The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has successfully intercepted approximately five (5) kilograms of methamphetamine at Nadi International Airport, demonstrating its steadfast resolve to combat transnational crime, secure Fiji’s borders, and protect the safety and well‑being of its communities. The accused has been charged and has made a court appearance. The matter remains before the court.

The detection was made through coordinated risk profiling, intelligence‑led targeting, and thorough examination processes undertaken by FRCS officers. This outcome reflects the strength of FRCS’s integrated border management approach, where multiple operational units work seamlessly together to identify and intercept high‑risk passengers and illicit goods.

The concealment method involved sophisticated attempts to evade detection; however, through vigilance, professionalism, and strict adherence to established procedures, officers were able to uncover the illicit substances concealed within passenger baggage.

The individual concerned, along with the seized substances, has been formally handed over to the Fiji Police Force, including the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and forensic teams, for further investigation and legal proceedings.

FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, emphasized that the interception highlights the critical role Customs plays not only in revenue collection, but also as a frontline defense against transnational organized crime.

“This detection is a clear demonstration of FRCS’s operational readiness, capability, and commitment to protecting Fiji and the wider Pacific region from the devastating impacts of illicit drugs. Every interception of this scale prevents harmful substances from reaching our communities and saves countless lives,” Mr. Singh said.

Mr. Singh further acknowledged the importance of strong collaboration within FRCS and with partner border agencies, noting that such partnerships are essential to maintaining effective border security while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

FRCS remains steadfast in its dual mandate of enabling economic growth while ensuring the security and integrity of Fiji’s borders. The Service will continue to strengthen its operational capabilities, partnerships, and intelligence frameworks to respond to evolving threats.

Members of the public are encouraged to support national efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) recently hosted a meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) at its Headquarters in Nasese, Suva.

The NTFC serves as Fiji’s national coordinating body responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing trade facilitation reforms, particularly in support of Fiji’s commitments under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

During the meeting, members received updates on the Time Release Study (TRS), including developments relating to postal sector processes. The Committee was also briefed on progress in the implementation of the National Single Window by the World Bank, as well as updates from FRCS on the establishment of the Project Management Unit (PMU).

Discussions further focused on priority areas moving forward, including the WTO e-commerce moratorium. Members considered recent developments, potential implications for Fiji, and strategic considerations informing Fiji’s position going forward.

At FRCS, we pride ourselves on going beyond transactions. We serve people, families, and communities. A recent experience at our Ba office beautifully reflects this commitment.

Recently, 63 year old Ilikini Ratavo arrived to renew his JOINT ID Card. Mr. Ratavo, who is elderly and visually impaired, had travelled all the way from Nadarivatu, a remote highland community more than 90 kilometres from Ba Town. The journey itself takes about 2.5 hours along steep, winding mountain roads which is a challenging trip even for the young and able-bodied.

Mr. Ratavo had brought his ID with him, but not his birth certificate, which is required for the renewal. When our team explained the requirement, he shared his concern that due to his disability and the long travel distance, he would not be able to return to Nadarivatu to retrieve the document. He urgently needed his JOINT ID Card for bank purposes, and going back home without it would cause further hardship.

Recognizing the situation, our Ba team immediately stepped into problem-solving mode. As Mr. Ratavo was on social welfare assistance, the team reached out to the Ministry of Social Welfare in Ba and Tavua. In the true spirit of partnership and community support, their officers promptly assisted and provided a copy of Mr. Ratavo’s birth certificate.

With the required documents in hand, our team successfully processed his JOINT ID Card renewal.

Mr. Ratavo left the office smiling, relieved, grateful, and empowered. This experience is a powerful reminder of what service means at FRCS. It is not just about meeting requirements but is about listening, understanding real-life challenges, and working together to make a difference.

The Ba team exemplified our values through:

 Collaboration

 Empathy

 Going the extra mile for our customers

Their actions ensured that one of our elderly citizens received not just a card, but dignity, support, and a positive experience. This is the FRCS spirit in action, Serving our community with heart.

#Service # FRCSNews #Partnership#ServiceWithSmile

Six Customs Officers have successfully graduated with a Boat Master License (BML), a milestone achievement made possible through funding from the Government of the United Kingdom, facilitated via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The training was delivered and certified by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).

The cohort included two female officers, marking an important step in empowering women in the maritime sector, an area traditionally dominated by men. Their participation reflects growing opportunities for women to take on specialized and leadership roles within Fiji’s maritime operations.

Honourable Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for Defence and Veteran’s Affairs, officiated as the chief guest at the graduation ceremony, commending the officers for their dedication and highlighting the importance of continuous upskilling in enhancing border security and maritime safety.

The Boat Master License programme strengthens Fiji’s capability at sea by providing officers with specialized knowledge in navigation, emergency response, vessel management, and maritime regulations. These competencies are critical for ensuring safe and effective operations, particularly as Customs officers play a key role in safeguarding Fiji’s borders.

FRCS acknowledged the strong partnership with UNDP, the Fiji Navy, Fiji Police Force, and MSAF, whose collaboration helped create a robust platform to equip officers with the skills and expertise required in an evolving maritime environment.

This initiative underscores Fiji’s ongoing commitment to strengthening maritime security while promoting professional growth and gender inclusivity within the sector.

#FRCS#BorderSecurity#maritimesecurity#ukinfiji

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) proudly marked International Women’s Day by celebrating the remarkable contributions of women across the organisation.

CEO Udit Singh highlighted that the global occasion serves not only to honour progress already made, but also to remind us of the work that still lies ahead. Each year’s theme invites us to reflect on equity, inclusion, and opportunity. The values that shape resilient institutions and thriving communities.

“At FRCS, we are proud to have women leading at every level. Whether in customer service, audit, compliance, technology, policy, or executive leadership, women bring insight, empathy, and excellence to our organisation. Their contributions are fundamental to the quality of service we provide the people of Fiji,” Mr. Singh said.

He emphasised that International Women’s Day is also a time to reaffirm FRCS’s commitment to gender equality.

As an organisation, FRCS remains focused on:

 Creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace

 Ensuring equal access to opportunities and leadership pathways

 Supporting the professional development of women at every career stage

 Strengthening diversity as a catalyst for innovation and organisational performance

“Achieving equality is not the responsibility of policy alone but each of us plays a role,” Mr. Singh added.

He encouraged staff to actively champion an inclusive culture by challenging bias, empowering women’s voices, fostering respect in every interaction, and mentoring emerging leaders.

“When we take these actions consistently, we move beyond symbolic recognition and create real, lasting impact.”

The celebration also featured inspiring keynote remarks from distinguished guests, including Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian High Commission Ms. Clair McNamara, Assistant Commissioner International Relations, Capacity Building and Transparency from the Australian Taxation Office Ms. Cathy Purcell, and Auditor General Ms. Finau Nagera.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, the Hon. Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, officially opened the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Lautoka Office, marking a significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public institutions and improve service delivery.

In his address, the Hon. Prime Minister said the opening of the Lautoka Office represented more than the commissioning of a modern facility. He described it as a deliberate and strategic Government investment aimed at strengthening public institutions to better serve the people of Fiji, support economic growth, and uphold the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency.

“At its core, this initiative reflects our commitment to building a responsive, accessible, and people-centred public service—one that is capable of meeting the evolving needs of all Fijians,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the progress made by FRCS in recent years, particularly in strengthening compliance systems, enhancing audit capabilities, and modernising its operations. He noted that these reforms are critical not only to improving revenue performance, but also to reinforcing public confidence in Government institutions.

“This new FRCS Lautoka Office stands as a symbol of modern governance, inclusive service delivery, and our shared commitment to building a stronger and more resilient Fiji,” he said.

FRCS acknowledged and thanked the Turaga na Taukei Vidilo and the Turaga na Tui Vitogo for their guidance, support, and leadership during the traditional ceremony. Their participation and blessings added cultural significance and dignity to the official opening.

FRCS Board Chair, Mr. Malakai Naiyaga, thanked the Hon. Prime Minister and the Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, for officiating at the opening. He said the Prime Minister’s presence sent a strong message to FRCS staff and the people of the Western Division about the importance of FRCS in nation-building and the Government’s continued support for the organisation’s mandate.

Mr. Naiyaga said the refurbished Lautoka Office reflects FRCS’s commitment to being a customer-centred and service-driven organisation. He noted that the modernised facility provides a professional and accessible environment designed to enhance service delivery for taxpayers and traders.

He highlighted that FRCS continues to perform strongly, with a positive outlook supported by resilient core revenue streams, strengthened compliance initiatives, enhanced audit and enforcement measures, data-driven risk targeting, and ongoing efforts to deepen taxpayer engagement.

“At FRCS, our role extends beyond revenue collection. We facilitate trade and play a critical role in border protection. Ultimately, our work supports the people and communities who drive Fiji’s prosperity, and we carry out these responsibilities with integrity, honesty, and accountability,” Mr. Naiyaga said.
Delivering the vote of thanks, FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, said the opening of the Lautoka Office symbolised collaboration, progress, and a shared commitment to better serving the people of Fiji.

“This facility will enhance operational efficiency, improve service delivery, and strengthen our engagement with the communities we serve,” Mr. Singh said.

As the deadline for the lodgement of Annual Income Tax returns approaches, FRCS has intensified its public education efforts to reinforce understanding of taxpayer obligations and promote timely compliance.

Our team recently featured on several prominent FBC radio programs, including the Gold Focus, Domo-ni-Vanua, and Drishtikon. These sessions provided in-depth guidance on Personal Income Tax (PIT) return filing requirements and general compliance expectations.

During the discussions, the team outlined key information such as:

– What a PIT return is and who is required to file

– The due dates and filing process.

– Penalties for non-compliance, including late filing, late payment, and poor record keeping.

– Practical steps taxpayers can take to ensure they meet their obligations.

The PIT and Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Annual Returns for the financial year ending 31 December 2025 are due on 31 March 2026. FRCS strongly encourages taxpayers not to wait until the deadline, but to file their returns early. Individuals can verify their filing obligations via the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS) by visiting: https://tpos.frcs.org.fj/taxpayerportal/.

The radio outreach also covered the mandatory Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) requirement for mobile wallet accounts, providing clarity on the process and its importance.

FRCS remains committed to supporting taxpayers by providing clear, accessible information on various tax types, how they operate, and what is required to stay compliant. We also offer free tax education programs covering a wide range of tax and customs topics.

For further assistance, please contact us at 324 3000, 1326, or email info@frcs.org.fj. Our team is here to help you understand your obligations and take full advantage of available incentives.

FRCS is stepping up its support for the country’s fast growing digital economy with delivery of specialised tax and customs awareness sessions for online entrepreneurs, freelancers, content creators, and tech enabled businesses.

Led by the FRCS Education and MSME teams, the interactive sessions covered essential topics tailored to the needs of digital business operators, including:

• Understanding basic tax concepts.

• Tax registration requirements.

• Financial literacy fundamentals.

• Customs processes.

• Record keeping and interpreting financial statements.

Participants engaged in practical discussions designed to demystify compliance and strengthen financial confidence.

FRCS Senior Manager Education, Mr. Vilimone Nailotei, praised the enthusiasm of attendees, noting that Fiji’s digital sector continues to evolve rapidly and with that evolution comes changing tax responsibilities.

He emphasized that staying compliant is more than a requirement: it is a strategic advantage that builds trust, protects businesses from penalties, and positions them for new opportunities.

“Understanding your tax obligations is essential for sustainable growth and long term success,” Mr. Nailotei told participants.

“Ask questions, participate actively, and take away practical insights you can start using immediately.”

To support entrepreneurs at every stage, FRCS continues to offer free education programs, awareness sessions, and professional guidance on both tax and customs matters.

For more information or assistance, contact us on our toll-free number 1326 or email at info@frcs.org.fj.