovery Unit and other officers for working tirelessly in ensuring timely travel release, clearance and other requests by students and guarantors.

Effective from 13^th January, FRCS will not be providing any services related to TELS/NTS.

This will be provided by TSLS. For more information and clarification, people can contact TSLS.