The Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority has begun publishing the landing cost of vehicles imported into the country on a quarterly basis.

The figures for the July to September quarter has been published in the Fiji Sun today. This can also be accessed from the FRCA website: www.frca.org.fj.

FRCA was tasked to publish the landing cost of vehicles imported in the country during the 2016/2017 National Budget Announcement.

FRCA chief executive, Visvanath Das, said this was the first list of imported vehicles for the first quarter after the budget and data would be collected for each quarter.

“We have already done price surveys so we can monitor if the car dealers are not passing on the duty concessions to consumers,” he said.

“The next one is from October to December and it will also come out by the end of this month.”

The results were supposed to be out by October the past year, but Mr Das said the delay was because this was the first time for the whole list to be complied.

They also had to verify all the chassis numbers.

“Because if you look at imports, the declarations are done by the Customs agents or importers themselves,” he said.

“So we needed to do some compliance around that as well. From the second publication, now the vetting procedures are all set in.

“The idea behind releasing these figures is the Government wanted the benefit of its policies passed on to ordinary Fijians.

“So by this, our ordinary Fijians get access to information and we can see of the policy intents is being achieved.”

Warning to traders

While the landing cost is being published, FRCA is warning traders that it will be strictly monitoring the Customs Duty imposed on the importation of used or reconditioned hybrid vehicles in Fiji.

A team from FRCA is out on the field pre-duty and post-duty imposition to ensure motor vehicle dealers are adhering to the duty rate changes.

Mr Das said: “This is a reminder to all motor vehicle dealers.

“For used or reconditioned hybrid motor vehicles that have been cleared under duty concession prior to January 1, the concessionary rate granted is to be reflected on the price of the same when sold.”

The authority is issuing a stern warning to dealers that a Customs Infringement Notice will be issued if motor vehicle dealers are found abusing the system.

“Any abuse will result in issuance of Customs Infringement Notice for not passing on the zero-duty to consumers,” he said.

“Offenders will be fined up to $50, 000 per offence,” he added.

Mr Das said consumers play a crucial role in effective tax administration by reporting any noncompliant practises by businesses.

“We urge Fiji public to report immediately any incident of increased price on these stocks. You can send details with documentary evidence to ceo@frca.org.fj,” he said.

Edited by Maraia Vula

Feedback: rachnal@fijisun.com.fj