In a bid to ensure the smooth facilitation of sharing of data, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Board (TSLB) and Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts (MEHA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today.

The MOU was signed between FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das, TSLB Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bobby Maharaj and MEHA Permanent Secretary, Ms. Alison Burchell.

All parties through the legislated framework in this MOU will be able to share information and enhance partnership.

“The purpose of the MOU is to set out relevant Information and controls in place to ensure that any information shared are used and handled responsibly within the parameters of the legal limitations,” Mr. Das said.

“Most importantly, this MOU will enable all parties to maximize the recovery of student loan and eliminate any fraudulent behavior relating to the recovery processes,” he said.

“This MOU will enable us to work closely and enhance our partnership in carrying out statutory responsibilities towards revenue collection,” he said.

“This will also enhance our service to TELS students who are now able to access their account balance through their portals. This MOU will enable up-to-date student information and high accurate and real time account balances,” he added.

Mr. Das acknowledged the partnership of TSLB and MEHA.

“We are grateful to TSLB and MEHA for agreeing to share information which will assist all of us,” Mr. Das said.

“FRCS looks forward to a great partnership and cooperation for the betterment of the people of Fiji,” he added.

Mr. Maharaj welcomed the signing of the MOU.

“The MOU facilitates the sharing of information/data of common interest between the agencies in a responsible manner without impinging on the legal framework governing each institution or the constitutional rights of any Fijian. The MOU expands and nurtures synergistic partnership between the three institutions and will strengthen the administration, enforcement and monitoring of the legal mandate that TSLB has. The MOU will greatly assist TSLB in assessing and making an informed decision on the applications received, particularly where some means test is applied to the eligibility criteria and also mitigation of the risks associated with possible fraudulent activities,” he said.

Ms. Burchell expressed similar sentiments.

“Sharing data is important in the context of increasing cooperation between various organisations. In this instance, we will benefit from being able to ensure that those families who meet the threshold will be eligible for subsidized transport to and from school.  This will meet the Government’s stated objective of ensuring no student is left behind and that barriers to education are removed,” she said.

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The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Customs launched the Customs, Shipping and Airline Agents Code of Conduct this afternoon at the FRCS Boardroom, Nasese Complex, in Suva.

Launching the Code, FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das said the Code will enhance partnership with Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Fiji (CBFCF) and create a level playing field for Customs Agents.

“The aim of this Code of Conduct is to set “business ethics” guidelines for Customs, Shipping and Airline Agents establishing principles, values and rules of behavior encouraging them to achieve high standards of professional conduct and to properly perform their duties,” Mr. Das said.

“The focus is also on “Trust Based self-assessment” ensuring Voluntary Compliance by the industry players in order to experiences quick processing of customs documents and clearance of goods from customs control,” he said.

“The series of standards of diligence, professional competence, integrity and self-discipline outlined will promote honesty, transparency and assist government to collect correct duties and taxes with less compliance cost,” he added.

This Code of Conduct is a product of FRCS and industry consultation.

Mr. Das said FRCS previously encountered cases of fraudulent behaviors by some of the Customs Agents in the past and hopes that this Code of Conduct will eliminate such behaviors in future and also avoid customs fines and penalties for non-compliance.

“Customs Law has stringent Penalty provision such as 3 times the value of the goods or 10 years’ imprisonment. Customs, shipping and Airline Agents license can be penalized for false declarations, undervaluation, incorrect description, incorrect tariff classification, incorrect use of goods origin, double-invoicing, abuse of duty concession for commercial benefits,” Mr. Das said.

Mr. Das urged Customs Agents to work closely with FRCS to better serve their clients and within the ambits of the Customs Law and Regulations.

“FRCS also recognize that Customs, shipping and Airline Agents are our eyes and ears in the supply chain and they play a critical role to validate transaction on behalf of the traders and taxpayers ensuring efficiency, neutral and transparent process for revenue collection, border protection, trade and trade facilitation.

This year FRCS has granted 3 year licenses to all license Customs, Shipping and Airline agents ensuring partnership approach and better credibility in their dealings with FRCS.

Present during the launch, CBFCF Board Member, Mr. Ram Rajend acknowledged the efforts of Customs Division for developing this Code. With his 45 years of experience in Customs arena, he commended Customs administration transformation for the better.

He assured full support from CBFCF members to achieve the aim of this code of conduct and identify loopholes to improve the processes and partnership with FRCS.

For queries, please contact the Public Relations Team on 3243031/32433013 or email publicrelations@frcs.org.fj

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Customs Officers are undergoing a Practical Valuation workshop conducted by New Zealand Customs Service at the Regional Training Centre in Nasese.

This workshop is a refresher for Customs Officers on Valuation issues.

“This workshop for Customs Officers will refresh and reinforce their knowledge on Customs Valuation,” FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das said.

“It will provide participants with the up-to-date technical information on the topic of Customs valuation and to share and discuss good practices for effective valuation controls,” Mr. Das said. 

Mr. Das stressed lack of understanding of Customs Valuation and its supporting procedures aggravates integrity issues.

 “We have carried out audits and investigations of transactions whereby honest disclosures have not been made for Customs purpose,” he said.

“Manipulation of invoices has been a common occurrence which will be addressed in this workshop,” he added.

Mr. Das highlighted the need for Customs to work closely with Customs Brokers to identify Customs Valuation issues.

He also acknowledged the efforts of New Zealand Customs Service for their expertise and urged participants to actively engage in continuous dialogue in the next few days with the experts and share experiences and best practices.

New Zealand Customs Service facilitator Mr. Colin Brown said discussions will be based on verification of values and techniques to deal with royalties, licence payments and other valuation adjustments.

Facilitators will conduct similar workshop with Customs Brokers on Thursday 26th September followed by Customs Officers and Brokers in the Western Division next month.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Public Rental Board (PRB) and Housing Authority (HA) which will encourage mutual cooperation in the area of sharing information.

The MOU was signed by FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das, Acting General Manager PRB, Mr. Pat Veu and HA Board Chair, Mr. Nesbitt Hazelman.

“The purpose of the MOU is to set out relevant information and controls in place to ensure that any information shared is used and handled responsibly within the parameters of the legal limitations,” Mr. Das said.

Mr. Das said the MOU will enable all parties to work closely and enhance our partnership in carrying out statutory responsibilities.

“The data shared will assist in compliance checks as compliance is paramount,” Mr. Das said.

“There have been cases where recipients applying for Housing lots and PRB flats are not eligible due to the income threshold, however, they try to beat the system by giving false information and the much deserving/eligible recipients are left out,” he said.

“This MOU will now enable us to curb this issue by accessing information for verification purpose,” he added.  

Mr. Veu said “the signing of MOU with FRCS will enable PRB to allocate flats through Expression of Interests from Fijians in an amicable manner to the deserving recipients. We now work as a team to achieve the common national goal. This MOU will also assist us in transiting tenants to home ownership.”

Mr. Hazelman expressed similar sentiments.

“With the number of applicants that HA receives for any subdivision that is advertised, this MOU will now ensure that we identify – from the get-go – those who are deserving to be considered for allocation,” he said.

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A World Customs Organisation (WCO) Sub-Regional workshop on Small Island Economies (SIE) for the Pacific Islands commenced yesterday at the Regional Training Centre in Nasese.

WCO experts are in the country to conduct this workshop.

The workshop will be held from 10^th – 14^th September 2019 with Customs administration participants from Fiji, New Zealand, Tonga, Maldives, Guam, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Timor Leste, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Island. 

“The aim of this workshop is to enable participants to come up with measures to assist Small Island Economies to strengthen risk management, trade and travel facilitation and revenue collection,” Fiji Revenue and Customs Service Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das said. 

“Small Island Countries have always been vulnerable to illicit trafficking and organized crimes at the borders and it is this kind of workshops that brings us together to focus on challenges faced by Customs Administrations and discuss how we can address these challenges,” Mr. Das said.

Mr. Das stressed there is a need for Customs administration in the Pacific to enhance cooperation.

“No doubt the WCO diagnostic tools have been instrumental in addressing Customs Administrative issues over the years, however, there is a need for regional cooperation and enhanced support to achieve the 2019 WCO theme: SMART Borders for Seamless Trade, Travel and Transport,” Mr. Das said.

“Pacific Island Countries should continue to collaborate to improve border management. Improved border management will contribute to economic growth including the facilitation of legitimate trade and border security,” he said.

“The WCO member countries have made a commitment to adopt International Standards and to share best practices.  This approach will not only curb criminal activities but also enhance investment and trade for economic prosperity,” he added.

Head of Regional Asia Pacific Office for Capacity Building (ROCB), Mr. Norikazu Kuramoto expressed similar sentiments.

“This workshop will help understand the WCO instruments in applying for trade facilitation and overall enhancement of competence to combat illegal trade in island situations and to identify the gaps,” he said. 

Mr. Kuramoto assured that ROCB is fully committed to assist SIEs and provide capacity building trainings to support the Pacific economies.

WCO Facilitator, Ms. Sharon Davies the overall aim of the workshop is to discuss and suggest potential measures in order to assist SIEs and integrating global supply chain while strengthening capabilities in trade facilitation, risk management, security and revenue collection.

“This workshop will also provide a platform to seek input in practical experiences for the participants concerning the development of the WCO guidance with Customs administrations and SIEs,” Ms. Davies said.

The workshop will conclude this Saturday.

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The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has established a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Support Centre at its Head Office in Nasese, Suva to provide free advisory services to all SME operators, with plans are underway to establish similar services in FRCS offices Fiji wide by the end of the year.

“This initiative is a roll out from Governments announcement during the 2019/2020 national budget address to assist small business operators on Tax and Customs related issues. It is an intentional approach to ensure we better meet the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises in Fiji who have the potential to be the big businesses of tomorrow” CEO Mr. Visvanath Das said.

“Through the FRCS Information Support Centre the Small and Medium Enterprises will be able to access services similar to that of the gold card service. The Centre will be a one-stop shop where all relevant information will be provided to ensure this important business segment is enabled to better understand their registration, filing and payment obligations as well as to assist SME to meet their reporting requirements”.

“As the Fijian Government continues to provide Tax and Customs incentives to the business communities to promote the growth and development of our economy, the Centre is also intended to bring clarity in the taxation system. These incentives are intended to achieve a very specific and desirable result that will Help Fiji Grow. Incentives that enables new business set-up, relief of tax burden, lower duty and tax costs and tax holidays to name a few”, Mr. Das said.

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A workshop on Container Control Program (CCP) sponsored by the Australian Border Force got underway at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Training Centre in Nasese, Suva yesterday.

The Container Control Program was launched by the World Customs Organization to assist countries in establishing effective container selections and controls to prevent drug trafficking and other illicit cross-border activities.

The two-week long workshop was officially opened by the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Mr. John Feakes, who in his opening address stated that Australia remains committed to supporting and working collaboratively with regional partners to strengthen borders in preventing the trade in illicit goods and also to ensure that correct revenues and taxes are paid on legitimate goods.

“Under this particular CCP initiative, Australia has partnered with both the World Customs Organization and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to deliver a global product that demonstrates the significance and importance of multinational collaboration in the fight against transnational crime. As our neighbor and friend, and as the logistical hub for the Pacific, Fiji was identified to be the first nation in the region to host a CCP.”
Speaking to the participants from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), Mr. Feakes said, “Each of you should be proud of the role that you will play in protecting the community, through the knowledge you will gain from this program and your work at the border.”

Revenue and Customs Chief Executive Officer Mr. Visvanath Das said that the incredible volume of containers travelling the seas from country to country and continent to continent, make them targets for actors in the illicit drug trade, and even more so for actors involved in producing and delivering counterfeit goods and merchandise.

“The global dependency on maritime trade, combined with not only sophisticated concealment methods employed by traffickers or counterfeiters, but also diverse trafficking routes, make successful interdiction and intervention difficult. This programme will be critical to how we monitor the trade supply chain. It is also my hope that the Container Control Program will bring in our border agencies and have them trained and equipped in the framework of the CCP and all working closely together.”

“We all have a responsibility to promote sustainable economic growth. More importantly, we need to protect our current and future generations from the harmful effects of illegal trade,” Mr. Das stressed.

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In a bid to ensure taxpayers are adequately familiar and comfortable with the New Tax Information System (NTIS), the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has deferred the roll out the system that was schedule for next month – August 2019.

“We have reviewed the implementation process to ensure that there is sufficient awareness to our customers so that they are familiar once the system goes live,” Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das said.

“The awareness process began in April and we will continue to engage with our stakeholders to obtain wider range of feedback on the user-friendliness of the new tax system. The new system should be fit-for-purpose for ease of compliance from customer perspective and ease of revenue administration from FRCS perspective,” Mr. Das said.

The Revenue and Customs is simplifying and trying to create simplicity in the tax legislation and provide a reliable way where taxpayers are willing to comply.

The NTIS introduces an up-to-date online standard in Fiji where tax services will be made accessible and ensures a higher level of voluntary compliance.

“All tax types that we administer will be administered through this new system. The first phase will be the sign up process and registration followed by other processes through subsequence releases such as Value Added Tax (VAT), Service Turnover Tax (STT), Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT), Provisional Tax, Telecommunication Levy, ECAL, Refund PAYE, Collections Management, Tax Agents and Associated Taxpayer Request such as tax clearance, tax compliance, filing extension, payment extension, Time to Pay Arrangement (TTPA), Statement of Tax Account (STA) extraction,” Mr. Das said.

“The second phase will include Audit Investigations, De-registration, Stamp Duty, Tertiary Student Loan Scheme (TELS), Objections Review, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and other taxpayer requests,” he added.  

“The new system will allow taxpayers to perform their tax obligations electronically through OnlineTaxpayer Portals,” Mr. Das said.

Taxpayer Online Services Signup forms are available on our website under the link:

https://www.frcs.org.fj/our-services/taxation/taxation-forms/registration-change-of-address-forms/

Visit any FRCS office Fiji wide and obtain a onetime log-in code to the TPOS. Overseas taxpayers may email their completed form to info@frcs.org.fj but will be required to attach scanned proof of identity documents.

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