Step by Step: How to Import Animal or Animal Products
Importing animals or animal products into Fiji requires adherence to specific biosecurity protocols established by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF). An import permit is mandatory for most live animals and animal products, which must be obtained prior to shipment. The application process involves providing detailed information about the animal or product, its origin, and intended use. Additionally, health certificates and other documentation may be required, depending on the species and product type. It’s essential to comply with all BAF regulations to ensure a smooth importation process. For comprehensive guidelines and application forms, visit the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji’s official website.
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Step 1
Registrar of Companies Office
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To register your business online, first visit the Registrar of Companies (ROC) portal and create an account using the online registration form. Then, verify your E-Profile by visiting your nearest Birth, Death, and Marriage or ROC office. Once verified, you'll receive a username and password to access your E-Profile, where you should change the system-generated password to a unique one. Finally, register your entity through your E-Profile, ensuring you select "Assign ROC Pass." Your application will be approved by ROC staff within 20-30 minutes.
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Reserve your Business Name by applying through Application for reservation of a company name on the Digital Fiji
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Register the Business Name by applying through Application for Registration of a Business Name on the DigitalFiji Platform with all the required documents and submit the completed Online application.
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Once the relevant company documents are complete, the company is required by the Companies Act, 2015, to submit the documents together with an application form and the required fee to the Office of the Registrar of Companies
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After submitting the documents to the Office of the Registrar of Companies, you must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
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The TIN letter must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Companies to facilitate the issuance of the Certificate of Registration.
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Step 2
Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS)
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To sign up for a New Taxpayer Account on the FRCS Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS), individuals must first access the TPOS portal via the FRCS website or directly at the TPOS Portal.
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After completing the registration process on the FRCS Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS) portal, the first-time login process involves using the credentials provided through email to access the portal. It's crucial to log in within 7 days, or the Applicant account will expire and the Applicant will need to register again
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For non-individuals (e.g., companies, partnerships, trusts, non-profit organizations, etc.) using the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS), applying for a TIN is an essential step after successful registration on the portal. If you are not able to apply online, please visit the FRCS office to get assistance from the Tax officers.
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Step 3
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji
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Complete the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) Import Permit Application form. Provide detailed information about the animal species, quantity, origin, and intended purpose. Submit the completed application Form to BAF.
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Make payments in cash, bank transfer, online banking and submit remittance advice. You can also make payments from MyCash or M-paisa.
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Once the payment is complete, show the receipt to the counter. BAF officer will inform you when the Import Permit is created. Visit BAF office upon receiving notification and collect your Import Permit.
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Step 4
Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS)
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Submit a registration request to the FRCS via email, including all required documentation. FRCS will review the submitted documents for completeness and compliance. If the application is approved, the trader will be successfully registered with FRCS.
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Shipment Arrival at Fiji Port marks the point at which the goods physically arrive in the country, and the customs procedures for assessing and releasing the goods begin. Once the goods have been shipped and arrive at the port, the Arrival Notice will be issued by the carrier or freight forwarder to inform the consignee that the goods have arrived. This notice contains critical shipment details, such as the arrival date, cargo description, and charges due for pick-up. The carrier (shipping line or airline) is responsible for registering the manifest with the Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS), but it’s important for the importer or their Customs Agent to ensure this step is carried out properly to avoid delays in customs clearance
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When registering the Customs Declaration, the importer or their Customs agent provides detailed information about the goods being imported to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS). This declaration ensures compliance with customs regulations and facilitates the proper assessment of duties, taxes, and the clearance of goods for entry into Fiji.
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FRCS will assess customs duty and taxes based on the classification and declared value of the goods. Duty and taxes will depend on the Harmonized System (HS) Code for each product and its classification under the Customs Tariff.
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Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) reviews the declared goods to ensure they comply with all relevant laws and regulations. This may involve a physical inspection or verification of documentation to confirm the accuracy of the Customs Declaration and assess applicable duties, taxes, and compliance with import restrictions. Once the goods pass inspection and any due payments are made, FRCS issues the Customs Clearance.
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In addition to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), certain goods imported into Fiji may be subject to clearance by other government border agencies to ensure compliance with various regulatory requirements. These agencies play an important role in protecting public health, safety, and the environment, as well as ensuring compliance with trade regulations
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The final release of goods is the concluding step in the customs clearance process. After all required documents are submitted, duties and taxes are paid, and the necessary approvals are obtained from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and other regulatory agencies, the goods are ready for release to the importer. Below is the process for the final release of goods after customs clearance
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