We were delighted to host Mr. Pradeep Menon, Second Secretary (Consular & Commerce) at the High Commission of India, who visited alongside a distinguished business delegation organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI).

The delegation comprised leading Indian Food and Beverage (F&B) enterprises specializing in food processing, packaging, and allied technologies, all seeking opportunities to introduce their products to the Fijian market.

During the visit, FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, together with the Customs leadership team, provided a comprehensive briefing on the necessary permits, documentation, and customs procedures required for market entry. This engagement reaffirmed FRCS’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding border integrity.

FRCS looks forward to strengthening collaboration with the High Commission of India and the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) to enhance trade cooperation and foster high-value commercial partnerships between our two nations.

FRCS was pleased to host the ABF–FRCS Quarterly Meeting, reaffirming a strong and enduring partnership with the Australian Border Force, one that continues to elevate Fiji’s border security, enforcement capability, and trade facilitation standards.

The meeting featured a comprehensive dialogue covering key priorities such as progress under the ABF–FRCS Joint Work Program, the review of the existing Memorandum of Understanding, updates on the Container Examination Facility project, support on the gifting of vessels to strengthen maritime readiness, enhancement of integrity frameworks, ongoing capacity-building initiatives, and updates on BMS/PNR/API systems that underpin modern passenger screening and risk management.

FRCS emphasised that it deeply values this strategic partnership, acknowledging ABF as a trusted and long-standing ally in advancing border modernisation, intelligence-driven operations, and capability uplift across Fiji’s frontlines. Through consistent engagement and shared commitment, both agencies remain aligned in strengthening border resilience, combating transnational risks, and ensuring secure, efficient, and compliant trade and travel flows.

FRCS looks forward to continued collaboration as both agencies work together to safeguard Fiji’s national interests and enhance the collective security of our region.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has successfully intercepted a consignment containing undeclared items during a scheduled inspection at a commercial facility in Vatukoula. The goods comprised a mix of industrial components, primarily associated with heavy-duty operations, and consumer products, including packaged food and tobacco.

This incident represents a clear contravention of Section 137(a) of the Customs Act, which prohibits the importation of dutiable goods that are not declared or documented in official import records.

Among the items seized were cigarettes, which are classified as high-revenue goods due to their significant duty rates.  Undeclared goods or smuggling contribute to revenue leakage, undermining the lawful collection of duties that support essential public services and national development initiatives.

FRCS enforcement personnel remain vigilant in their efforts to detect and disrupt illicit importation activities. The Customs team continues to strengthen our border control mechanisms to ensure full compliance with customs legislation and to protect government revenue.

Travellers, shipping agents, and all stakeholders involved in the movement of goods are reminded of their legal obligation to make accurate and complete declarations upon arrival. Failure to comply will result in enforcement action, including penalties and possible prosecution under the relevant laws.

FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, stated that this operation underscores the vital role FRCS plays in securing Fiji’s borders and preserving the integrity of our revenue system.

“The unlawful importation of goods not only deprives the nation of essential funds needed for development but also disadvantages compliant businesses and individuals. We remain resolute in our enforcement efforts and will continue to implement robust measures to uphold transparency, fairness, and full compliance across all entry points,” Mr. Singh said.

FRCS remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and ensuring that all imports are processed in accordance with national laws and international best practices.

The United Kingdom High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Kanbar Hossein-Bor, paid a courtesy visit to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), where he met with Chief Executive Officer Mr. Udit Singh and members of the FRCS Executive Leadership Team.

The visit provided an opportunity for a constructive exchange on shared priorities, particularly in the areas of border security, enforcement capability, trade facilitation, and institutional strengthening. Discussions explored avenues to further enhance cooperation between FRCS and the British High Commission, noting the long-standing relationship and the value of continued technical partnership.

FRCS conveyed its deep appreciation for the support provided by the United Kingdom through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other collaborative programs aimed at building capacity across Fiji’s border ecosystem. This assistance has contributed to strengthening Fiji’s risk-management systems, intelligence-led operations, and compliance frameworks, ensuring that FRCS remains aligned with international best practices.

The CEO reaffirmed FRCS’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with like-minded countries and development partners, highlighting that sustained cooperation is essential to tackling emerging border risks, improving operational readiness, and supporting Fiji’s long-term economic resilience.

The courtesy visit concluded with both parties expressing confidence in the continued growth of the FRCS–UK partnership and the mutual pursuit of stronger, more secure borders for the benefit of Fiji and the region.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) recently conducted two sessions of EOI training for more than 40 FRCS officials across key divisions, including Auditors, Audit Managers, Transfer Pricing Specialists, Legal Officers, Objection Auditors and Risk Profilers. The training was held from 28–31 October and 10–12 November 2025 in Suva.

Exchange of information (EOI) is the cross‑border sharing of information for tax purposes between tax administrations to detect and prevent tax evasion, to ensure the correct application of a jurisdiction’s domestic tax legislation and the provisions of an international bilateral (e.g. DTA) or multilateral tax agreement (e.g. Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters or the MAAC) providing for reciprocal assistance in tax matters in effect in Fiji and to foster domestic tax compliance.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Global Forum team, as the two trainers who conducted these sessions are part of the Train the Trainer program. The Train-the-Trainer program equipped the trainers with the necessary knowledge and skills on EOI to effectively deliver this training to the FRCS officials. Through the EOI training sessions, tax officials gained a deeper understanding of key elements of EOI, including the principle of foreseeable relevance, the importance of confidentiality, the concept of beneficial ownership, and the practical steps involved in drafting an effective EOI request.

This training marks another important step in building Fiji’s capacity to meet international standards and foster transparency in cross-border taxation.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) successfully hosted the fourth meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) at its headquarters in Suva this week, reaffirming Fiji’s drive toward a more modern, efficient, and predictable trading environment.

Established in 2017 under Article 23.2 of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the NTFC brings together government agencies and private-sector partners to coordinate and implement reforms that simplify cross-border trade. The Committee is co-chaired by FRCS and the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association — a structure that ensures national reforms are shaped through genuine public-private collaboration.

FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, highlighted the importance of Fiji’s commitment to the TFA, describing it as a foundation for reducing trade costs and strengthening transparency.

“The TFA focuses on simplifying, modernizing, and harmonizing export and import procedures. For Fiji, this translates to reduced red tape, faster clearance times, and improved predictability. These are benefits that directly support our business community, especially MSMEs,” Mr. Singh said.

He noted that coordinated border management, risk-based controls, and digital transformation — including the National Trade Portal and the upcoming National Single Window — are central to Fiji’s reform efforts. These initiatives enhance transparency and consistency, ultimately boosting investor confidence and improving Fiji’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

Mr. Singh further emphasized that the NTFC’s work is aligned with Fiji’s National Development Plan, which prioritizes streamlined and modernized trade processes.

“Whether through digitalization, process re-engineering, or better inter-agency coordination, our reforms are guided by national priorities and the needs of our private-sector partners,” he added.

The NTFC also contributes to the regional Trade Facilitation Strategy endorsed by Pacific Island Leaders, underscoring that efficient and transparent trade processes are essential for regional resilience, cooperation, and economic growth. Fiji’s progress, therefore, carries benefits beyond national borders.

Recognizing the vital role of private-sector engagement, Mr. Singh reaffirmed that trade facilitation is a shared responsibility.

“Real transformation happens when government and industry work hand in hand. Our co-chairmanship model is proof that Fiji’s trade reform agenda is being driven collaboratively, inclusively, and with a shared sense of purpose,” he concluded.

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We were delighted to host Mr. Pradeep Menon, Second Secretary (Consular & Commerce) at the High Commission of India, who visited alongside a distinguished business delegation organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI).

The delegation comprised leading Indian Food and Beverage (F&B) enterprises specializing in food processing, packaging, and allied technologies, all seeking opportunities to introduce their products to the Fijian market.

During the visit, FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, together with the Customs leadership team, provided a comprehensive briefing on the necessary permits, documentation, and customs procedures required for market entry. This engagement reaffirmed FRCS’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding border integrity.

FRCS looks forward to strengthening collaboration with the High Commission of India and the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) to enhance trade cooperation and foster high-value commercial partnerships between our two nations.

FRCS was pleased to host the ABF–FRCS Quarterly Meeting, reaffirming a strong and enduring partnership with the Australian Border Force, one that continues to elevate Fiji’s border security, enforcement capability, and trade facilitation standards.

The meeting featured a comprehensive dialogue covering key priorities such as progress under the ABF–FRCS Joint Work Program, the review of the existing Memorandum of Understanding, updates on the Container Examination Facility project, support on the gifting of vessels to strengthen maritime readiness, enhancement of integrity frameworks, ongoing capacity-building initiatives, and updates on BMS/PNR/API systems that underpin modern passenger screening and risk management.

FRCS emphasised that it deeply values this strategic partnership, acknowledging ABF as a trusted and long-standing ally in advancing border modernisation, intelligence-driven operations, and capability uplift across Fiji’s frontlines. Through consistent engagement and shared commitment, both agencies remain aligned in strengthening border resilience, combating transnational risks, and ensuring secure, efficient, and compliant trade and travel flows.

FRCS looks forward to continued collaboration as both agencies work together to safeguard Fiji’s national interests and enhance the collective security of our region.