The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) intercepted a consignment of undeclared items during a scheduled inspection at a commercial facility in Vatukoula.
The goods comprised a mix of industrial components, primarily associated with heavy-duty operations, and consumer products including packaged food and tobacco.
FRCS chief executive officer Udit Singh said the operation underscored the vital role they played in securing the country’s borders and preserving the integrity of its revenue system.
“The unlawful importation of goods not only deprives the nation of essential funds needed for development but also disadvantages compliant businesses and individuals,” Mr Singh said yesterday.
He said this incident represented a clear contravention of Section 137(a) of the Customs Act, which prohibited the importation of dutiable goods that were not declared or documented in official import records.
He said their enforcement personnel remained vigilant in their efforts to detect and disrupt illicit importation activities.
He reminded travellers, shipping agents and all stakeholders involved in the movement of goods of their legal obligation to make accurate and complete declarations upon arrival.
“The Customs team continues to strengthen our border control mechanisms to ensure full compliance with customs legislation and to protect government revenue.
“We remain resolute in our enforcement efforts and will continue to implement robust measures to uphold transparency, fairness and full compliance across all entry points,” he said.
Mr Singh said the FRCS remained committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and ensuring all imports were processed in accordance with national laws and international best practices.
Further questions were sent to the FRCS yesterday, and remained unanswered when this edition went to press last night.
