As the Nation recovers from the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Winston, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA) is working closely with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to ease clearance process for well-wishers who donate items for fellow Fijians.

As announced by the Prime Minister, the assistance provided by the Government will be Duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on items donated for Fijians affected by the cyclone.

FRCA acting Chief Executive, Visvanath Das said: “Donors will obtain approval for the same from the NDMO for ease of clearance. Fiji Procurement Office will be clearing these consignments.

“FRCA Officers are expected to assist them with customs entries to fast track the processing.

“All goods and equipment brought in as Temporary Imports will be granted waiver on the procedural importation requirements such as deposit by bond or cash, IM5 SAD, import license and the like for this State of Emergency period.”

Mr Das added: “We will apply the check-in/check-out process and account for all goods on registers.

“Many religious and charitable organizations are also joining these relief efforts and all goods for this purpose will be entitled to duty concessions applicable under Concession Code 215 of Part 3 of the Customs Tariff.

He emphasised FRCA will grant waiver of fees for Application for Pre-Release under the provisions of Customs regulation.

Mr Das assured that FRCA as guardians of border for trade and travel will rise up in these trying times to do all that is required, to enable relief efforts reach the needy at the earliest.