FRCS recently welcomed approximately 200 students from Years 4 and 7 of Suva Muslim Primary School to its Headquarters in Nasese, Suva, as part of the school’s educational excursion programme.

The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the important role FRCS plays in supporting Fiji’s growth and development. Through an engaging awareness presentation, students learned about the organisation’s core responsibilities, including revenue collection, border protection, trade facilitation, and its contribution to funding essential public services that benefit communities across the country.

As part of the programme, students toured various FRCS divisions, where staff showcased the day-to-day operations that support the nation’s tax and customs systems. The interactive sessions gave students a better understanding of the diverse career opportunities within FRCS and highlighted the dedication of employees who work behind the scenes to serve Fiji.

One of the highlights of the visit was a live demonstration by the FRCS Dog Unit. Students were fascinated by the highly trained detector dogs and learned how they assist in safeguarding Fiji’s borders by helping officers identify prohibited and undeclared goods.

FRCS officers actively engaged with the students throughout the visit, answering questions and sharing valuable knowledge about the organisation’s work. The excursion not only broadened the students’ understanding of government services but also encouraged them to appreciate the importance of integrity, responsibility, and public service.

FRCS remains committed to community engagement and educational outreach initiatives that help young people better understand the organisation’s role in nation-building while inspiring the next generation of Fiji’s future leaders.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) confirms that the captain of a yacht with a three-person crew voluntarily advised FRCS in writing that the Australian visitor concerned would not travel to its next overseas port of call. FRCS took this declaration into account when processing the yacht’s outward clearance.

Under section 72(1) of the Customs Act 1986, a vessel’s master must obtain clearance before departing Fiji for an overseas destination. Section 72(2)(b) and (c) require the master, owner or authorised agent to answer questions about the vessel, crew, passengers, and voyage, and provide the required vessel and passenger documentation. The departure documentation therefore needed to accurately reflect who would travel aboard the yacht.

The captain initially held the visitor’s passport. FRCS subsequently liaised with Immigration, and the passport has since been returned to him.

FRCS did not detain the visitor. FRCS understands that he holds a valid outbound ticket and is expected to leave Fiji by the end of October 2026.

FRCS remains committed to fulfilling its border protection responsibilities under the Customs Act and treating all visitors to Fiji’s ports with courtesy, respect and in accordance with the law.

FRCS has reinforced its strong partnership with tax professionals through the successful hosting of Tax Agents Forums in Nadi and Labasa, bringing together representatives from across the Western and Northern Divisions to discuss the future of tax administration, compliance, and professional development in Fiji.

The forums provided a valuable opportunity for open dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas between FRCS and members of the tax profession. Participants explored emerging priorities, regulatory developments, and initiatives aimed at strengthening Fiji’s tax system while supporting taxpayers and businesses.

Opening the sessions, Director Tax, Ms. Momina Beg, acknowledged the important contribution tax agents make in helping taxpayers meet their obligations and navigate an increasingly complex tax environment.

“Tax agents play a pivotal role in supporting compliance and bridging the gap between taxpayers and FRCS. Their expertise and professionalism contribute significantly to building confidence in the tax system and fostering a culture of voluntary compliance,” she said.

A key feature of the forums was the presentation of the Tax Agents Board (TAB) Draft Strategic Plan and Framework by FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh. The proposed strategy outlines a forward-looking vision for the next three years, focusing on elevating professional standards, enhancing transparency, and strengthening the overall regulatory framework governing the tax agent profession in Fiji.

Mr. Singh highlighted the importance of ensuring that the profession continues to evolve alongside changing taxpayer needs, technological advancements, and stakeholder expectations.

“The strategic direction seeks to reinforce trust, accountability, and professionalism within the industry while ensuring tax agents are well-positioned to support taxpayers and contribute to a more effective tax administration system,” he said.

The forums also provided participants with an overview of FRCS’s key strategic priorities and recent tax policy measures introduced under the 2026/27 National Budget. Discussions focused on initiatives designed to improve service delivery, streamline processes, and make compliance easier for taxpayers.

Attendees actively participated throughout the sessions, contributing perspectives, raising questions, and sharing practical insights on opportunities to further strengthen collaboration between FRCS and the tax profession.

The positive engagement and strong attendance at both forums reflect the shared commitment of FRCS and tax agents to fostering a transparent, efficient, and trusted tax environment. Through ongoing consultation and partnership, FRCS continues to work closely with stakeholders to support a modern tax system that delivers benefits for taxpayers, businesses, and the wider Fijian community.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Udit Singh, officially welcomed Ms. Satsuki Kondo, Regional Manager for Capacity Building in the Pacific Islands from Japan Customs, who will be based in Fiji under a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) signed between FRCS and Japan’s Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance.

This MOC will establish a framework to further enhance the technical cooperation between FRCS and Japan Customs. The technical cooperation aims to further strengthen the relationship between Fiji and Japan.

As the primary point of contact for technical cooperation matters, Ms. Kondo will work closely with FRCS to ensure capacity building support is more direct, sustained, and tailored to FRCS’s specific needs.

The appointment deepens the longstanding relationship between the two organisations and reflects Japan’s continued support for customs modernisation across the Pacific, building on broader engagement through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) framework.

FRCS has welcomed the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen staff expertise, adopt international best practices, and further align its operations with global customs standards.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recently met with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) to establish a Public Rulings and Organisational Capability Framework for the Service.

FRCS hosted the ATO delegation, which included Ms. Isabelle Hu, Assistant Director of International Relations, Capability Building and Transparency, Mr. Gregory Levy, Rulings Advisor, International Relations and Capacity Building, and Mr. Stephen Battaglia, Capability Support Advisor, International Relations and Capacity Building.

The design and development of a Public Rulings Framework and Organisational Capability Framework will enable FRCS to strengthen its tax administration capabilities and service delivery to taxpayers.

The Public Rulings Framework will help FRCS establish a sustainable and scalable tax advice with a guidance framework that promotes consistent interpretation of tax law, providing greater certainty to taxpayers, strengthening voluntary compliance, and supporting effective revenue administration.

The development of a Capability Framework will establish a structured competency model across FRCS. The framework will clearly define the knowledge, skills, and technical competencies required for various roles, providing employees with transparent career pathways and development opportunities.

By aligning workforce capabilities with organisational needs, the framework will support more effective succession planning, talent development, and performance management. It will also help ensure that employees are equipped with the necessary competencies and experience before progressing into more senior roles, strengthening both individual career growth and organisational capability.

FRCS extends its appreciation to the ATO for its continued partnership and support under the Australia-Fiji Governance Partnership Program based on the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership.

FRCS Education Team recently conducted an informative and interactive Pay As You Earn (PAYE) awareness session for staff of the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA).

The session provided participants with a comprehensive overview of PAYE, including the relevant legislative requirements, payday filing obligations, payment procedures, and penalties for non-compliance. The team also delivered a detailed demonstration of the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS), focusing on Personal Income Tax filing for salary and wage earners, while also providing guidance for individuals who earn income from additional business activities.

The session encouraged active participation, with FRCS officers addressing a wide range of questions and providing practical advice to help participants better understand their tax obligations and responsibilities.

As part of its ongoing commitment to taxpayer education and voluntary compliance, FRCS has intensified its public awareness and outreach programmes to ensure taxpayers have access to timely information and support.

Individuals seeking tax advice or assistance are encouraged to contact FRCS on 1326 or email info@frcs.org.fj for further assistance.

FRCS continues to strengthen tax awareness and compliance through proactive stakeholder engagement, recently hosting an informative and interactive session on Tourism Services Tax (TST) for the Enforcement Team of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC).

Facilitated by the FRCS Education Team, the session provided participants with a comprehensive overview of TST and its role within Fiji’s taxation framework. Discussions covered key topics including what TST is, who is required to register, the registration criteria, prescribed tourism-related services subject to TST, and circumstances under which the tax applies.

To enhance understanding, the team also shared practical examples and real-life scenarios, enabling participants to better understand how TST operates in different business situations. The session further clarified the relationship between Value Added Tax (VAT) and TST, including guidance on how both taxes are calculated.

The engagement was highly interactive, with FCCC officers actively participating in discussions and raising questions on various aspects of TST administration and compliance. The question-and-answer segment provided an excellent opportunity for knowledge sharing and strengthened collaboration between the two organisations.

FRCS remains committed to educating stakeholders and fostering greater awareness of tax obligations through targeted outreach and capacity-building initiatives. Such engagements play an important role in promoting compliance, enhancing understanding of Fiji’s tax system, and supporting informed decision-making across sectors.

For more information on Tourism Services Tax, including detailed guidance, readers can access the Standard Interpretation Guideline (SIG) on Tourism Services Tax on FRCS website:  https://frcs.org.fj/files/2026/08/SIG-on-Tourism-ServiceS-Tax-version-2-final-27Aug2026.pdf.

Together, through education and partnership, FRCS continues to build a more informed and compliant business environment for Fiji.

As part of its ongoing commitment to keeping taxpayers and stakeholders informed, FRCS is intensifying its education and awareness campaign on the 2026/2027 National Budget through a series of public engagement initiatives.

Recently, FRCS Manager Policy, Mr. Rahul Goundar, Senior Education Specialist, Mr. Esala Vukinavanua, and Education Specialist, Ms. Monika Ram, appeared on FBC Radio’s popular talk-back programmes, Drishtikon and Domo-ni-Vanua, where they provided listeners with valuable insights into the strategic priorities and key tax policy changes announced under the 2026/2027 National Budget.

During the programmes, the team explained significant measures including the Tourism Services Tax (TST), changes to Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) employer contributions, and the incentives available to employers who maintain or contribute above the 10 percent.  Listeners also gained a better understanding of employment-related incentives for businesses, Government initiatives to address rising energy costs and encourage renewable energy adoption, sports-related incentives, Customs duty amendments, and a range of other tax measures designed to support economic growth and investment.

These radio discussions form part of FRCS’s broader nationwide awareness campaign, which includes engagement sessions with businesses, industry groups, stakeholders, and members of the public to ensure a clear understanding of the Budget’s implications and opportunities.

For detailed information on the 2026/2027 National Budget revenue measures, you can access the FRCS Budget Summary of Revenue Policies available on the FRCS website on this link:
https://frcs.org.fj/files/2026/06/FRCS-Budget-Summary-2026-2027-National-Budget.pdf.