Step by Step: How to Export Forestry Products

In Fiji, the process for obtaining a Forest Export Permit is designed to ensure that timber exports comply with both local and international regulations, promoting sustainable forest management and trade. The procedure begins when an overseas buyer issues a purchase order to a local company. The company then submits an online application to the Ministry of Forestry, followed by an inspection of the consignment by a Forestry Official to verify the quality and legality of the timber. After the inspection, the necessary certificates are generated and submitted to Biosecurity and the Ministry for vetting. Once all requirements are met, the Export License is issued, allowing the timber to be legally exported. The entire process is typically completed within two weeks, ensuring timely and efficient handling of export permits.

  1. Step 1

    Registrar of Companies Office

     
    • 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.

    •      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.

  2. Step 2

    Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS)

     

    • 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.

    • 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

    • 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.       

  3. Step 3

    Ministry of Forestry

     

    • New exporters/importers must register an account in the Licensing System Portal at the nearest Forestry Office, providing required documents such as the Company TIN letter, business registration, tax compliance, email address, and phone number. After registration, applicants will receive an email with their login credentials, website link, and further instructions regarding the license procedures and requirements.

    • The application marks the beginning of the process for obtaining a Forest Export Permit in Fiji. This stage begins when an overseas buyer issues a purchase order to a local company in Fiji, confirming the intention to purchase timber or forest products for export. To see the list of required documents, please click here

    • After all necessary documents are submitted and requirements are satisfied, the Ministry of Forestry reviews the application. The applicant will then receive notification of the decision. If approved, the Export License can be collected from Forestry HQ, the Shipping Agent, or sent via email. If rejected, the applicant will be informed of the reasons.

    • After submitting the application, a Forestry Official inspects the timber to verify its quality, quantity, and legality. Two certificates are then issued: The Inspection Certificate and the Timber Grading Certificate. The applicant submits the Inspection Certificate to the nearest Biosecurity Office for clearance, while the Timber Grading Certificate is attached to the application for further vetting

  4. Step 4

    Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS)

     

    • 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.

    • When registering the Customs Declaration the exporter or their Customs agent provides detailed information about the goods being exported from fiji 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 leaving Fiji.

    • FRCS will assess customs duties and taxes based on the classification and declared value of the goods. However, please note that no customs duties apply to exports, except for certain commodities, including precious metals, gold, silver, and aggregates. The applicable duties and taxes will be determined according to the Harmonized System (HS) Code for each product and its classification under the Customs Tariff.

    • 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. 

    • In addition to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), certain goods exported into Fiji may be subject to clearance by other government border agencies to ensure compliance with various regulatory requirements.

    • 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 Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and other regulatory agencies, the goods are ready for release to the exporter.