Tax Agents are looking forward to the implementation of the Taxpayer Online Services (TPOS) portal.

This after Tax Agents attended training sessions conducted by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) in Suva this week.

Mr. Jaswant Kumar, who runs his own Tax Agents firm ‘Just Fiji’ said the new tax system will make business easy for both FRCS and Tax Agents.

“The new online Tax system will make our work easier and faster. We will be able to trace our returns and it will make things easier for us. It will make work easier for FRCS as well in terms of updating the returns and collecting revenue,” Mr Kumar said.

Mr. Jerome Kado from PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) who has been working closely with FRCS over the years said the training is vital for Tax Agents.

“It is relevant and important that Tax Agents undergo the training. You got to have quality inputs to get quality outputs thus the training is critical. We need to ensure that the system works properly,” Mr. kado said.

“As we move into the future, we have to move into adapting the latest technology if we are to properly function but ensuring that we have quality inputs,” he said.

Mr. Kado commended the efforts of the organization in ensuring the smooth implementation of the online Tax system.

“I would like to commend FRCS for taking this initiative but we need to ensure that we get the system and framework right before going live,” he said.

FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das said the aim of the training is to educate the Tax Agents before the online Tax system goes live.  

“The training sessions with stakeholders is vital to ensure Agents are well versed with the system. We also consult with them and take on board some of the suggestions for improvement,” Mr. Das said.

Tax agents are working closely with FRCS to ensure the framework and system is functional in a practical and efficient way.

The training for Suva Tax Agents concluded today followed by training sessions in the West and North on the 18^th – 19^th November, 2019. 

The TPOS is a self-service online platform that makes it easy for taxpayers to engage with FRCS. It is designed to allow taxpayers to experience and access the wide range of tax services in a more convenient way. Services that could only be accessed by visiting our offices will now be available online. This will include applications to register for a tax identification number (TIN), joint ID card, tax clearance certificates, filing tax returns, debt arrangements, etc.

Fill in the Taxpayer Online Services Signup form available on our website https://www.frcs.org.fj/our-services/taxation/taxation-forms/registration-change-of-address-forms/ and visit any FRCS office Fiji wide to collect your code. Overseas taxpayers may email their completed form to info@frcs.org.fj but will be required to attach scanned proof of identity documents.

END

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) experts in collaboration with Australian Border Force (ABF) and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) are conducting the Container Control Program (CCP) training for FRCS Customs officers in Suva and Nadi.  

The United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) and WCO launched the CCP to assist Governments in establishing effective container selections and controls to prevent drug trafficking and other illicit cross-border activities.

Fiji is the first country in the Pacific to have a future CCP unit.

“This is indeed a milestone achievement for FRCS. The CCP training will assist Customs officers and equip them with the right skills and knowledge to successfully operate the CCP unit in the near future,” FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das said.

ABF Superintendent International Operations, Mr. Bjorn Roberts said the current partnership between Fiji and Australia will further strengthen through this program.

“Australia Border Force already has a strong relationship with FRCS and through Australian Federal Police with the Fiji Police, this is just a next step in further strengthening this partnership to enable ongoing, real time operational collaboration to protect the region’s borders from the harm of transnational crime,” Mr. Roberts said.

“The first CCP unit is in Fiji because we see Fiji as the hub of the Pacific in terms of cargo movements. By strengthening Fiji’s borders, we can also protect the other Pacific nations,” he said.

He added that it is vital that border agencies work together to ensure that enforcement efforts do not interfere with the facilitation of genuine international trade. 

WCO facilitator, Mr. Peter Timmermans said the CCP unit focuses on illicit trade and identify by risk management techniques.

“We try to identify high risk containers for narcotics, wildlife, environmental crimes and also security,” Mr. Timmermans said

“At the moment for South East Asia, methamphetamine is quite a serious problem so we address and train officers on how best to access the information they need to be able to effectively target this threat,” he said.

A practical exercise was conducted at the Oceania Logistics this week with Customs officers and Suva Detector Dog unit.

Since its establishment 15 years ago, the UNODC/WCO CCP has achieved the following:

• Establishment of more than 100 CCP units globally
• 320,000kg of cocaine
• Since start of CCP program, 6,907kg Heroine seized
• 1723 tons Drug and explosives precursors seized
• 72 ton of cannabis seized
• 2755 Kilograms new psychotropic substances
• 323-ton tramadol
• Environmental crime: 183 Containers seized – Protected wood, hazardous and plastic waste, Ivory and rhino horn
• 1951 other cases were reported with illicit trade such as weapons, dual use “strategic” goods (98), 914.660.000 pieces of smuggled cigarettes, spirits, stolen cars, counterfeit and smuggled medicines, illicit waste, ozone depleting substances and incorrect declarations increasing the National revenue collection.

END

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) in collaboration with Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) is committed to assist sugarcane farmers and ensure they are well informed on the cane farming incentives provided by the Fijian Government.

This after FRCS and SCGF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed to enhance partnership and allow sharing of information.

The MOU was signed between FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das and SCGF Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Raj Sharma.

“The MOU is a tool to establish and enhance the cooperative relationship between both parties,” Mr. Das said.

“This MOU will enable FRCS and SCGF to assist farmers in helping their production grow. Farmers applying for loans from SCGF will have check and balances by both parties,” he said.

“For instance, when farmers apply for loans, one of the mandatory requirements is Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). This is where FRCS will assist SCGF in providing the TINs and if farmers do not have a TIN, FRCS will assist these farmers for TIN registrations,” he explained.

“FRCS will also maximise the dissemination of cane farming incentives to cane farmers through SCGF and ensure cane farmers are well informed of the incentives which can be utilised for their production growth,” he said.  

“All the information shared will be handled by authorised officers within the legal limitations as outlined in the MOU,” he added.

Mr. Das acknowledged SCGF for joining hands with FRCS in assisting the sugarcane farmers.

“SCGF is first and foremost thankful to FRCS for this MOU. This MOU deepens our relationship with government agencies with an objective to serve our growers better, as mentioned by Mr Das,” Mr Sharma said.

“SCGF is going through transformation stage with change of its ICT system that requires updated grower information including TIN registration. Also we have difficulties in getting all the TIN registration for the growers to complete the Personal Security Registry and this is the means to fast track,” Mr Sharma said.

“This information will also assist SCGF to set up the Financial Transaction Reporting requirements platform,” he added.

 Mr Sharma said that this data would become one of the robust information pool for the sugar industry.

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.

END.

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.

END

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.

END