FRCS recently hosted a Customs Broker forum at the Suva Port by virtually connecting Suva and Nadi Port to provide an awareness on the 2026/2027 National Budget and requirements for importation of the prefabricated home.

The forum formed part of FRCS’ ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration and engagement with key stakeholders. Customs Brokers remain valued partners in supporting Fiji’s trade environment, playing a critical role in facilitating efficient, transparent, and compliant import and export processes. FRCS recognises that strong partnerships are essential to achieving national economic and revenue objectives.

During the session, FRCS senior officials provided detailed briefings on budgetary and revenue policy measures relevant to Customs Brokers. The forum served as a platform for open dialogue, technical clarification, and the exchange of insights to support a shared understanding of the new fiscal policies and their practical implications.

A key focus of the discussion was on tariff and duty adjustments, including duty concessions, customs tariff reductions, and other revenue measures introduced under the 2026/2027 National Budget. Participants also received updates on compliance requirements and ongoing transformation initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and operational efficiency.

Attendees were given the opportunity to engage directly with FRCS officials, seek clarification on specific matters, and receive tailored guidance on customs and taxation-related issues. The engagement fostered constructive discussions, enhanced stakeholder understanding, and reinforced the spirit of partnership between FRCS and the customs brokerage community.

The forum also provided Customs Brokers with an avenue to raise operational concerns, explore practical solutions to customs and tax challenges, and gain expert advice from FRCS specialists.

FRCS remains committed to supporting businesses and stakeholders through ongoing awareness and engagement initiatives. These efforts are designed to ensure that stakeholders remain well-informed, prepared, and equipped for the effective implementation of the 2026/2027 National Budget revenue policies and related reforms.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) today celebrated a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), hosting a vibrant MSME Day 2026 event in Suva that highlighted the achievements, resilience, and growth of Fiji’s small business community.

The event was attended by the Deputy Representative of the UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office, Ms. Eri Taniguchi, who commended the significant progress made by Fiji’s MSME sector and recognized the positive impact of partnerships that support entrepreneurs, particularly women-led businesses.

A total of 252 MSMEs from the FRCS MSME Business Community were presented with certificates in recognition of their dedication to business development, compliance, and continuous learning. Among them, 39 MSMEs successfully completed a comprehensive three-year training and coaching programme, graduating as independent businesses that are fully compliant with tax and customs requirements.

Recognising the strong partnership between FRCS and UN Women through the Markets for Change Project, Ms. Taniguchi highlighted the shared commitment to creating an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs and market vendors throughout Fiji.

“For many years, UN Women’s Markets for Change Programme has worked in close partnership with municipal councils, market vendor associations, government agencies and community leaders to improve the socio-economic security of women market vendors,” said Ms. Taniguchi.

“Central to this work has been empowering women with knowledge, skills, leadership opportunities and access to markets and services that enable them to grow their businesses with confidence.”

“FRCS has been an important partner in this journey. Through its engagement with market vendors and MSMEs, FRCS has helped increase awareness of tax obligations, business registration processes, financial literacy, and the importance of formalising businesses.”

FRCS Director Taxation, Ms. Momina Beg, said the organisation has trained more than 6,000 MSMEs across Fiji over the past four years, demonstrating FRCS’ strong commitment to supporting and strengthening the small business sector.

“This achievement reflects our dedication to educating, supporting and empowering MSMEs while building trust and confidence in tax and customs processes,” said Ms. Beg.

“By helping businesses understand their obligations and access the right support, we are creating pathways for sustainable growth and enabling MSMEs to make a greater contribution to Fiji’s economic development.”

As part of the celebration, FRCS also launched its MSME Newsletter and a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Guide for MSMEs, further strengthening its efforts to make business and compliance information more accessible.

The newsletter marks another important step in FRCS’ journey to educate, engage and build stronger relationships with MSMEs by providing timely updates, practical information, and success stories from the business community.

The FAQ Guide has been designed as a practical resource for aspiring and existing business owners, addressing common questions about starting and operating a business. Topics include business registration, tax obligations, record keeping and lodging income tax returns, providing entrepreneurs with clear and accessible guidance at every stage of their business journey.

The guide reflects FRCS’ commitment to simplifying tax and customs information and ensuring that every entrepreneur has the knowledge, confidence and tools needed to establish and grow a successful business.

The event also featured inspiring testimonials from MSME owners and partners, who shared how FRCS training programmes helped transform their businesses from informal operations into structured enterprises with sound financial management practices and clear growth strategies.

As MSME Day 2026 celebrations concluded, FRCS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Fiji’s entrepreneurs through continued education, innovative digital solutions, and personalised coaching, ensuring MSMEs remain a driving force in the nation’s economic growth and prosperity.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the Customs and Tariff Bureau of the Ministry of Finance of Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC), establishing a new framework of technical cooperation between the two customs administrations.

Under the agreement, Japan Customs will assign a dedicated Liaison Officer for Capacity Building (LOCB) to Fiji. This marks a significant step in deepening the longstanding relationship between the two organizations and reinforces Japan’s continued support for customs modernization across the Pacific.

The signing of the MOC reflects the shared commitment of both FRCS and Japan Customs to strengthening customs capabilities across the region. This agreement builds on Japan’s broader engagement with the Pacific region through initiatives such as the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) framework and complements ongoing regional efforts to harmonise customs standards and practices.

The LOCB will serve as the primary point of contact between FRCS and Japan Customs on all matters relating to technical cooperation. By stationing a dedicated liaison officer in Fiji, Japan Customs aims to provide more direct, sustained, and responsive support allowing capacity building initiatives to be better tailored to the specific needs of FRCS.

FRCS has welcomed the partnership as an opportunity to enhance staff expertise, adopt international best practices, and further align its operations with global customs standards.

We were pleased to partner with the Fiji Trade Commission North America to deliver an online seminar focused on providing a general overview of Fiji’s tax system for the Fijian diaspora. The session guided participants through the process of registering for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) using the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS), while also highlighting key digital services offered by FRCS that support individuals pursuing investment and business opportunities in Fiji.

Our team covered important topics including updating taxpayer information on TPOS, business registration procedures, and the obligations of non-resident individuals. In addition, they addressed a range of other relevant tax matters and responded to participant queries during the session.

We appreciate the opportunity to engage with the diaspora and remain committed to supporting their understanding and compliance with Fiji’s tax system.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has recorded net revenue collections of $3.226 billion for the first eleven months of the 2025–2026 financial year, placing Government revenue $156.9 million (5.1%) above the year-to-date forecast and $52.3 million (1.6%) ahead of the same period last year.

The Government’s net revenue target for the financial year ending 31 July 2026 is approximately $3.37 billion. With 95.7% of that target already achieved and one month remaining, FRCS is well positioned to meet, and potentially modestly exceed, the annual target, subject to normal revenue performance in July.

For the month of June alone, FRCS collected $430.1 million, exceeding the monthly forecast by $75.8 million (21.4%) and outperforming June 2025 collections by $49.6 million (13.0%).

Chief Executive Officer Udit Singh said the results demonstrate the resilience of Fiji’s revenue base and the effectiveness of FRCS’s compliance and revenue collection programs, despite a more challenging domestic and global economic environment.

“The Reserve Bank has recently highlighted a more cautious outlook for economic growth due to global uncertainty, higher fuel prices and geopolitical developments. Against that backdrop, these results are encouraging and reflect the resilience of Fiji’s taxpayers, businesses and the broader economy.”

The strongest contributors to revenue growth during the year were Company Income Tax, PAYE and Value Added Tax, supported by positive performances in Excise Duty, Capital Gains Tax and Departure Tax.

The continued strength in Company Income Tax reflects healthy profitability across many sectors of the economy, while PAYE collections indicate that employment and wages have remained resilient. Strong Domestic VAT collections also demonstrate that business activity and consumer spending remained relatively stable throughout much of the financial year.

Mr. Singh said the revenue performance reflects more than inflation alone.

“While imported inflation and higher prices have contributed to growth in some revenue lines, the overall performance has been driven by a combination of genuine economic activity, resilient businesses, sustained employment and stronger tax compliance. At FRCS, we have continued to strengthen intelligence-led compliance, debt recovery, audit programmes and digital risk management, ensuring a fairer and more effective tax system.”

FRCS also continued to process legitimate taxpayer refunds efficiently, with refunds representing 8 percent of gross revenue, supporting business cash flow while maintaining the integrity of the revenue system.

Looking ahead, Mr Singh said FRCS will continue to monitor domestic and international economic developments closely.

“The coming months will provide a clearer picture of how businesses and households respond to recent fuel supply challenges and ongoing global headwinds. While the economic outlook remains cautious, the strength of revenue collections over the first eleven months provides confidence that Fiji enters the new financial year from a solid fiscal position.”

Mr. Singh acknowledged the contribution of Fiji’s taxpayers, employers, importers, exporters, customs brokers, and the wider business community for their continued commitment to voluntary compliance.

“These results reflect the partnership between FRCS and Fiji’s taxpayers. Every dollar collected supports essential public services, national infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development. We thank all compliant taxpayers for the important role they play in building a stronger Fiji.”

Revenue Snapshot – 11 Months to June 2026

• Annual Net Revenue Target (FY ending 31 July 2026): Approximately $3.37 billion
• Year-to-Date Net Revenue: $3.226 billion (95.7% of annual target)
• Above Year-to-Date Forecast: $156.9 million (+5.1%)
• Above Same Period Last Year: $52.3 million (+1.6%)
• June 2026 Net Revenue: $430.1 million
• June Above Forecast: $75.8 million (+21.4%)
• June Above June 2025: $49.6 million (+13.0%)

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) wishes to clarify several factual matters regarding the recent departure of a taxpayer who was subject to a Departure Prohibition Order (DPO).

On 26 March 2026, FRCS issued a Departure Prohibition Order under Section 31 of the Tax Administration Act 2009 in relation to Company A and transmitted the order to the Department of Immigration for implementation within the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS).

Following further compliance activities and legal review, FRCS prepared and signed, on 13 April 2026, a revised suite of DPO documents to administratively transition the DPO from Company A to Company B through the simultaneous revocation of the original DPO and the immediate issuance of a new DPO.

This administrative transition ensured that the DPO remained legally valid, active, and enforceable under the correct legal entity.

On 14 April 2026 at 9:57 am, FRCS transmitted the revised DPO documentation to the Department of Immigration for implementation.

At 11:00 am, the Department of Immigration confirmed in writing that the revised DPO had “been actioned.” Further confirmation was received at 11:35 am that the revised Departure Prohibition Order relating to Company B had been successfully activated within the Immigration system.

At approximately 2:00 pm on the same day (14th April), the taxpayer was personally served with the revised Departure Prohibition Order and acknowledged receipt by signing the notice.

Despite these actions, the taxpayer departed Fiji at 11.55 pm that evening.

FRCS wishes to reiterate that at all times, according to the documentation issued by FRCS to the Ministry of Immigration, an active DPO was always in place.

FRCS has requested the Department of Immigration to undertake a comprehensive review of the matter, including a full audit trail of all actions undertaken within the Integrated Border Management System, to establish the sequence of events and determine how the taxpayer was able to depart despite the existence of a valid Departure Prohibition Order.

FRCS remains committed to protecting the integrity of Fiji’s tax system and will continue working closely with the Department of Immigration and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen inter-agency enforcement processes.

As this matter is currently under active investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further until the investigation is complete.

Frontline officers of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) have strengthened their capabilities in identifying illicit drug manufacturing activities following a specialized Clan Lab Awareness training programme delivered by New Zealand Customs Service, in partnership with the New Zealand Police and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The initiative forms part of ongoing regional cooperation to combat transnational organized crime, particularly the growing threat of methamphetamine production and trafficking across the Pacific.

Designed specifically for frontline border personnel, the awareness sessions focused on equipping officers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to detect indicators of clandestine laboratories (“clan labs”) and related criminal activity. The training highlighted how seemingly ordinary environments, such as warehouse facilities inspected during routine cargo examinations, could potentially be used for illicit drug production.

Participants were guided through the identification of everyday items and imported goods that may be associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine. This included recognizing chemicals, equipment, and materials that, while legitimate in isolation, could signal suspicious activity when found in certain combinations or quantities.

The sessions also explored the various pathways through which illicit substances and precursor materials are smuggled into the country. Officers received targeted insights into risks across cargo shipments, mail streams, unaccompanied baggage, freight consignments, and passenger movements. A key component of the training examined concealment techniques used by criminal networks, with real-life examples demonstrating how methamphetamine can be hidden in unconventional ways.

Visual case studies formed an important part of the programme, including examples from New Zealand. Officers reviewed images and scenarios involving substances concealed in picture frames, impregnated fabrics, and other atypical items. These practical illustrations were aimed at sharpening officers’ ability to identify anomalies and apply risk-based judgement during inspections.

Delivered through interactive presentations and supported by a question-and-answer session, the workshop provided an engaging and informative platform for knowledge exchange. The content underscored the importance of vigilance and informed decision-making at the border, particularly as drug trafficking methods continue to evolve.

The Clan Lab Awareness workshop was conducted at the request of Fiji, reflecting the country’s proactive approach to strengthening border protection measures. It also builds on the strong and longstanding partnership between New Zealand Customs and FRCS. In recent years, this collaboration has included capacity-building initiatives such as intelligence-gathering workshops and the Pacific Leadership Programme delivered in both Nadi and Suva.

New Zealand Customs reaffirmed its commitment to supporting FRCS and acknowledged the value of the close working relationship between the two agencies. Through continued cooperation and shared expertise, both countries aim to enhance regional resilience against organised crime and safeguard the Pacific’s borders.

FRCS expressed its sincere appreciation to New Zealand Customs, the New Zealand Police, and the Government of New Zealand for their continued support and partnership. FRCS acknowledged the significant value of not only the Clan Lab Awareness initiative, but also the broader range of capacity-building programmes delivered in recent years, which have played a critical role in strengthening Fiji’s border security capabilities and advancing regional collaboration.

FRCS was proud to participate as one of the key service delivery agencies in the Naitasiri Community Outreach Program, led by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF). This initiative underscored a shared commitment to extending essential services to rural and remote communities, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all Fijians.

As part of this outreach, FRCS conducted a series of Talanoa sessions across five villages including Nasava, Nasauvere, Tubarua, Matawailevu, and Korovou and providing vital services while fostering greater awareness and understanding of taxation and business obligations. Notably, this engagement represents a significant milestone for FRCS, marking the first time services have been delivered in the interior regions of Naitasiri, reaching communities that have traditionally had limited access due to geographical constraints.

Services Provided:

• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) registrations

• Guidance on New Dwelling House (NDH) refund requirements

• Assistance with business registration inquiries

• Support for online tax return filing

• General taxation advice and information

Key Advisory to Business Owners:

• Register their businesses with the Registrar of Companies (RoC)

• Complete registration with FRCS

• Maintain accurate records to support online tax filing.

• Understand requirements related to TIN and NDH refunds.

The village halls in the five villages served as central venues, ensuring accessibility and convenience for participants from surrounding areas.

Despite the logistical challenges, including multiple river crossings on foot to access interior villages without formal road networks, the team remained committed to delivering services to these communities. The outreach also highlighted the need for improved internet connectivity to support systems such as TPOS.

Additionally, community members were guided on the importance of safeguarding their joint cards, noting that replacement fees are now set at $20. Clarifications were also provided to address common misunderstandings, particularly for sole traders, emphasizing that registration with the RoC is only the initial step and must be followed by FRCS registration and the submission of tax returns, regardless of whether income falls below the $30,000 threshold.

Overall, the outreach program reflects FRCS’s ongoing dedication to bridging service gaps and empowering communities through direct engagement, education, and accessible service delivery in even the most remote parts of Fiji.

FRCS extends its sincere appreciation to its valued partners, whose collaboration has been instrumental in supporting our initiatives. We acknowledge the FNPF, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs (Vola ni Kawa Bula), the Ministry of Justice (Births, Deaths and Marriages), HFC Bank, the Naitasiri Provincial Council, and Naitasiri Community Policing for their continued partnership and commitment. Their collective efforts have greatly contributed to the successful delivery of services and strengthened engagement within the community.