The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has successfully intercepted a consignment of undeclared items during a routine inspection at a commercial facility in Vatukoula. The seized goods included a diverse array of industrial components related to heavy-duty operations, as well as consumer products such as packaged food and tobacco.
Among the highlighted items were cigarettes, which are classified as high-revenue goods due to their elevated duty rates. This operation is part of FRCS’s ongoing efforts to combat revenue leakage caused by undeclared goods and smuggling, which significantly undermines the lawful collection of duties essential for funding public services and national development projects.
FRCS Chief Executive Officer Udit Singh emphasized that such actions violate Section 137(a) of the Customs Act, which explicitly prohibits the importation of dutiable goods that lack appropriate documentation. To strengthen compliance with customs legislation and safeguard government revenue, the Customs team is enhancing border control mechanisms.
The FRCS cautioned that non-compliance with customs regulations could lead to enforcement actions, including substantial penalties and potential prosecution under relevant laws. Singh reiterated the importance of the FRCS’s role in ensuring the security of Fiji’s borders and the integrity of the national revenue system. He expressed that the illicit importation of goods not only takes away vital funds needed for the country’s development but also creates unfair competition for law-abiding businesses and individuals.
The FRCS remains committed to enforcement efforts, continuously implementing robust measures to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to compliance across all entry points into Fiji. This proactive approach reflects the agency’s determination to uphold the principles of lawful trade while protecting the interests of the nation and its citizens.