FRCS intercepts smuggled goods

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service Officers have intercepted another consignment of goods countering attempts of customs duty fraud.

While reviewing the import documents, FRCS Officers found anomalies indicating undeclared goods and upon physical inspection, two cartons of cigarettes and several highly dutiable undeclared goods were discovered.

Undeclared goods included new tyres, sofa, sports equipment, food items, printer, vehicle accessories, cosmetics and electrical goods, etc.

FRCS CEO Mark Dixon stated that the Service promoted voluntary compliance and trusted the importers and customs agents to accurately report the type, value, and country of origin for the merchandise they bring into the country for which the right amount of duty must be paid.

However, Dixon says FRCS will not condone customs fraud as this deprives the Fijian Government of revenue through customs duties and taxes that would otherwise be used to fund vital public services such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

He adds additionally, the fraudulent companies also gain a competitive advantage over honest traders by having lower importation costs for their products yet selling at the same prices.