Frequently Asked Questions?
What is the Fiji Trade Information Portal (FTIP)?
The Fiji Trade Information Portal (FTIP) is an online platform designed to provide businesses and traders with easy access to essential information needed to navigate the complexities of international trade. It consolidates key details such as regulations, procedures, non-tariff measures (NTMs), tariffs, and necessary forms into one user-friendly space, making it simpler for users to find and understand the relevant information. The goal of the FTIP is to streamline the trading process, reduce barriers to entry, ensure compliance, and promote smoother, more efficient cross-border trade for businesses. By being freely available across the internet, FTIP ensures transparency and accessibility, enabling users to access vital trade-related content at any time. To maintain its reliability and accuracy, the portal requires regular updates to ensure the information provided remains current and comprehensive, particularly as trade regulations change due to new legislation, external challenges, or advancements in technology.
Why Fiji needs a Trade Information Portal?
Fiji ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in May 2017, under which the Fiji government is committed to enhancing transparency and simplifying trade procedures, as outlined in Article 1 of the TFA. Also, FTIP complies with the Article X of GATT 1947 which requires member countries to make trade regulations, tariffs, and other relevant information publicly available to ensure transparency and predictability in international trade.
What are the Trade Agreements applicable to Fiji?
Bilateral Agreements
- Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the United States
Regional Agreements
- Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Trade Agreement
- Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA)
- South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (SPARTECA)
- EU-Pacific Interim Partnership Agreement (IEPA)
- United Kingdom-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement
Other Trade Preferences and Schemes
- Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
Will FTIP provide information on market backgrounds, business partnerships, list of companies conducting import/export operations in Fiji?
The Fiji Trade Information Portal provides information regarding the laws, regulations, and procedures for importing and exporting in Fiji.
Can I Find Fiji Customs Tariffs online?
Yes. The complete HS commodity classification and tariffs applicable in Fiji are available within the FTIP. Also, they are available on the Fiji Revenue and Custom Services website
What is HS code and how can I find It?
In international trade, each product is assigned a particular classification code using the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), which is an international standardized system of classifying goods based on a 6-digit nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
You can search your goods’ commodity (tariff) code on the FTIP by clicking on “Commodity and Tariff” on the ‘Trade in Goods’ menu bar to find the applicable HS (Tariff) Code. Use the description of the product to search for the tariff code.
What is Customs Duty?
Customs duty in Fiji refers to a tax levied on goods imported into the country. These duties are collected by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Services (FRCS). Customs duties are governed under the Customs Act 1986, which outlines the framework for the administration of customs duties. And the Customs Tariff Act 1986 this act provides the classification and rates for customs duties applicable to different types of goods. And Import Value Added Tax (VAT), which is governed under the VAT Act 1991.
How do Customs determine the value of imported goods?
Customs uses the WTO or GATT Valuation Agreement to determine the Customs value of imported goods. The transaction value is generally the price paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to Fiji, adjusted following the Customs Tariff Act. You can find more information on valuation here.
What are the payment options for Customs duties?
- Registering a Pre-Payment Account, or
- Bank Transfer or Online transfer via
Bank Account Name; Fiji Revenue and Customs Service |
Bank Account Number |
SWIFT code |
ANZ – Customs Payments |
7347366 |
ANZBFJFX BSB 010890 |
- Local FRCS offices (in person)
- Cash, Bank Cheque or EFTPOS
What are commercial goods?
Goods should be classified as being for commercial purposes if they fall into any of the following categories:
- They are imported for business purposes.
- They are imported for resale.
- They are samples imported for business purposes.
What are the requirements for commercial importers to clear goods through Customs in Fiji?
Commercial importers must comply with the following requirements to clear goods from Customs control:
- Submit a Customs entry Single Administrative Document (SAD)
- Ensure accurate and correct documentation to avoid penalties
- Pay all Customs charges
- Undertake to keep all commercial documents for a period of seven (7) years and produce them to Customs upon request
- Comply with all legislative requirements set by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS)
What is a Single Administrative Document (SAD)?
Single Administrative Document (SAD) is a standardized form used for the customs declaration process in international trade. The SAD is used to declare goods for import or export to customs authorities and provides detailed information about the shipment, such as the nature of the goods, their value, origin, and destination.
Do I need to use a Customs Broker or Agent for clearing goods through Customs?
It’s not mandatory, but it is advised to use a Customs Broker to help clear goods through Customs. Any declarations or actions made by the broker or agent are deemed as being made by the trader and the trader may also be liable for any penalties or additional duties incurred during the clearance process.
Please refer to the link for a list of customs-approved brokers
Do I need to have to submit my Customs entry to the ASYCUDA system or can it be submitted manually?
All Customs entries must be submitted electronically through the ASYCUDA World (AW) system. Manual submissions are not allowed
What penalties apply if there are errors in my Customs entry?
Errors or omissions in Customs entries can lead to incorrect duty payments and inaccurate import data. Customs may impose monetary penalties on the importer or agent for such mistakes, as per Sections 137-143 of the Customs Act.
Do I always need to get an import/Export permit or license before importing/exporting goods in Fiji?
No. An import or export license is not compulsory for many commodities. However, there are specific types of goods that require an import/export permit before the transaction
To determine which goods require import/export permits, please go to the ‘Measures’ link of the Fiji Trade Information Portal
What are the technical barriers to import and export in Fiji?
- Technical Regulations are mandatory technical requirements for importers and exporters (mandatory compliance requirement).
- Technical Standards are the technical requirements to be approved by the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards Please click here for further information on compulsory standards for Fiji.
What concessions are available for Fiji residents returning to the country?
The Fijian government provides certain concessions for residents who have been living abroad and wish to return to Fiji permanently. These concessions apply to the following goods:
- Used Household and personal Effects
- 1 Used Motor Vehicle
To qualify for these concessions, applicants must meet the required conditions and criteria. For more information on the eligibility requirements and how to apply for the concession, please refer to the provided link.
What are the duty charges for sending a tractor and/or other agricultural-related tools from overseas to Fiji, and are there any concessions available for agricultural imports/exports?
Agricultural equipment such as tractors, tractor implements, plows, and manure spreaders are eligible for duty concessions in Fiji. These items are subject to Free Fiscal, Free Import Excise, and 15% VAT. Additionally, there are various duty concessions available for other agricultural sectors, including beekeeping, hydroponic farming, floriculture, pearl farming, and prawn farming. For more details on duty rates, please refer to the tariff and incentive brochures linked here: Tariff and Incentive Brochures.
How can I provide feedback or suggestions about FTIP?
You can visit the Contact Us page in the top menu bar to make any inquiries or provide feedback and suggestions
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