Commercial importers are importers who run businesses in Fiji or abroad. Goods imported by commercial importers are for sale in the local market or for commercial purposes.

Customs Requirements for Clearance of Imported Goods

All commercial importers are to comply with the following requirements to allow for the release of good from Customs control:

• a Customs entry (SAD) is required
• make an accurate and correct Customs entry. Monetary penalties may be imposed for entries containing errors or omissions (see below).
• payment of all Customs charges
• keeping of all commercial documents for five years and producing the same to Customs as and when required.
• compliance with all FRCS legislative requirements.

Making a Customs Entry

Importers are expected to complete the Customs documentation or utilize the services of a Customs Broker or Agent.

Using a Customs Broker or Agent

Where an importer uses the services of a Customs Broker or Agent in the clearance of imported goods through Customs, any declarations or actions undertaken by the Broker or Agent in this process are deemed also to have been made by the importer. The importer/agent may also be liable for any or all penalties or additional duties that are incurred by the Broker or Agent in this clearance process.

Refer attached link for the approved Customs Brokers list for all Suva, Lautoka and Nadi Ports: https://www.frcs.org.fj/our-services/customs/customs-agents/

Government Ministries & Departments

For all Government Ministries & Departments, please contact Fiji Procurement Office.

They are the agents responsible for customs clearance, delivery, logistics, warehousing and advice to all Government ministries and departments. For any emergency and urgent clearance, they would be able to arrange for the pre-release of the consignment.

Please contact: FPO_LOGISTIC_SUVA@govnet.gov.fj |(679) 3307011 |(679) 9977831

Lodging a Customs Clearance

Import entries (SAD) and other clearances are a legal declaration to Customs under the Customs Act, providing details of imported shipments. Among other offences under the Act, it is an offence to make an erroneous entry or declaration. Administrative Penalties may be applied, or prosecution action taken. For Administrative Penalties see Sections 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143 of Customs Act.
If you are unfamiliar with how to determine the tariff classification, Customs valuation or permit requirements for the goods you import, Customs suggests you engage your Customs broker to lodge import documents on your behalf. Alternatively, you may contact the Customs Service of your port of entry.

Lodgement

All entries (SAD) are processed through the ASYCUDA World (AW) system. You may be required to seek the assistance of your agent or Customs to for more information on preparation of your customs clearance document.

Administrative Penalties

Errors or omissions on import entries can cause incorrect duty payments and incorrect import data. Customs can impose a monetary penalty on the maker (agent/importer) of a Customs entry, which contains errors or omissions. See Sections 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143 of Customs Act.

Customs Controlled Areas

The Customs controlled licensed areas for the temporary holding of imported goods, for the purposes of storage and examination of those goods are:

• container freight stations (CFS)
• air freight stations (AFS)
• inland freight stations (IFS)
• sea ports (Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu, Oinafa Bay Rotuma and Levuka)
• airports (Nadi and Nausori)
• bonded warehouse (private and general)
• or any other place approved by the Comptroller

Customs Controlled Areas are also approved under Section 10 of the Customs Act for transshipment.

Types of Import Entries

The entry of all imported goods is required to be classified for Customs purposes. There are several import entry types:

• IM4 – entry for Home Consumption
• IM5-Import of Privilege goods
• LG 5- Leased Goods
• IM6 – goods Re-imported
• IM7 – entry for Warehousing
• TR8– Transshipment
• BA4 – BOL/AWB/ Baggage Assessment

Temporary Imports

Imported goods classified as temporary imports or privilege goods means:

• goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings or similar events;
• goods for alteration or repair;
• goods imported by bona fide tourists for their own use while in Fiji;
• goods which are imported solely for use in connection with some particular project or occasion;
• goods of a specialized nature or which are of a kind covered by approved international convention concerning temporary importation;
• travelers’ samples

Refer to Regulation 97(1) and (2) of the Customs Regulations 1986.

Application to Import Privilege Goods

Any person desiring to import privileged goods shall, if required by the proper officer, make application in writing in the approved Form (C. 21) to the proper officer at the port of importation giving such information as the proper officer may require. Applications shall be accompanied with the fee of $25.00

Valuation of Goods

Customs uses the WTO or GATT Valuation Agreement which means that the Customs value of the imported goods shall be the transaction value, i.e. the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to Fiji adjusted in accordance with Clause 3 of the schedule to the Customs Tariff Act. Click here to access the Valuation Document –https://www.frcs.org.fj/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Customs-Valuation.pdf