The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has intensified enforcement operations to curb the misuse of Customs concessions granted to visiting yachts under Code 228, Schedule 2 of the Customs Tariff Act 1986.
The FRCS said the owners of three foreign-registered yachts have been charged after investigations revealed the vessels were operating paid charter and cruising services in Fiji waters, in breach of conditions allowing temporary importation for personal use only.
Under Fiji’s Customs laws, anyone caught using a yacht for business without approval can be forced to pay full import duty and face fines of up to $25,000 or 10 years imprisonment.
FRCS chief executive officer Udit Singh said the agency was committed to upholding border integrity and maintaining fairness for legitimate marine tourism operators.
He warned that abuse of the concession system undermined its intent and deprived the country of revenue.
Mr Singh added that FRCS had increased its checks and would take strong action against anyone abusing the system.
He reminded yacht owners to follow all rules and get proper approval before doing business in Fiji.
