Moving to Fiji

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • Packing list
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release (2 non-negotiable copies showing the ocean freight rate) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Residence permit / work permit / letter of employment
  • Detailed inventory of new items (if bought less than 6 months prior to shipment arrival) in English, dated, valued, signed by the owner of the goods, and attached to the original invoices
  • Tax identification number
  • Free entry certificate, if applicable
  • Diplomatic declaration, signed by the diplomatic organization
  • Customs baggage declaration (Form CE 11), signed in the presence of a Customs officer

Specific Information

  • It takes approximately 20–40 days to obtain the free entry certificate.
  • Relevant documents must be received by the agent prior to arrival of the shipment to minimize any port charges.
  • The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance.
  • All shipments are subject to inspection.
  • Diplomatic organizations are subject to duty and value added tax (VAT) exemptions provided the consignee to complete the form FA608 prior to arrival of the shipment.
  • Returning residents, who have lived abroad for at least 12 months and persons with dual citizenship, are entitled to duty and VAT exemptions.
  • Clothing, toiletries, personal computers, and other personnel effects are also free to import.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required 

  • Passport
  • Purchase invoice (showing purchase price and date of purchase)
  • Quarantine / agriculture clearance
  • Vehicle registration / certificate of permanent export (UK) / certificate of title (USA) / de-registration certificate (Japan)
  • Invoice showing export costs (Japan)
  • Invoice showing freight costs and insurance to Fiji
  • OBL / AWB
  • Odometer reading at time of sale for export to Fiji
  • Odometer reading at time of importation into Fiji
  • Import license should be applied for prior to the vessel arrival in Fiji
  • Non-sale certificate (new vehicles)
  • Commercial invoice (new vehicles)

Specific Information

  • The OBL must include chassis number, engine number, color, model, make, and weight of the vehicle.
  • The import license must be obtained prior to import.
  • Vehicles older than 5 years of age from the date of manufacture cannot be imported.
  • In order to avoid any unnecessary delays and charges for demurrage and storage due to lengthy Customs procedures, the agent must receive a copy of the required documentation prior to arrival of the shipment; check with agent for specific time frames.
  • Import duties for motor vehicles:
    • Vehicles exceeding 1000 cc but not exceeding 1500 cc will be subject to a $7500 specific duty.
    • Vehicles exceeding 1500 cc but not exceeding 2500 cc will now attract $11,500 per vehicle.
    • Vehicles exceeding 2500 cc but not exceeding 3000 cc will now attract $18,000 per vehicle.
    • Vehicles with 3000 cc will now attract $23,000 per vehicle.
  • The duty rate on used cars is 32% of the invoice value plus 15% excise duty plus 9% VAT.

 

IAM Note: Note that Customs will only take whichever amount is greater for payments of duty.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Vaccination record
  • Application to import live animals 

Specific Information

  • Permission is required from the nearest embassy.
  • Cats, dogs, and other domestic pets can only be directly imported by air into the country from Australia, Hawaii, or New Zealand.
  • An application to import live animals form from the Office of the Director of Animal Health and Production with proof of rabies vaccination is required for entry.
  • Pets are subject to quarantine.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • All weapons including firearms, knives, swords and explosives (police permit is required).
  • Food, plants, or plant parts, camping equipment and biological specimens (a special permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Fisheries is required)
  • The following may qualify for free import by persons age 17 years and older:
    • Cigarettes (250), cigars (250 g), tobacco (250 g) or a combination of items not  to exceed 250g
    • Liquor (225 L)
    • Wine (4.5 L)
    • Beer (4.5 L)
    • Goods cannot exceed FJ$400 in total value

Prohibited Items

  • Unlawful drugs
  • Narcotics
  • Birds (all species)
  • Pornography
  • Counterfeit items
  • Cultural artifacts and other objects of cultural importance
  • Henna
  • Palm trees and any byproducts
  • Explosive materials
  • Meat and dairy products

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information