Second hand vehicles imported into the country that do not meet the import licence Customs Regulations will be seized at the border for destruction or re-exported at importers costs.

In a statement, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Services said that the importation of second hand vehicles are subject to import licence pursuant to Customs Regulations.

“The importation of vehicles which are non-compliant to the above conditions are absolutely prohibited into Fiji.

“The import will be seized by Revenue & Customs at the border for destruction or re-export at importers costs.”

Revenue & Customs Chief Executive Officer Visvanath Das said: “The traders, dealers and entities are also informed that all statutory written-off vehicles are now prohibited import as per Schedule 1 of the Customs Prohibited Import and Export Regulation.

“Importation of All High Bin Dumper Trucks (HBDT) and Articulated Dump Trucks is also restricted under Schedule 3 of the Customs Prohibited Import and Export Regulation.”

He clarified that exemptions would only be granted to the entities who hold mining licence and are involved in the mining business under Mining Act of Fiji.

All applications must be directly made to Fiji Revenue & Customs Services for licencing assessment and final approval.

“All importers – traders, dealers and general public – are to ensure that import licence MUST BE obtained prior to loading of vehicle on the vessel to avoid any unnecessary delays and additional costs at clearance in Fiji.

“Any breach or non-compliance to the Regulation will be subject to detention of the vehicles under the Customs Act and the necessary penalties”, Mr. Das added.

“Our aim is to simplify and facilitate trade for ease of doing business through proactive awareness of rules and regulations for our stakeholders to voluntary compliance without increasing costs for them.

“We are responsible for the security and protection of Fijian borders and communities from any illicit trade flows,” he said.

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