Customs officers are important gatekeepers for Fiji.

These were the comments of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das during his keynote address at the International Customs Day celebrations at the Revenue and Customs complex in Suva this morning. 

This year’s theme for International Customs Day is “Customs fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity and the Planet”.

“Sustainability for people – we refer to our people and our communities. Customs Officers are making every effort to build safe communities and environment. Whilst plans have been operationalized to control the current virus outbreak, the most important gate keepers are our Customs officers at the borders,” Mr. Das said.

“The other aspect is Prosperity. If we let any illicit import come through, that risks the prosperity of the country,” he said.

“Over the last few weeks, our investigations team managed to detain some 28 illegal vehicles imported into the country. This happened through the efforts of our gatekeepers, the Customs Officers,” he added.

 Mr. Das stressed the important role played by Customs officers in protecting the planet.

“Customs contribute to the fight against climate change and provide enhanced environmental sustainability by supporting the effective implementation of various Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs),” Mr. Das said.

“Customs address the illicit trade in hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances, combating the illicit trade in endangered species and preventing the spread of plant and animal diseases, as well as of invasive alien species,” he said. 

Mr. Das reminded Customs officers to commit themselves in fulfilling their responsibilities towards the safety and prosperity of the nation.

“We need to put our heart and soul into our jobs because the sustainability of our economy and country is in our hands,” he said.

For more information, please call us on 3243000 or email info@frcs.org.fj