Fiji - 1 Fiji Country Profile

Generic Information

The Republic of the Fiji Islands is a Pacific Island Country (PIC) with a population of close to a million people; and is located about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. The country is composed of 332 islands, many of which are large and have high elevation. Most of the population, however, live near the coasts, making sea-level rise an important risk. In addition, the Fijian economy is heavily dependent on the sugar and tourism industries, both of which are susceptible to climate change. Adaptation planning is underway in Fiji.

The two main islands are Viti Levu, where the capital city of Suva is located, and Vanua Levu. Other main islands are Taveuni (470 km²), Kadavu (411 km²), Gau (140 km²) and Koro (104 km²). The second city in Fiji is Lautoka.

Fiji has one of the largest economies in the region, is one of the PICs least dependent on foreign aid, and generating income through tourism, sugar and exports of natural resources. Fiji is a multi-ethnic, multi-faith society, influenced by Pacific, Indian, European and Asian traditions. 

The Republic of the Fiji Islands lies wholly within the southern tropics. The area included within Fiji's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is 1,163,272 km² with only 18,274 km² of land. Only 16% of this landmass is suitable for agriculture and is found mainly along the coastal plains, river deltas, and valleys.

The combination of the prevailing south-easterly trade winds and these mountain ranges result in a distinct dry western side climate suited for sugar cane cultivation and a distinctive wet and humid eastern climate experienced in Suva, the capital city.

Demographics

Fiji's 2022 estimated population is 907,216 of which 51% are indigenous Fijians, 44% are Indo-Fijians, with the balance being Europeans, Chinese, Rotumans and other Pacific Islanders. Most of Fiji's population live on Viti Levu's coasts, either in Suva or in smaller urban centers. The interior of Viti Levu is sparsely populated due to its rough terrain.

Governance Divisional Areas

There are four Divisional areas in Fiji with 14 provinces.

Central Division has five provinces: Naitasiri, Namosi, Rewa, Serua, and Tailevu.
Eastern Division has three provinces: Kadavu, Lau, and Lomaiviti.
Northern Division has three provinces: Bua, Cakaudrove, and Macuata.

Western Division has three provinces: Ba, Nadroga-Navosa, and Ra.

Foreign Relations: Fiji has traditionally had close relations with its major trading partners Australia and New Zealand. Fiji has also pursued closer relations with a number of Asian countries, including the People's Republic of China, Indonesia, and India. 

 A disaster-prone country

Fiji is second only to Papua New Guinea as the PIC having been most affected by natural disasters since 1990.

The social and economic implications of climatological and hydrological risks are considerable across all primary production sectors, especially agriculture. Floods and droughts can disrupt agricultural production for domestic and export activities and landslides can cut roads and disrupt communications and access. Cyclonic events are a threat to settlements, infrastructure, tourist facilities and the population that is located on the coastal fringe of the high islands and on the low islands.

The current key hazards and risks of most concern to Fiji are products of cyclonic and geological-forcing activity. Fiji is in the tropical cyclone belt and one cyclone on average passes through Fijian waters each year. Cyclones cause loss of lives and property, coastal and riverine flooding, as well as damages to agricultural and tree crops from high winds. They have severe consequences for the nation’s economy. TC Winston in 2016 affected about half of the whole Fiji population and the losses resulting from it were estimated to reduce economic growth by 2.5 % relative to the 2016 pre-cyclone forecast.

Fiji’s location on the Pacific “ring of fire” puts it at risk from geological hazards, in particular earthquakes and locally generated tsunamis. The last major destructive earthquake and tsunami was registered in 1953. The threat from volcanic eruptions is rather low with their primary effects on the maritime sector limited to the impact of large pumice rafts from sub-marine eruptions to the east of Fiji.

Drought, which affects coastal and upland areas, is another outcome of a climatic condition. Since 1978, several droughts have had a major impact on the economic productivity and subsistence livelihoods across the country. The threats can become significantly higher due to a longer-range climate change.

Generic country information can be located from sources, which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a generic country overview, please consult the following sources:

Fiji Wikipedia Country Information https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji

Fiji IMF Country Information mf.org/en/Countries/FJI

Fiji Economist Intelligence Unit Information* http://country.eiu.com/Fiji

(*note - this is a paid service) 

Facts and Figures

Fiji Wolfram Alpha Information https://www.wolframalpha.com/input?i=Fiji

Fiji World Bank Information https://data.worldbank.org/country/fiji?view=chart

Fiji Population Information https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/fiji-population

Fiji - 1.1 Fiji Humanitarian Background

Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

Natural Hazards
Type	Occurs	Comments / Details
Drought	Yes	The areas affected by drought in Fiji are mainly the smaller islands and the Western and Northern sides of the main islands. Droughts which occur in Fiji are linked to the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and associated reductions in rainfall.
Earthquakes	Yes	Fiji is exposed to earthquakes. Those areas having the greatest earthquake activity are the Taveuni-Udu area, the southwestern parts of Kadavu and the northern Yasawas. The medium activity extends from the southern part of Taveuni and Vanua Levu, through Koro, Gau, Ovalau, eastern and southern Viti Levu, and as far north as north-western Kadavu. The rest of Fiji is a region of relatively low earthquake activity.
Epidemics	Yes	Like many developing countries, Fiji is still undergoing an epidemiological transition and is faced with a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Whilst there has been a decline in the incidence of some of the communicable diseases over the past 20 years such as tuberculosis and filariasis, the rise in incidence of Leptospirosis and typhoid fever in recent years is a cause for concern. Fiji had significant COVID incidence.
Extreme Temperatures	No	N/A
Flooding	Yes	Flooding is also a significant hazard in Fiji, usually associated with cyclone or tropical depression rainfall. Fiji is subject to both coastal and river flooding. Rapid-onset floods occur within several hours of heavy rainfall, can last several days and are specific to medium-sized river catchments. Flash floods occur within a few hours of torrential rains with little or no warning and dissipate rapidly. This is the most common form of flooding in Fiji and it occurs frequently.
Insect Infestation	Yes	As for all PICs, pests and disease pose a huge danger to Fiji’s environment. Fiji successfully controlled a number of notorious coconut pests and some weeds by implementing bio-control programmes. The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) was established under the Biosecurity Promulgation in December 2008. BAF manages quarantine controls at borders to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering the country. It also provides import and export inspection and certification to help retain Fiji’s favourable animal, plant and human health status and wide access to overseas export markets.
Mudslides	Yes	Landslides in Fiji are commonly associated with periods of heavy rainfall, especially tropical cyclone rainfall. The most concerned areas are the coastal south-east Viti Levu. Following Cyclone Wally in 1980, the most extensive landslides were recorded, when the road from Navua to Yarawa was blocked by 45 huge landslides. Landslides are also associated with earthquake activity (for example on Kadavu in 1998).
Volcanic Eruptions	Yes	Taveuni is the third-largest island in the Fiji Group and is home to around 15,000 people. The island is the surface expression of a large volcano, 40 km long and up to 12 km wide. Recent geological surveys indicated that it has erupted at least 36 times since people inhabited the island. Given the continual nature of eruptive activity on Taveuni since 9500 BC, the probability of activity within the next 100 years is high.
High Waves / Surges	Yes	Fiji has, during its history, been affected by tsunami. The likelihood of tsunami differs between locations in Fiji. Based upon the magnitudes of known tsunami, there is moderate tsunami potential in the Central-Southeast islands of the Fiji Group (where tsunamis have been recorded with wave run-up heights of 2-4 m). Coastlines in the Northwest of the group are identified as having a low tsunami potential as tsunami have either not been reported or those reported in the area have run-up heights of less than 2 m.
Wildfires	Yes	Significant fire events in the countryside are related to the dry season. During the dry season vegetation in the western region becomes susceptible to fire. The National Fire Authority is stationed in the major cities and some big towns. Other communities lack fire service facilities.
High Winds	Yes	Fiji’s location in the South Pacific Ocean exposes the country to tropical cyclones, which are the most frequent hazard process to occur in Fiji and result in the most damage. On average, Fiji experiences 10 to 15 tropical cyclones per decade, of which 2 to 4 results in severe damage. Tropical cyclones in Fiji affect an average of 28,837 people per event. The most recent tropical cyclone Cat V (Winston, 2016) affected 540,000 people and killed 44. Cyclone (Ami, 2003) affected 30,000 people and killed 17.
Other Comments	N/A
Man-Made Issues
Civil Strife	Yes	There have been 4 coups d'état in the past 40 years, two in 1987, 2000, and in 2006.
International Conflict	No	N/A
Internally Displaced Persons	Yes	Both disasters and climate change are causing internal displacement in many countries in the region. Although many of these people are likely to be displaced within national borders, some will have no choice but to migrate internationally. Their lives and livelihoods are linked to the Pacific Ocean; rising sea levels and other effects of global warming threaten not only their physical assets and coastal zones, but also their way of life and perhaps their national identities.
Refugees Present	Yes	14 people were granted Asylum in 2020. (Persons recognized as refugees under the 1951 UN Convention/1967 Protocol, the 1969 OAU Convention, in accordance with the UNHCR Statute in Fiji.)
Landmines / UXO Present	No	N/A
Other Comments	N/A

For a more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters Country Profile.

Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities

Seasonal Effects on Transport
Transport Type	Time Frame	Comments / Details
Primary Road Transport	November to April	Paved and sealed road are generally ok to go through during the wet season. Nevertheless, rains on the main roads could make driving a hazard. During the wet season, floods, flash floods and landslides, particularly on stretches of the highways may happen, resulting in roads, crossroads or bridges closures.
Secondary Road Transport	November to April	The secondary roads network is often not in a perfect condition and may be quickly affected by rainfalls, making it impracticable overnight. During the wet season, floods, flash floods and landslides may happen, resulting in roads, crossroads or bridges closures.
Rail Transport	N/A	No rail network exists in Fiji.
Air Transport	November to April	Generally reliable all year-round. Heavy rainfalls / cyclones may impact the air transport operations, resulting in delays, flights cancellations and temporary airports/airstrips closures. The secondary airstrips on outer islands may be impracticable during the wet seasons and even if the airports/airstrips are open, the access roads may be impracticable.
Waterway Transport	November to April	Waterway transport – for both sea and rivers - may be affected during the wet / cyclonic seasons.

Seasonal Effects on Storage and Handling
Activity Type	Time Frame	Comments / Details
Storage	November to April	During the wet / cyclonic seasons, days of torrential rain may flood roads, cut power and water supplies, closing access to transport and storage infrastructures, impacting handling / packaging operations and making access of manpower problematic. Nevertheless, it is very difficult to forecast and anticipate these constraints.
Handling	November to April	As above
Other	November to April	As above

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

Government

During a previous large disaster response in Fiji the 2016 TC Winston operation, the Fiji Government displayed all its logistical capabilities to successfully undertake a military led response. Using both their assets (vessels and aircrafts) as well as their personnel, they implemented a 'Forward Cell', whose aim was to coordinate those assets as well as the ones provided by the neighbouring militaries from Australia, New Zealand and France.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

Humanitarian Community

Fiji’s humanitarian response is coordinated through the Fiji cluster system. The Fijian government approach to national humanitarian and disaster response is modelled on the Global Cluster System. The Global Cluster System was established in 2006 by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) to provide a more predictable and accountable response to humanitarian crises, with clearly mandated lead agencies to ensure strong leadership in the main sectors of humanitarian response (IASC 2006). A regional approach to the cluster system exists through the Pacific Humanitarian Team, which is a collaboration between UN, Pacific Island country representatives, NGOs, donors and private-sector actors.

 For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.2 Humanitarian Agency Contact List.

Fiji - 1.2 Fiji Regulatory Departments and Quality Control

This is a comprehensive list of governing authorities and the priority humanitarian logistics authorities.

Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji

The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) retained the technical regulatory functions of the aviation industry to comply with National and International standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices. Its functions also include the registration of aircraft; safety of air navigation and aircraft; control of air traffic; certification of aircraft and operators; licensing of aircrew and airports.

Fiji Revenue and Customs Service

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is the regulatory authority determining all customs and tariff issues within Fiji. Formerly the Inland Revenue Department and the Fiji Islands Customs Service, FRCS advises the state on matters relating to taxation and customs and excise and liaises with appropriate Ministries and statutory bodies on such matters. It represents the State internationally in respect of matters relating to taxation or customs and excise.

Biosecurity Authority of Fiji

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) was established under the Biosecurity Promulgation in December 2008. It is a Commercial Statutory Authority under the Public Enterprise Act 1996. BAF is mandated to protect Fiji’s agricultural sector from the introduction and spread of animal and plant pests and diseases, facilitate access to viable agro-export markets and ensure compliance of Fiji’s agro-exports to overseas market requirements.

BAF manages quarantine controls at our borders to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering the country. It also provides import and export inspection and certification to help retain Fiji’s favourable animal, plant and human health status and wide access to overseas export markets.

BAF undertakes visual inspections and test of all imported goods. Certain countries have specific protocols of allowable goods for importation. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not accepted in Fiji and all goods must be accompanied by a GMO-free certification. Chemical residue testing is not undertaken in Fiji but samples in the past have been shipped to the United States of America for testing. Any goods that do not comply are rejected

Telecommunication Authority of Fiji

The Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF) is the regulatory authority for all telecommunication matters and has the following functions -

to implement the telecommunications policy in accordance with its powers under the Promulgation;
to assist through mediation the resolution of disputes between licensees or between licensees and consumers;
to manage State assets through allocating, assigning and supervising the use of radio spectrum and frequencies;
to manage State assets through allocating, assigning and supervising the use of numbering;
to promote investor confidence relating to telecommunications;

to protect consumer interests and promote consumer awareness relating to telecommunications;
to represent the Government in regional and international organizations and obligations, when the Minister has officially delegated such tasks to the Authority; and
to perform any other functions assigned to it under the Promulgation or any other written law.

“State assets” refers to radio frequency spectrum or the national telephone numbering system and includes any other telecommunication assets prescribed under the Promulgation.

Fiji Roads Authority

Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) is the organisation responsible for planning, developing and maintaining Fiji’s $6 billion road infrastructure. The infrastructure primarily consists of approximately 7500 km of road, 1200 bridges, 9000+ streetlights and 45 jetties. FRA operates as a body corporate governed under the leadership of a board. FRA manages the road assets primarily through out-sourced contracts with the private sector. The exception to this is certain maintenance work carried out by Municipal Councils and the management of roads in the outer islands, which are administered by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development under a Memorandum of Understanding with FRA.

Fiji Islands Maritime Safety Administration

The Fiji Islands Maritime Safety Administration (FIMSA) regulates the shipping industry, covering surveys, inspections, classification and certification of vessels, port state control, monitoring of shipping within national waters, and regulation of inter-island shipping. In March 2006, FIMSA was reorganized, due to a reform of Fiji Islands’ ports, and to ensure port compliance with the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. FIMSA, consequently, took over the regulatory activities of the Maritime and Ports Authority of Fiji Islands.

FIMSA Divisions:

Hydrographical

Regulation and Rulemaking

Seafarers & Assessment

Ship Inspection

Marine Pollution

Port State Control

Shipping Office

Land Transport Authority

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is the principal licensing authority for all forms of land transportation, irrespective of whether it is driven on private or public road and performs the key role of ensuring adequate, effective, efficient and safe land transportation throughout Fiji. It provides licensing and compliance services and focuses on road safety.

Laboratory and Quality Testing

As outlined above the BAF undertakes visual testing of all imported goods arriving in Fiji. Limited testing is available locally however international testing laboratories have agencies in Fiji who will send samples overseas for analysis. The University of the South Pacific provides food quality testing for Food Safety Standards in Suva. There is also an agricultural soil and plant testing facility available based on nutrient analysis.

For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Company Contact List.

Fiji - 1.3 Fiji Customs Information

Duties and Tax Exemption

International freight enters Fiji through two main port areas:

Nadi in the NW for all air freight coming into Fiji;
Suva and Lautoka for all sea freight, both are located on the main island of Viti Levu. The main seaport in Suva is in Walu Bay.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) controls all customs clearance processes of imports and exports of all commercial and humanitarian goods into Fiji and sets all procedures and tariff determinations, as well as exemptions. The customs procedure for handling incoming goods during general periods is controlled by the FRCS and is generally undertaken through brokers and through the Fiji Procurement Office (FPO) operating under the Ministry of Economy for Government-consigned and utilised goods.

During an emergency the FPO handles all goods consigned to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Government of Fiji (GoF) and facilitates the customs clearance for these goods. FPO has a warehouse in Walu Bay for sea freight and at Nadi Airport for air freight. During an emergency it will second through the GoF additional space to facilitate increased volumes.

The customs clearance process and documentation follows international standards and Fiji operates under the WCO conventions. Goods are allowed to stay at the wharf prior to customs clearance for 72 hours and this is not extended during disaster times. The Port Authorities will commence demurrage after 72 hours. Assuming the correct documentation is provided for the inspected goods then clearance should be facilitated; otherwise the process can take up to two weeks. However, other border agencies, such as Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and Ministry of Health, are also involved in the clearance of the goods and, should their requirements not be met, longer delays up to two weeks could be expected.

Duty exemption can be obtained for standard humanitarian goods. However, during a state of emergency, specific items such as vehicles and generators require special approval by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Minister of Economy and will attract customs tariffs depending on the registration status of the organisation and whether agreements and MOUs exist between the organisation and a Fiji Government Agency. During normal times any organisation must be registered. However, during times of emergency, organisations not registered in Fiji will be able to import humanitarian goods for use without registration during the emergency period. FRCS requires all consignees or importers to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Registration and issuance of TIN by FRCS takes only one day. However, for relief items consigned to the NDMO, agencies will not require a TIN Number since the NDMO already has its own.

It must be noted that historically the Fiji Government recognises the need to expedite international humanitarian assistance and with it the duty free exemption for humanitarian goods used in disaster response. But once a ‘State of Emergency’ period is over, full taxes will apply on goods even for humanitarian purposes.

The default position in any importation that may not fall directly under a clear customs law is that a ruling must be applied for and approved by the Minister of Economy.

For further information on the Fiji Customs Authority, see the following link: https://www.frcs.org.fj/

For contact information regarding government custom authorities, please follow the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

Emergency Response

Duties and tax exemption procedures historically have changed and varied between successive emergencies. During Tropical Cyclone (TC) Winston, duty and tax exemption for goods was coordinated through mutual agreement between the Ministry of Economy and FRCS and were reported to be timely and effective.

However, in an aim to formalise this process the Fiji Government has mandated (Budget Supplement 2016-17 P69 item 16) to "create (a) provision for humanitarian aid and natural disaster relief goods." In doing so "a review of Customs Tariff Act to accommodate and create provision for goods of humanitarian aid and natural disaster relief in nature to allow expedite clearance of such goods….’

Please refer to link below to see list of treaties and agreement confirmed or ratified by Fiji: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Treaties_of_Fiji

Agreements / Conventions Description	Ratified by Country?
WCO (World Customs Organization) member	Yes
Annex J-5 Revised Kyoto Convention/Arusha Declaration	Yes
OCHA Model Agreement	n/a
WTO Valuation Agreement	Yes
Tampere Convention (on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations)	No

Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response)

During time of normal activity registered UN agencies need to apply for exemption on goods through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All imports are on a case-by-case basis and they will advise FRCS on the outcome. INGOs however need to be registered to obtain duty exemption status. All exemption applications need to be approved by the FRCS and the Minister of Economy.

Organizational Requirements to obtain Duty Free Status
United Nations Agencies
Most international disaster response activities are primarily conducted through Diplomatic Missions, international organizations (IOs) or NGOs, which are the subject of different legal status, privileges, immunities and obligations. Permanent delegations of international organizations are treated in a similar way to those of Governments. Under the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act, organizations which receive a Ministerial declaration stating that it is an “organization of which two or more States or the Governments thereof are members,” are recognised as being an international organization with corporate legal status. As such they are entitled to benefit from the privileges and immunities outlined in the various schedules of the Act, as described above.  UNDP has assisted other UN organizations with submitting a request for duty exemption when importing goods under their umbrella however this is limited and on a case-by-case basis.
Non-Governmental Organizations
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)s are considered corporate bodies under Fiji law and are usually registered in accordance with the Charitable Trusts Act or Religious Bodies Registration Act. NGOs register at the Ministry of Justice at the companies register. After registration the FRCS (tax division) will issue a TIN (tax identification number) that is used when importing goods into Fiji as part of the identification process. To register as a charitable trust, an organization must have a mission consistent with one of four “charitable purposes”, which includes “the relief of distress caused by any disaster affecting the whole or any part of the community”. That certificate registers the trustees of the charity as a corporate body and therefore entitles the board of trustees to various property and contractual rights. Religious NGOs can also potentially register through the Charitable Trusts Act provided they meet the relevant criteria, but they can also register in accordance with the Religious Bodies Registration Act, which similarly enables them, through their trustees, to have recognized legal status and hold land. Registration must be made by the head of the organization and at least two ministers or priests resident in Fiji (or if there are no ministers or priests in Fiji, then by two members), and these persons are recognised as the legal trustees of the organisation. Although the measures outlined above are primarily intended for NGOs seeking to set up permanently in Fiji, it appears that the same requirements would also apply to NGOs only wishing to enter Fiji on a temporary basis for a specific emergency operation but only if they intended to stay after the initial ‘State of Emergency’ period. However, in personal interviews with Fiji officials, there was a general belief that in the event of a large natural disaster agencies do not require registration to assist in the immediate response period.

VAT Exemption

While organisations may be exempt for customs tariffs, they may not be exempt from VAT. Unregistered organisations will find that even if they have an MOU with a Government Agency i.e. NDMO/Office of the Prime Minister then VAT will applicable and payable by the Fiji Govt department/ agency. This specifically applies to items such as Vehicles, generators and less so communications equipment.

Exemption Certificate Application Procedure

There is no mandated established procedure for the exemption process to be followed during emergencies (see above). Such processes have changed after each subsequent emergency. During TC Winston in 2016 coordination between the then Ministry of Finance (now the Ministry of Economy) and the FRCS implemented the following process. It was found to be straightforward and effective. Time frame for obtaining the exemption certificate was usually no more than 48 hours down from two weeks in non-emergency times.

Duties and Taxes Exemption Application Procedure
Generalities (include a list of necessary documentation)
Organizations requiring an exemption need to follow the
Process to be followed (step by step)
During TC Winston the Duty Exemption process established was as follows: GOODS CONSIGNED TO NDMO You MUST consign your cargo to the NDMO Consignee: National Disaster Management Office c/o Attorney General and Minister of Economy, Government of Fiji, Republic of Fiji. Step by Step Process Email your completed ‘Relief Import Request Form’ including all relevant information (items/ quantities/ weight / volumes) to  vasiti.soko@govnet.gov.fj   (Director for the National Disaster Management Office) To seek approval for your cargo BEFORE arrival. Copy the Logistics Cluster for tracking purposes at the following address: request.fijilogs@wfp.org Once you receive approval, attach the form and relevant documentation and send to the NDMO FPO_Shipping_Suva@govnet.gov.fj The NDMO will process your request and send you a confirmation email of approval for Duty and VAT exemption. This is the green light for your cargo to depart. From there on your cargo will be handled on arrival by the NDMO (customs clearance/ transport/ storage/ distribution) The following is an indicative list of items that have been identified as a priority for the response: Shelter -Tarpaulins and tents, temporary shelters, construction materials (roofing iron, timber, tools, nails, etc), blankets(new); Water and sanitation - Water purification tablets and filters, mosquito sprays; Health - vaccines and medicines, emergency medical kits; Agriculture - Planting materials and tools. GOODS CONSIGNED TO ORGANIZATIONS* You MUST consign your cargo to: Name or Recipient Organization or Individual c/o Attorney General and Minister of Economy Ministry of Economy, Government of Fiji, Republic of Fiji. Step by Step Process Email your completed ‘Relief Import Request Form’ including all relevant information (items/ quantities/ weight / volumes) vasiti.soko@govnet.gov.fj (Director for the National Disaster Management Office) to seek approval for your cargo BEFORE arrival. Copy the Logistics Cluster for tracking purposes at the following address: request.fijilogs@wfp.org Once you receive approval, attach the form and relevant documentation and send to the NDMO FPO_Shipping_Suva@govnet.gov.fj The NDMO will process your request and send you a confirmation email of approval for Duty and VAT exemption, your cargo can then depart. Print the confirmation email (it is required for the customs clearance process) On arrival of your cargo, present Packing list, Waybill, Pro forma Invoice and the confirmation email for Duty and VAT exemption from the NDMO to Customs to get your goods cleared. Once your cargo is released by Customs, you are in charge of organizing your own transport, storage and distribution in accordance with government priorities For transport and warehousing, the Logistics Cluster can assist with a list of available commercial companies. Requests for transport by military assets are facilitated by UN-CM Co-Ord through the “Request for Assistance” (RFA) form, contact: CMCOORDFIJI@gmail.com.

Exemption Certificate Document Requirements

Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificate Document Requirements (by commodity)
	Food	NFI (Shelter, WASH, Education)	Medicines	Vehicle & Spare Parts	Staff & Office Supplies	Telecoms Equipment
Invoice	Yes, original	Yes, original	Yes, original	Yes, original	Yes, original	Yes, original
AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents	Not essential	Not essential	Not essential	Yes, original. Please see below	Not essential	Not essential
Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates	Not essential	Not essential	Not essential	Yes, original. Please see below	Not essential	Not essential
Packing Lists	Yes, original. Needs to be detailed.	Yes, original. Needs to be detailed.	Yes, original. Needs to be detailed.	Yes, original. Please see below	Yes, original. Needs to be detailed.	Yes, original. Needs to be detailed.
Other Documents	GMO free certificate required			See below		See below
Additional Notes
Importation of Vehicles Vehicles are treated separately even to consigned humanitarian programs. UN agencies may import cars under diplomatic status through UNDP however all other organisations registered and unregistered will need to seek prior approval from the Minister of Economy before their arrival. New vehicles do not need an import licence but second-hand vehicles do. They must also be less than 5 years old and Euro 4 Environmental standards. Importation of Communications Equipment For importation of telecoms goods in Fiji, organisations must request an import permit from TAF, requests for frequencies (VHF, HF radio etc) should also be requested through TAF. UNDP has assisted UN Agencies with submitting a request for duty exemption but this is on a case-by-case basis. This form is called an “FA608” form. Contact point at UNDP for this is  registry.fj@undp.org  Phone: +679 331-2500.

Customs Clearance

General Information 

Goods are allowed to stay on the wharf free of charge for 72 hours while awaiting customs clearance and this timeframe exists throughout an emergency. Ports and airports will charge demurrage charges after this time.

Customs Information
Document Requirements	As above
Embargoes	n/a
Prohibited Items	GMOs are not accepted in Fiji
General Restrictions	n/a

Customs Clearance Document Requirements

Fiji customs processes follow international procedures and standards during normal and disaster times. Standard documentation is required. There needs to be a clear distinction between goods being used for an organisation’s operation and goods being used for donation.  If there are any additional comments, they can be included at the bottom of the table.

Customs Clearance Document Requirements (by commodity)
	Food	NFI (Shelter, WASH, Education)	Medicines	Vehicles & Spare Parts	Staff &Office Supplies	Telecoms Equipment
D&T Exemption Certificate	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Invoice	Yes, Original	Yes, Original	Yes, Original	Yes, Original	Yes, Original	Yes, Original
AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents	Bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Cargo Manifesto	Bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Cargo Manifesto	Bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Cargo Manifesto	Bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Cargo Manifesto	Bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Cargo Manifesto	Bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Cargo Manifesto
Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates	Yes, Original	Yes, Original	Yes, Original	Yes, Original	Yes, Original	Yes, Original
Packing Lists	Packing list/container list, Yes, Original	Packing list/container list, Yes, Original	Packing list/container list, Yes, Original	Packing list/container list, Yes, Original	Packing list/container list, Yes, Original	Packing list/container list, Yes, Original
Phytosanitary Certificate	Biosecurity Clearance	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Other Documents	GMO free certificate	-	-	See above section Additional notes	-	Yes
Additional Notes
Dangerous Goods Declaration Items that are considered dangerous i.e communications equipment batteries will require a dangerous goods declaration. This should accompany the goods from consignor. Used items (i.e. clothing) Items must be accompanied by fumigated and contain a fumigation certificate. If clothing arrives without a fumigation certificate it will be fumigated and costs passed onto the consignee. All food items must comply with the Provisions of Pure Food Act. Staff Office and Organisational Supplies All goods that are used for organisational operational purposes for UN organizations can gain exemptions through applying to UNDP Department of Foreign Affairs. Whether this applies to UN agency implementing INGO partners is unknown.

Transit Regime

Transit to other international destinations

Humanitarian goods transiting through Fiji are held in a so called ‘Constructive Warehouse’ area which store and hold goods until the connection vessel or aircraft is scheduled to depart. 

Consolidation/breakdown

Humanitarian goods being brought into Fiji for consolidation or breakdown into smaller consignments may attract duties and taxes if being brought to Fiji before being shipped to their final international destination. This has applied to organisations bringing goods to Fiji so they can be organised and re-consigned for transit to smaller international remote islands where the ability and capacity of the organisation to handle containers is limited. To avoid taxes, an exemption letter would be required from the Minister of Economy before the arrival of the goods. It is also uncertain as to where this consolidation of breakdown can take place as it would need to be in a secure area.