The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is advising members of the public to be wary of fake Facebook and WhatsApp requests demanding them to pay ‘customs clearance fees’ before their goods are released to them. 

Information gathered by FRCS revealed that a number of Fijians have been tricked through fake Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger requests advising them that the goods they have imported were being held by ‘Customs’ and that they need to pay ‘customs clearance fees’ into numerous local bank accounts that are being provided by the scammers through social media. 

This money is then withdrawn from bank accounts by swindlers and remitted through post office to their partners. The total cash involved in all transaction to date is FJ$ 31,620. 

FRCS Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms Fane W. Vave clarified that payment for customs clearance are only done at Customs counters and through FRCS bank account. 

“We will never ask people through Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger to make payments. If people receive such requests, they can always call our Hotline number 1326 or email us on info@frcs.org.fj for verification,” Ms Vave said. 

“Members of the public and social media users need to be vigilant as they can be victims to this type of scams. It is important for people to be aware of the scams happening.” 

Ms Vave advised victims of this scam to report the matter to relevant authorities. 

For further information, please contact on (679) 9926170 or email on info@frcs.org.fj; or dnarayan@frcs.org.fj . 

In a strategic move to expand its service delivery and demonstrate its commitment to sustainable improvement in customer services, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) today announced its upcoming extension of service hours and introduction of a Pop-up Service Desk in Nasinu.

Effective from Friday 1 May 2020, FRCS will have Pop-up Service Desk at the Housing Authority of Fiji Head Office in Valelevu for ease of customers to access FRCS services.

In addition, from Saturday 2 May 2020, FRCS will be extending its operating hours for its Contact Centre service and Customer Service Offices in Suva, Lautoka, Nadi, Nausori and Labasa to Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

“We understand that tax can be an intimidating topic to discuss for new entrepreneurs, small businesses and many people, therefore as an Organisation we need to simplify how we communicate and make ourselves more accessible so that it is easier for taxpayers to understand and comply with the tax rules. And more importantly, so that businesses and individuals can utilise the incentives and policies which are designed to benefit them,” said the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Fane Vave, while announcing this development.

“I acknowledge and thank Housing Authority of Fiji. And I reaffirm our commitment at Fiji Revenue and Customs Service to become a more service-oriented organization and deliver services to the taxpayers and business community,” emphasised Ms. Vave.

For further information, please email on info@frcs.org.fj.

Further to the Prime Minister Hon. Voreqe Bainimarama’s announcement, on restrictions to all inter-island shipping movements from 12am Sunday, 29 March 2020, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) would like to urge and remind people living in the maritime communities to report any foreign yachts arriving in their waters by calling the FRCS Coast Watch Maritime Hotline phone number 3243461.

In the event that small crafts and yachts are sighted by Maritime communities, it is advised not to allow the passengers and crew on board the yacht to come into contact with the community unless proper clearance have been granted from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Department of Immigration and FRCS.

FRCS encourages all Fijians and members of the community to report any suspicious activities and movements of yachts by calling the Coast Watch hotline number on 3243461 or email us on info@frcs.org.fj .

COVID-19 Response Budget – Summary of Revenue Policies

With the evolving situation of COVID-19 in the country, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has taken a number of precautionary measures to ensure health and safety of its employees, customers and community, while ensuring business continuity at the same time.

Effective today, to minimize contacts, all joint cards will be posted to customers through mail. Customers can apply for joint card through our Taxpayer Online Portal (TPOS) which can be accessed through our website www.frcs.org.fj.

Customers who do not have postal address can email us on jediservice@frcs.org.fj and confirm a time and collection date suitable to them.

“We also encourage our customers to use our online services for lodgment of returns, registration of new taxpayer Identification numbers (TIN), application of joint cards and online payment of taxes. We have implemented new preventative measures to ensure that we continue to provide critical services to our customers and stakeholders”, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Fane Vave said.

“Whilst we are encouraging the use of online services, FRCS also wishes to remind customers to refrain from sharing their confidential information such as user ID, one-time log-in code, TIN and other personal information online”.

FRCS appreciates the trust that you place in us and we thank you for your understanding as we go through this challenging time together.

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The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) formalized their commitment to work in partnership in protecting Fiji from illicit trade and travel, at today’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held at the Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN) Headquarters in Walu Bay.

The signing ceremony was effectuated by the FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das and the Commander Fiji Navy, CAPTAIN (N) Humphrey Tawake attended to by senior officials from both agencies.

The MOU cements FRCSs’ and RFNs’ (of the RFMF) commitment to cooperate and coordinate their resources (through Information Sharing; Specialist Training and joint Operations out at sea) for the sole purpose of protecting the integrity of Fiji’s sovereignty and Fijians, against transnational illicit activities. Such illicit activities include money laundry, importing of prohibited goods including arms and ammunition, etc.

Mr. Das said one of the Statutory responsibilities for both parties is to protect Fiji and this MOU will enable both parties to achieve this.
“FRCS will provide relevant trainings to RFMF officers relating to boarding, search and seizure of goods and Customs duties,” Mr. Das said.
“This MOU will enable both parties to share information relating to the movements of all vessels within Fiji Territorial Waters. The information shared will be used and handled responsibly within the parameters of the legal limitations,” Mr. Das added.

Mr. Das acknowledged RFMF for the partnership efforts.

“We are grateful to RFMF for agreeing to share information which will assist all of us. FRCS looks forward to a great partnership and cooperation for the betterment of Fiji,” he said.

The Commander of the Fiji Navy, CAPT. (N) Tawake reiterated the sentiments shared by Mr. Das adding that this partnership was well overdue.

“The Fiji Navy will provide the relevant support needed by the FRCS to effectively carry out its regulatory functions within the 12nmiles territorial waters of Fiji. With the shared vision of partnership amongst government agencies such as the one displayed at this morning’s MOU signing ceremony, the year 2020 seems to be a promising one; strengthening border security including Customs duty enforcement”.

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The Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS) has uncovered what looks like a highly connected network of individuals working within the country with intent to make money from proceeds of criminal activities.

This after an Importer in the Western Division was recently investigated for allegedly smuggling four (4) Hilux vehicles into the country from overseas. These vehicles were imported between 2016 to 2019. Information has been ascertained that these vehicles were either reported stolen or were written off overseas thus the importation of this vehicles are prohibited under the Customs laws. The Revenue and Customs is also investigating two other suspected prohibited vehicle imports into the country.

“We uncovered the “modus operandi” being used is accident and insurance written-off vehicles are purchased and then the same number plates and road worthiness are used on illegally imported vehicles. We are collaborating with the Land Transport Authority to holistically crackdown on this illegal operation.”

“We are also investigating the fact that the vehicle frame or chassis numbers were altered and given a new look to conceal the alleged smuggling racket. All four vehicles have been detained by FRCS pending legal proceeding. Information received indicates that the vehicles came in a consignment marked as spare parts without any declaration of the vehicles”, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Visvanath Das said.

“‘During the process of investigations, two FRCS staff were also implicated as colluding to facilitate this illegal import. The Service has terminated their employment contracts instantaneously and is pursuing criminal prosecution”, CEO stated.

“We sought assistance from various Ministries, Private Sector Companies, the Australian Federal Police and Customs and the New Zealand Police and NZ Customs to investigate this matter. We realize that Border Security is a serious business and a collaborative approach should be taken with both local border agencies and international Customs Administrations globally to crack down on illegal activities. Under our Customs to Customs Cooperation arrangements intelligence sharing has intensified and we no longer work in isolation. While the Service is committed to facilitate trade, be rest assured that with the processes, systems and partnerships in place at the Border we will detect illegal activities”, Mr. Das said.

“We are grateful to credible Intelligence information received from the public in regards to the above smuggling case which led to the investigation and detention of vehicles. Members of the public are encouraged to report any Customs or Tax evasions or any unprofessional conduct by simply emailing to the Chief Executive Officer on ceo@frcs.org.fj  or a letter addressed to him or you can also report it in person.

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The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is pleased to announce the roll out of Phase 1 of its Taxpayer Online Services (TPOS) system.

“This has been a great collaborative effort and we’re now in a great position to rollout Phase 1 of the $48million transformation project, with the support of our specialist SAP partner Invenio Solutions,” FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das said.

In this first phase of Implementation, we are pleased to announce that the following services are now be available online.  

1. Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy (ECAL) plastic Bag
2. Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy (ECAL) prescribed services
3. Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT)
4. Service Turnover Tax (STT)
5. Telecommunications Levy
6. Value Added Tax (VAT)
7. Joint Electronic Identification card /TIN card application
8. New Tax Identification Number (TIN) registration

When we say services are available online, it means that customers can register, file tax returns and make online payments for all of the above services emphasized Mr. Das.

“The remaining Tax types will still be managed under the current Fiji Integrated Tax System (FITS) until the all the phases are rolled out,” he added.

Mr. Das said the new online system introduces an up-to-date online standard in Fiji where tax services will be made accessible, ensures a higher level of voluntary compliance and ultimately aims to enhance the customer experience.

Some of the benefits to taxpayers include the ability to;

• register and file returns online;
• fully integrated tax portal with multiple self-service features,
• 24×7 access to services reducing visits to tax offices and
• optimized user interface for ease of navigation and accessibility.

In order for customers to access the portal they must (I) Complete their one-time login code form (II) personally collect their one-time code from any FRCS office and (iii) Log unto the taxpayer portal.

The forms for the One Time Login Code can be accessed by clicking on the following link https://www.frcs.org.fj/our-services/taxation/taxation-forms/registration-change-of-address-forms/

Customers can access the portal on the following website https://tpos.frcs.org.fj/taxpayerportal

Mr. Das assures members of the public that regular updates will be communicated as the project progresses and acknowledged the invaluable contribution of stakeholders and Industry partners who have worked with FRCS in the design and testing phase of the project.

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