Increasing trade and travel has challenged Fiji Quarantine & Inspection Division’s systems on importation of commercial and personal goods from overseas can be accidental manner of a new pest arriving in Fiji Islands; containers, food, animal products, plants or their packaging, may host diseases which, if introduced, would destroy Fiji agricultural economy.
New pests and diseases can also damage agriculture or horticultural production, forestry and tourism and affect trade in international markets. In actual fact, importers are among the most important people in defending against the potential biosecurity dangers that pose the greatest environmental and economic threats.
Documents Required
The following documents are required for importing commercial goods: Bill of Lading, Cargo Release Order, Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Consular Invoice, Customs Import Declaration, Foreign Exchange Authorization, Import License, Inspection Report, Packing List, Tax Certificate, Technical Standard/Health Certificate, and Terminal Handling Receipts.
For importation of any plant and plant products into Fiji and import permit has to be acquired from Fiji Quarantine & Inspection Division prior to imports. Import application form to be collected from FORMS section of the web.
Prohibited/Restricted Items
Most goods may be imported into Fiji without any import licence being required. However, there are restrictions on the import of a number of products. The restriction are absolute for some products while others may imported subjected to conditions imposed by statue or under licence from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Trade and Public Enterprises.
The importation of any plant into Fiji is prohibited unless a phytosanitary certificate is produced and a permit is first obtained from Fiji Quarantine & Inspection Division.
All prohibited/restricted items imported into Fiji are confiscicated at the port of entries and incinerated. A conficication certificate is issued to the consignee for notification.
Import Duties
All imports into Fiji are classified consistent with Standard Tariffs, which are based on the International Convention on the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System.
The rates of duty depend on the type of goods and the classification in the tariff import duty, comprising fiscal duty levied at diverse rates in accordance with the Customs Tariff Act, 1986. 12.5% Vat is payable upfront with fiscal duty.
There are some facilities for exemption, remission, reduction and refund of duty depending on the type and purpose of import. There are reduced rates levied on certain raw equipment imported for the established or growth of local industries. Applications for further reduction and exemption can be made to the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau.
Excise duty is mainly charge on certain manufacture goods like tobacco, liquor and petroleum products. Repayments of certain Customs and excise duties, unknown as drawback, may be claimed if goods are exported after duty has been paid. There are also facilities for the temporary import of goods for alteration or repair, for public exhibition trial or entertainment, of goods not normally available in Fiji to be used solely in connection with some particular project, and of goods for use temporary residents. | 
