WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1  
 
26 April 2016  
(16-2333)  Page: 1/107  
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT 
FIJI 
Revision 
This report, prepared for the third Trade Policy Review of Fiji, has been drawn up by the WTO 
Secretariat on its own responsibility. The Secr etariat has, as required by the Agreement 
establishing the Trade Policy Review Mech anism (Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement 
Establishing the World Trade Organization), sought clarification from Fiji on its trade policies and practices.  
Any technical questions arising from this report  may be addressed to Ricardo Barba-Viniegra 
(tel: 022 739 5873); and Martha Lara Fernandez (tel: 022 739 6033).  
Document WT/TPR/G/330 contains the policy statement submitted by Fiji. 
 
 
Note: This report was drafted in English. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  CONTENTS 
SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... . 6 
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................ 11  
1.1   Recent Developments ............................................................................................... 11 
1.2   Trade Performance and Investment ............................................................................. 14 
1.2.1   Trade in g oods and se rvices .................................................................................... 14 
1.2.2   Foreign di rect inve stment........................................................................................ 16 
1.3   Outlook ................................................................................................................... 17 
2   TRADE AND INVE STMENT RE GIME ............................................................................ 18  
2.1   General Institutional and Legal Framework ................................................................... 18 
2.2   Trade Policy Form ulation and Ob jectives ...................................................................... 18 
2.3   Trade Agreements and Arrangements .......................................................................... 21 
2.3.1   WTO ................................................................................................................... . 21 
2.3.2   Regional Trade Agreements ..................................................................................... 22 
2.3.2.1   Other arrangements ............................................................................................ 24 
2.3.3   Invest ment regime ................................................................................................ 25 
3   TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE ........................................................ 28  
3.1   Measures Direct ly Affectin g Imports ............................................................................ 28 
3.1.1   Customs procedur es and requirements ..................................................................... 28 
3.1.2   Custom s valuation ................................................................................................. 29 
3.1.3   Rules of origin .......................................................................................................  29 
3.1.4   Tariffs ............................................................................................................... ... 29 
3.1.4.1   MFN applied tariff ................................................................................................ 29 
3.1.4.2   Bound tariff ........................................................................................................ 33 
3.1.4.3   Preferential tariff ................................................................................................. 34 
3.1.4.4   Other taxes, duties and co ncessi ons ...................................................................... 34 
3.1.5   Import prohib itions, and licens ing ............................................................................ 36 
3.1.6   Contingenc y trade me asures ................................................................................... 38 
3.1.7   Standards and othe r technical requirements .............................................................. 39 
3.1.8   Labelling and marking ............................................................................................ 40 
3.1.9   Sanitary and phyt osanitary requ irements .................................................................. 40 
3.1.10   Trade-related investment measures ........................................................................ 41 
3.2   Measures Directly Affecting Exports ............................................................................. 41 
3.2.1   Export procedur es and requirements ........................................................................ 41 
3.2.2   Export duties ........................................................................................................ 42 
3.2.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing ............................................................ 42 
3.2.4   Export assistance and promotion .............................................................................. 43 
3.3   Measures Affectin g Production and Trade ..................................................................... 45 
3.3.1   In centives ............................................................................................................  45 
3.3.2   Competition policy, consumer protection, and price controls ......................................... 45 WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  3.3.3   State trading, state-owned enterprises, and privatization ............................................. 47 
3.3.4   Governme nt procurement ....................................................................................... 49 
3.3.5   Intellectual property rights ...................................................................................... 52 
3.3.5.1   Patents .............................................................................................................. 53 
3.3.5.2   Trademarks ........................................................................................................ 54 
3.3.5.3   Copyright ........................................................................................................... 54 
4   TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR ..................................................................................... 56  
4.1   Agriculture ............................................................................................................. . 56 
4.1.1   Main features ........................................................................................................ 56 
4.1.2   Policy  objectives .................................................................................................... 56 
4.1.3   Suppo rt measures.................................................................................................. 58 
4.1.4   Suga r sector ......................................................................................................... 59 
4.2   Fisheries ............................................................................................................... .. 60 
4.2.1   Main features ........................................................................................................ 60 
4.2.2   Policy and legal framework ...................................................................................... 61 
4.3   Energy .................................................................................................................. .. 63 
4.3.1   El ectricity ........................................................................................................... .. 63 
4.3.2   Hydrocarbons ........................................................................................................ 64 
4.4   Manuf acturi ng .......................................................................................................... 65 
4.4.1   Overview and policy objectives ................................................................................ 65 
4.4.2   The textile an d clothing industry .............................................................................. 66 
4.4.3   Food  processing..................................................................................................... 67 
4.4.4   Beverages ............................................................................................................ 67 
4.5   Services ................................................................................................................ .. 67 
4.5.1   Main features and GATS co mmitments ...................................................................... 67 
4.5.2   Financial services ................................................................................................... 68 
4.5.2.1   Banking .............................................................................................................  70 
4.5.2.2   Insura nce .......................................................................................................... 71 
4.5.2.3   Capital market .................................................................................................... 73 
4.5.3   Telecommunications ............................................................................................... 74 
4.5.4   Transport .............................................................................................................  76 
4.5.4.1   Road  transport ................................................................................................... 77 
4.5.4.2   Maritime transport an d ports ................................................................................ 77 
4.5.4.3   Air transp ort and ai rports ..................................................................................... 79 
4.5.5   Tourism ................................................................................................................ 81 
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 8 5 
5   APPENDIX  TABLES .................................................................................................... 87  
 
 
  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  CHARTS 
 Chart 1.1 Composition of merc handise trade, 2009 and 2014 ................................................. 15
 
Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2009 and 2014 ...................................................... 16 
Chart 3.1 Distribution of MFN app lied tariff rates,  2009 and 2015 ........................................... 30 
Chart 3.2 Average applied MFN tariff ra tes, by HS Sect ion, 2009 an d 2015............................... 31 
Chart 3.3 Tariff escalation by  2-digit ISIC industry , 2015  ....................................................... 32 
Chart 3.4 Share and average of bound  tariff lines, by HS Section ............................................ 33 
 
TABLES 
 
Table 1.1 Selected economic indicators, 2009-14 .................................................................. 12 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2009-14 ............................................................................. 13 
Table 1.3 FD I, 2010- 14..................................................................................................... 17 
Table 2.1 Main trade-related legislation ............................................................................... 20 
Table 2.2 Fiji's notifications, 2009-15 .................................................................................. 22 
Table 2.3 Fiji's RTAs in force .............................................................................................. 23 
Table 3.1 Structure of MFN tariff in Fiji ................................................................................ 31 
Table 3.2 Tariff lines where MFN applied rates exceed bound rates .......................................... 33 
Table 3.3 Excise  duties , 2015  ............................................................................................ 35 
Table 3.4 Prohibited imports .............................................................................................. 36 
Table 3.5 Licensed imports ................................................................................................ 37 
Table 3.6 Exports requiring a licence, 2015 .......................................................................... 42 
Table 3.7 State-owned enterprises, 2015 ............................................................................ 47 
Table 3.8 Number of contracts by procurement method, 2011-2014 ........................................ 51 
Table 4.1 Trade in major agricultural productsa, 2009-14 ....................................................... 57 
Table 4.2 Fiji's servic es indicato rs, 2009- 2014 ..................................................................... 67 
Table 4.3 Gross assets of Fiji 's financial sy stem, 2009-14 ...................................................... 69 
Table 4.4 Licensed financial entities (inc luding branches and agencies),  2009-14  ...................... 69 
Table 4.5 Minimum solvency requiremen ts for insurance companies,  2015 ............................... 72 
Table 4.6 Fiji telecommunicati on indicators , 2008 and 2013 ................................................... 74 
Table 4.7 Fiji's touris m indicators , 2009-20 14 ...................................................................... 82 
Table 4.8 Tourism incentives , 2015  .................................................................................... 83 
 
BOXES 
 Box 2.1 FDI reserved and restricted ac tivities ...................................................................... 26
 
 
APPENDIX TABLES 
 Table A1.1 Merchandise exports by product group, 2009-14 ................................................... 87
 
Table A1.2 Merchandise re-exports by product group, 2009-14 ............................................... 88 WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Table A1.3 Merchandise domestic ex ports by product group, 2009-14 ..................................... 89 
Table A1.4 Merchandise export s by destinat ion, 2009- 14 ....................................................... 90 
Table A1.5 Merchandise re-exports by destination, 2009-14 ................................................... 91 
Table A1.6 Merchandise domestic exports by destination, 2009-14 .......................................... 92 
Table A1.7 Merchandise import s by product gr oup, 2009 -14 .................................................. 93 
Table A1.8 Merchandise im ports by orig in, 2009- 14 .............................................................. 94 
 
Table A3.1 Fiji's MFN a pplied tariff su mmary,  2015 ............................................................... 95 
Table A3.2 Tax and cu stoms ince ntives ............................................................................... 97 
Table A3.3 Goods and services under price control .............................................................. 103  
 WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  SUMMARY 
1. The economy of Fiji has performed well since its second Trade Policy Review in 2009, based 
on a relatively open trade regime, sound macroeconomic policies, and structural reforms. Fiji's return to parliamentary democracy in 2014, after successful elections put an end to almost eight 
years of interim government, has further boosted its investment and growth prospects. Fiji's 
reliance on trade and tourism make it vulnerable to external shocks, while high transportation costs (poor infrastructure and remoteness), the sm all size of its economy, and the frequency of 
natural disasters also constrain its economic growth prospects. Further reforms are therefore 
necessary to reduce the bottlenecks in the economy, strengthen its resilience to shocks, foster competitiveness, improve the investment climate, and raise potential GDP growth. It is hoped that Fiji's first ever Trade Policy Framework 2015-2025, launched in July 2015, will help address some 
of these challenges. Overall, Fiji's trade policies have remained stable during the review period 
while the institutional framework has been strengthened. 
2. After contracting 1.4% in 2009 mainly due to the global financial crisis, Fiji's real GDP 
growth rate averaged 3.5% annually between  2010 and 2014 (4.3% is expected for 2015) 
underpinned by strong private consumption and investment activity. While economic growth has been broad-based, transport and storage, fina ncial and insurance activities, and the public 
administration and defence sectors have been the main drivers of GDP growth over the last few 
years. During the review period, Fiji has impr oved its human development indicators, achieving 
broad coverage in the provision of basic services, with declining overall poverty levels even though progress in rural areas is lagging. 
3. The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) conducts monetary policy focusing on the twin objectives of 
safeguarding foreign reserves and keeping inflation low. It "targets" the nominal exchange rate and not inflation, and the primary monetary policy goal remains preserving Fiji's vulnerable 
balance of payments. The annual average inflation rate in Fiji was 3.6% during 2009-14 supported 
by the pegged exchange rate of the Fijian dollar  (F$). Nonetheless, inflation has also been kept 
artificially low by price controls that represent, by weight, almost half of the consumer price index 
basket. For 2015, an average inflation rate of 2.8%  is expected, within the RBF's comfort range of 
around 3%. Some foreign exchange restrictions have recently been eliminated but others remain. 
4. Fiji reduced its overall budget deficit from 4.1% in 2009 to 0.5% in 2013 largely due to 
strong tax revenue collection and despite an increase in infrastructure, health and education 
spending. In 2014, however, the deficit jumped to  1.9% of GDP due to an expansionary budget 
and the fact that privatization receipts were lowe r than expected. To reduce the budget deficit to 
sustained levels without exceptionally high donor support, further measures seem necessary such 
as broadening the tax base, and significantly curtailing income-tax holidays and tax incentives that 
have narrowed the direct tax base and added complexity to the tax system. 
5. Traditionally, Fiji has had a persistent merchandise trade deficit that increased from 
US$628 million in 2009 to US$1,094 million in 2014, in line with movements of the real effective 
exchange rate during the period. The current account deficit, as a percentage of GDP, went from as low as 1.1% in 2012 to 20.7% in 2013 partly due to the purchase of aircrafts by Fiji Airways. Fiji is a net exporter of services. Despite some disruptions due mainly to floods, tourism receipts 
have increased regularly during the period reaching US$745  million in 2014 (18% of GDP). 
6. The Fijian economy is highly dependent on international trade: the ratio of merchandise 
trade (exports and imports) to GDP averaged 130.6% during 2012-14. Its trade has become 
slightly less concentrated geographically and more diversified in terms of products. In 2014, the 
share of its three major export markets (Austral ia, the European Union, and the United States) 
was 32.5% of total exports (43% in 2009), while merchandise imports from Asia and Pacific 
economies accounted for 85.9% of the total (90.6%  in 2009). In 2014, over 72.3% of Fiji's total 
merchandise exports (including re-exports) were fi sh, sugar and other primary products (75.5% in 
2009). Manufactures represented 55.6% of Fiji's total merchandise imports in 2014 (51.9% in 2009). 
7. Over the last few years, Fiji has taken some measures to boost FDI inflows and improve its 
business environment. For example, the minimum investment required for foreign investors was 
eliminated in 2013, and the investment registration process is being simplified through the WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  creation of the "single window clearance" app lication system available online since July 2015. 
Nonetheless, Fiji's FDI inflows have remained low by international standards averaging some US$336 million per year during 2010-14, largely due to investor uncertainty over political and 
economic stability, and exchange rate restrictio ns. Moreover, certain economic activities remain 
either reserved wholly for Fijian citizens an d 100% Fijian-owned entities or restricted.  
8. Important political and legislative developments  have occurred since Fiji's Review in 2009. A 
new Constitution was enacted in September 2013, while ministerial and departmental reshuffles 
occurred. Fiji has also enacted some new trade-related laws in areas such as competition, 
government procurement, foreign investment, SPS measures, standards, agriculture, and 
shipping, while amending others, includ ing on intellectual property rights. 
9. Responsibility for formulating and implementing Fiji's external trade policy lies with the 
Ministry for Industry, Trade, and Tourism (MITT). It is also responsible for: investment policies 
through Investment Fiji; internal trade and commerce; small business development; consumer protection; and for all trade negotiations. MITT consults with other ministries and trade-related 
agencies mainly through semi-regular meetings of the Cabinet-mandated inter-ministerial Trade 
and Development Committee. The private sector and civil society continue to interact formally and informally with the Government. 
10. The National Export Strategy (NES) is being implemented to achieve sustainable growth by 
encouraging exports, competitiveness, value adding, and export diversification in six priority areas: agro-business; forestry; marine products; mineral water; information and communication technologies (ICT); and audiovisual services. Th e NES is administered and implemented by the 
MITT which also assists micro, small and medium sized enterprises within the prioritized sectors on 
a cost-sharing basis with an emphasis on addressing supply-side constraints (e.g. product development, packaging, infrastructure, marketing and training). 
11. Fiji is strongly committed to the multilateral trading system. To foster its participation in the 
WTO, it opened a Permanent Mission in Geneva in June 2014. Fiji is an original Member of the WTO, and grants at least MFN treatment to all its trading partners. It is neither a party to the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) nor to the Agreements on Government Procurement 
(GPA) and Trade in Civil Aircraft. In the WTO negotiations, Fiji is part of the Small, Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) group and is one of the so-called "W52" sponsors. It has not been involved in any formal disputes, but has been a third party in three cases related to sugar. At the end of 2014, 
Fiji had 54 outstanding notifications (70 in 2009). 
12. Fiji has four regional trade agreements (RTAs) in force encompassing 41 partners (some of 
them are non-WTO Members). Fiji has notified its RTAs to the WTO either under the Enabling 
Clause or under GATT Article XXIV. These four RTAs are overlapping, increasing risks of raising 
business costs by creating complex trade regimes th at may result in more trade (and investment) 
diversion than creation. 
13. At the end of November 2015, Fiji was yet to make its notification of Category A 
commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitati on. Fiji is moving towards the single customs 
window concept in three stages. The first stage includes the full automation of the customs 
clearance process in all border regulatory agencies. Recently, Customs launched ASYCUDA World, 
which for the moment is operational only in the capital Suva, but is planned to roll out to other 
ports later. The other two stages will be the port single window and the national single window. 
14. Goods imported into Fiji are subject to custom s tariffs, VAT, and excise duties. Nearly all 
applied tariff lines have ad valorem  rates, thereby contributing to the tariff's transparency. Non- ad 
valorem  rates (4.5% of total lines, same as in 2009) consist of alternate (mixed) duties levied on 
177 lines (down from 181 in 2009) and specific tariffs on 92 lines (up from 80 in 2009). Tariff 
rates range from zero to 32% without ad valorem  equivalents (AVEs), while the highest rate 
including AVEs (based on 2013 import data) is 1,257% on certain beverages, spirits and tobacco. Fiji does not maintain any tariff quotas, and there are no seasonal tariffs. 
15. Fiji has bound 49.5% of tariff lines. Ther e remains a significant difference between the 
overall bound average of 40.2% and Fiji's applie d MFN tariff of 11.2% in 2015 (11.3% in 2009). 
Fiji bound its tariff lines on agricultural products (WTO definition) at a final simple average rate of WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  40.6% (compared with a simple average applied MFN rate of 12.5%); the final simple average 
bound tariff rate for non-agricultural products is  40% (simple average applied MFN rate of 11%). 
For some 42 lines, mostly alcoholic beverages, MFN applied tariff rates exceed bound rates when 
using AVEs. 
16. Fiji applies excise duties to 545 tariff lines (9.1% of the total) at rates of 15% (mostly 
alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), 10% (e.g. on trunks, suitcases, and other cases), and 5% (mainly on new motor vehicles). While called excise duties they do not apply to domestically 
produced items and thus are akin to tariffs. According to the authorities, the rationale for their 
introduction, in 2006, was to protect government revenue, dampen domestic demand, and stimulate domestic industries in the medium term. Fiji also applies specific excise taxes to domestically made "sin" products, i.e. alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. 
17. Fiji has substantial tariff concessions in the form of partial and full exemptions and 
remissions. Total customs revenue forgone from all concessions went from F$66.2 million in 2009 to F$252.4 million in 2014. A larger number of import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing 
requirements for health, security, and moral reasons remain in place. Fiji has few standards and 
technical regulations, mostly adopted from Aust ralia and New Zealand. It has taken no anti-
dumping or countervailing action during the review period, and has no safeguards legislation. 
18. Exports are controlled by an extensive expo rt licensing system. To promote domestic 
downstream processing and thus value-added, export duties of 3% apply to sugar, molasses, and other gold and silver manufacturing products. There are administrative difficulties, including delays, in the provision of VAT refunds on inputs used in exports. Fiji continues to have various 
export incentive schemes.  
19. Incentives are also seen as an integral part of  Fiji's industrial policy, and a wide range of 
investment incentives are offered to both domestic and foreign investors. Some apply more 
generally to businesses while incentives that are more generous target specific activities or 
sectors. Moreover, some investment incentives are sometimes subject to minimum local-content or export requirements. 
20. In 2010, Fiji introduced a new comprehensive competition law that addresses competition 
affairs, consumer protection, and price controls. It established the Fiji Commerce Commission (FCC) as an independent statutory body. In general, the new law prohibits restrictive business practices, misuse of dominant market position , bid rigging, exclusive dealing, resale price 
maintenance, and price discrimination. Fiji continues to have extensive price controls on basic food 
items and services such as milk, butter, sugar, fish, rice, pharmaceutical products, electricity, water, and telecommunications. An evaluation as to whether price control continues to be the 
most effective approach in relation to particular markets would be desirable. 
21. Recognizing the significant impact of procurem ent policies and practices on the efficiency 
and accountability of public expenditure, Fiji has recently modernized its procurement system in 
order to align it with international best practice s. Important progress was made both in the legal 
and institutional frameworks. Value for money is the fundamental goal pursued in government procurement in Fiji and the system does not generally discriminate against foreign products and suppliers. 
22. Since 2009, important amendments were made to the intellectual property right regime in 
Fiji, particularly on trademarks. Nonetheless, Fiji has yet to accept the Protocol Amending the WTO TRIPS Agreement that establishes a new pathway fo r the export of generic medicines. Under the 
WTO TRIPS Council, Fiji has various outstanding review questions. 
23. Agriculture continues to play a key role in the Fijian economy, with subsistence farming 
accounting for about a third of output and agricultural products, predominately sugar, for 45% of 
goods exports. Nevertheless, Fiji remains a net impo rter of food products. Some of the challenges 
facing Fijian agriculture are low productivity, high input costs, and land lease insecurity. Revitalizing agriculture and promoting food se curity are key government objectives. Support 
policies include extension services, marketing assistance, concessionary loans, and relatively high 
tariffs on some foodstuffs. Fiji made no domestic support reduction commitments in the WTO; all WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  its support measures have been notified under the "Green Box"; it does not provide export 
subsidies.  
24. Commercial farming is dominated by sugarcane. Processing and importation of unrefined 
sugar are the monopoly of the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC). Over the review 
period, the sugar industry was affected by milling inefficiencies, lack of investment, the phasing-
out of market preferences and declining world prices. The FSC had to be bailed out by the 
Government in 2010. Reforms implemented since then have led to management improvements 
and increased production. 
25. Fisheries account for some 13% of merchandise exports, consisting mainly of tuna. Offshore 
tuna fishing is done by longline vessels, which must be licensed and land their catch in Fiji. A new decree and regulations were issued during the review period to ensure sustainable management of 
fisheries. According to the authorities, Fiji is in  the process of "domesticating" its fishing fleet and 
licences are to be granted only to Fiji-flagged vessels; however, the foreign-flagged vessels that already have a licence will be allowed to continue  fishing. Foreign investment in fisheries-related 
businesses is capped at 70% of equity. In addition  to tax concessions, the Government assists the 
fishing industry through relatively high import ta riffs for fresh (15%) and processed fish (32%).  
26. Manufacturing makes up 14% of GDP and 23% of merchandise exports. Besides sugar, 
other main manufacturing industries are fish processing, garments, chemicals, wood products, and 
more recently, mineral water and confectionary. To promote diversification and value addition, the Government grants tax incentives (some linked to local content) and concessionary credit to manufacturing. Despite stiff competition from low-cost countries, Fiji's garment industry has 
managed to grow and increase exports in the past  few years, due to more flexible preferential 
access to its major market, Australia, and government support in the form of marketing grants. The average applied tariff on clothing is 30.6%. 
27. Fiji relies heavily on imported fuels to meet  its energy requirements, so reducing energy 
imports is one of the Government's policy objectives. Tax incentives are granted to promote development of renewable energy resources, which already account for half of power generation. 
The state-owned Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) is both the regulator and major power supplier. The 
Government is considering options for a partial divestment of FEA and for the transfer of its regulatory functions to a multisector regulator. The Fiji Commerce Commission reviews retail tariffs proposed by FEA; subsidies are granted to small domestic consumers and schools. 
28. The services sector remains the main contributor to GDP; it is a net foreign exchange earner 
and accounts for 51% of total exports. Fiji's co mmitments under the GATS cover only hotels and 
other tourist accommodation and restaurants. State involvement in services activities continues to 
be significant, especially in telecommunications and transport. 
29. Fiji's telecommunications market, mainly mobile telephony and broadband services, 
expanded significantly during the review period. In 2008, the sector was liberalized and a new 
regulator established. Since then, regulatory and policy changes, including a National Broadband 
Plan (2011), technology upgrades, and the FCC's control over interconnection rates have made mobile telecoms more affordable and accessible to the population. Nevertheless, the state maintains a substantial presence in the market; it owns the sole provider of fixed-line services and 
its mobile operator holds 75% of the market, while another of its companies has significant market 
power in the international gateway. Hence, continuous regulatory oversight is critical to ensure competitive conditions and maximize the benefits of the sector's liberalization.   
30. Road is the main inland transport mode in Fiji. Poor road conditions and lack of maintenance 
result in high transport costs and delays, but efforts have been undertaken to address these shortcomings including the introduction of a road levy to fund maintenance (2009) and the 
establishment of a new authority to  manage the road network (2013).  
31. Fiji is a maritime transhipment hub for the Pa cific Islands region. A new maritime transport 
regulator was established in 2011 and legislation was passed in 2013. Under new regulations, coastal/inter-island shipping is licensed only to Fiji citizens or a company incorporated under Fijian 
laws in which Fiji citizens own at least 50% of the shares, and the ship must be registered in Fiji. 
Cabotage is prohibited, but may be permitted if no domestic equivalent service is available. The WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  state-owned Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd. has jurisdiction over all ports; however, in 2013 a foreign 
private company was granted a concession to handle cargo operations at the two main ports, previously in the hands of a state-owned steved oring monopoly. The FCC reviews port rates.  
32. The air transport sector is poised to grow driv en by the expansion of tourism. Measures to 
modernize the aviation industry include upgrading airport infrastructure, plans to divest shares in 
the state enterprise that manages airports, and revamping the national carrier. Fiji has 28 air services agreements, none of which is "open skies", and it is not a party to the Pacific Islands Air 
Services Agreement. The state-owned Airport Fiji Ltd. owns and operates Fiji's two international 
airports. Air Terminal Services is the sole provider of ground-handling services at the Nadi airport.  
33. Fiji has a stable financial sector, which is overseen by the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF). Since 
the last review, the RBF has strengthened the regu latory and supervisory framework for the sector 
to align it with international best practices. Foreign banks and insurance companies can operate in 
Fiji through branches or subsidiaries, and there are no limits on foreign ownership of equity shares. Licensing requirements are the same for local and foreign institutions. Offshore placement 
of insurance is prohibited unless approved by the RBF. No restrictions apply on contracting 
reinsurance abroad. The domestic capital market remains small and underdeveloped; it was placed under the supervision of the RBF in 2009. 
34. Tourism is the largest single contributor to GDP and foreign exchange earnings, and a major 
source of jobs. The number of tourist arrivals, mostly from Australia and New Zealand, increased during the review period, boosted by more regula r air services. Considered as a priority sector, 
tourism benefits from a range of investment incentives and tax concessions. Fiji seeks to diversify 
its source markets and tourism products, and cater for high-end tourism to enable continued and 
sustainable growth. A new development plan fo r the sector is currently being developed. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
1.1  Recent Developments 1.1.  At the time of its second Trade Policy Review (TPR) in 2009, Fiji had experienced erratic and 
generally sluggish economic growth, averaging about 1% annually during 2003-08. A coup in 
December 2006 had established an interim govern ment in January 2007. This added to political 
instability, with adverse economic consequences for an already weakening economy as the coup 
especially hit tourism and investment.
1 The 2008-09 global economic crisis, natural disasters and 
other structural impediments contributed to Fiji's problems. The appreciation of the real exchange rate of the Fijian dollar, until 2008, had also undermined Fiji's global competitiveness, which resulted in rising trade and current account deficits.
2 
1.2.  In September 2014, Fiji returned to parliamentary democracy after successful elections 
(section 2.1). This has further boosted Fiji's investment and growth prospects (section 1.3), and the country is also expected to improve its access to concessional development finance from 
traditional development partners such as the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and 
Australia. Over the past few years, the Export-I mport (EXIM) Banks of China and Malaysia have 
been Fiji's main source of external resource s to finance mainly infrastructure projects.
3  
1.3.  Fiji is generally classified by the World Bank as a middle-income country with a GDP per 
capita estimated at F$7,429 (around US$4,000) in 2014. The economy is relatively diversified, with services, led by tourism (a major net foreign exchange earner), as the most important sector in terms of contribution to GDP (70.9% in 2014). Manufacturing, including sugar-related 
industries, contributed 13.3% to GDP and almost a quarter to the total value of merchandise 
exports (section 1.2.1). Agriculture and related activities remains a key sector with a 10.2% share of real GDP in 2014 and almost 45% of total expo rt earnings. The mining, quarrying and energy 
sectors are being developed. The Government recognizes that the cost of energy is a critical factor 
for Fiji’s international competitiveness, and various projects are under way (e.g. hydro, wind and solar energy) to reduce Fiji’s dependence on fossil fuels (section 4.3). 
1.4.  After contracting 1.4% in 2009 mainly due to  the spillover effects of the global economic 
slowdown, Fiji's real GDP growth rate averaged  around 3.5% annually between 2010 and 2014. In 
2014, the economy grew by 5.3% (up from 4. 7% in 2013) underpinned by strong private 
consumption and investment activity. While economic growth has been broad-based, transport and 
storage, financial and insurance activities, and the public administration and defence sectors were 
the main drivers of GDP growth in 2014.
4 The positive economic performance has also been the 
result of sound macroeconomic policies and structural reforms implemented in recent years, for 
example in the sugar industry (section 4.1.4). Nonetheless, the authorities acknowledge that 
further reforms are necessary to reduce the bottlenecks in the economy, improve the investment climate, broaden the export base, and raise Fiji's potential economic growth (section 1.3). Fiji's 
first Trade Policy Framework was launched in July 2015 to address some of these challenges 
(section 2.2). 
1.5.  Over the last few years, Fiji has improved its human development indicators, achieving broad 
coverage in the provision of basic services, with declining overall poverty levels even though 
progress in rural areas is lagging.
5 Fiji ranks 88th (out of 187 countries) on the latest UNDP Human 
Development Index.6  
1.6.  The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) conducts monetary policy focusing on the objectives of 
safeguarding foreign reserves and keeping inflation low. It "targets" the nominal exchange rate 
                                               
1 Economic growth in the past decade was also constr ained by external factors such as the reduction in 
sugar preferential prices and the erosion of tariff margins for Fiji's textiles and clothing exports. 
2 WTO (2009), Trade Policy Review of Fiji , Geneva.  
3 IMF (2014), Article IV Consultation, Country Report No. 14/321. Viewed at: 
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2014/cr14321.pdf . 
4 Additionally, record visitor arrivals and increased activity in tourism-related sectors, as well as 
improved cane and sugar industry output contributed to GDP growth in 2014. 
5 IMF (2014) 
6 UNDP online information. Viewed at: http://hdr.undp.org/en/c ountries/profiles/FJI . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  and not inflation, and the primary monetary policy goal continues to be preserving the balance of 
payments; foreign reserves of around four months of import cover are generally sought. The annual average inflation rate in Fiji was 3.6% duri ng 2009-14, but declined from as high as 7.3% 
in 2011 to 0.5% in 2014 (Table 1.1), supported by th e pegged exchange rate of the Fijian dollar 
(F$) under as currency board arrangement.
7 Inflation has also been subdued by price controls that 
cover 48.6% by weight of the consumer price index basket (section 3.3.2).8 For 2015, the IMF 
expects an average inflation rate of 2.8%9, within the RBF's comfort range of around 3%. 
Table 1.1 Selected economic indicators, 2009-14 
 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014a 
Real sector       
GDP at market prices (US$ million) 2,871 3,143 3,783 3,978 4,197 4,536 
GDP at market prices (F$ million) 5,614 6,025 6,768 7,120 7,727 8,553 
GDP per capita (F$) 5,531 5,663 6,732 6,793 7,078 7,429 
Real GDP (% change) -1.4 3.0 2.7 1.4 4.7 5.3 
Consumer prices (average; % change) 3.7 3.7 7.3 3.4 2.9 0.5 
Share of GDP (%)        
Agriculture 8.8 8.2 8.2 8.0 8.2 7.6 
Forestry and logging 0.8 0.9 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.8 
Fishing and aquaculture 2.3 2.1 2.1 2.0 1.9 1.8 
Mining and quarrying 0.8 1.0 1.6 1.5 1.0 0.9 
Manufacturing 14.4 14.7 14.1 13.6 13.8 13.3 
Electricity, gas, water supply, sewerage  1.1 1.3 1.9 2.0 2.0 1.9 
Construction 3.0 3.1 2.7 2.4 2.7 2.8 
Services 68.8 68.7 68.8 70.0 69.7 70.9 
Money and banking (% change)       
Broad money (M3) 7.1 3.5 11.5 5.9 19.0 10.4 
Reserve Bank of Fiji's discount rate 3.5 3.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 
Commercial bank lending rate 7.5 7.4 7.4 6.6 5.9 5.7 
Government finance (% of GDP)b       
Revenue 25.2 25.5 26.7 27.2 27.2 27.9 
Expenditure 29.3 27.7 28.0 28.3 27.6 29.8 
Fiscal balance -4.1 -2.2 -1.4 -1.1 -0.5 -1.9 
Total debt outstanding 55.8 56.2 52.7 51.7 49.7 47.7 
Savings and investment (% of GDP)       
National savings 9.8 10.5 11.2 14.7 2.3 8.4 
   Public 1.8 3.5 6.2 6.5 7.3 6.9 
   Private 8.0 7.1 5.0 8.2 -5.0 1.5 
Gross investment 13.2 14.4 16.6 19.5 29.0 25.0 
   Public 6.6 10.8 6.6 8.3 14.8 5.3 
   Private 6.6 3.6 10.0 11.2 14.2 19.7 
Foreign savings 4.2 4.5 5.3 1.8 20.7 10.2 
External sector       
F$/US$ (period average) 1.95 1.92 1.79 1.79 1.84 1.89 
Real effective exchange rate (average) 94.8 91.3 95.3 97.2 98.0 96.9 
Oil price (US$ per barrel) 63.1 79.8 112.2 112.1 108.2 96.9 
Current account (% of GDP) -4.2 -4.1 -4.9 -1.1 -20.7 -9.0 
Gross official reserves (US$ million) 565 716 831 915 937 911 
In months of retained imports 4.4 4.7 5.3 5.7 5.8 4.7 
a Provisional. 
b Central Government. On a calendar year basis;  excludes interest an d investment income.  
Source: IMF (2014), Article IV Consultation, Country Report No. 14/321. Viewed at: 
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2014/cr14321.pdf; and information provided by the Fijian 
authorities. 
1.7.  According to the IMF, although the RBF has been successful in managing the currency board 
arrangement  and the real exchange rate appears to be generally in line with economic 
                                               
7 Since April 1975, the exchange rate of the F$ has been linked to a basket of the currencies of Fiji's five 
major trading partners, the Australian, New Zealand and US dollars; the pound sterli ng (replaced by the euro 
in 1999); and the Japanese yen. The weights used in the basket, based mainly on the value of trade and tourist transactions, are reviewed annually. The exchange rate of the F$ against the US$ is determined daily by the RBF in relation to the currency basket. IMF (2014). 
8 Fiji Commerce Commission adjusts the prices in response to international price developments (often 
with a few months’ lag). IMF (2014) 
9 IMF (2015), Economic Outlook , October 2015, Washington DC.  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  fundamentals, more exchange rate flexibility migh t be desirable in the medium term given Fiji's 
reliance on trade and tourism that make it susceptible to external shocks. As such, the authorities see merit in allowing greater exchange rate flexib ility to prevent overvaluation and the disruptive 
large devaluations of the past.  
1.8.  Exchange and capital controls were ti ghtened significantly in 2009 following the 20% 
devaluation of the Fijian dollar.
10 Since then, some of the exchange restrictions have been 
eliminated. According to the IMF, exchange rest rictions weaken the business climate and dampen 
foreign investment. Remaining restrictions arise from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority 
(FRCA) tax certification requirements on the transfer abroad of profits and dividends, on the proceeds of airline ticket sales, and on the ma king of external debt and maintenance payments 
and from limits on large payments, such as oil im ports and dividends repatriation of foreign banks. 
The Fijian authorities are working with the IMF to  bring these measures in line with requirements 
under the Fund's Article VIII.
11 
1.9.  Despite being affected by the global economic crisis, floods and other recent natural 
disasters, Fiji's international reserves increased from 4.4 months of imports in 2009 to 5.8 months 
of imports in 2013 (Table 1.1). In 2014, reserves  declined to 4.7 months of imports owing to 
strong import growth, but as at June 2015 they had increased to 5 months of imports. Strong 
remittances and tourism receipts have provided offsetting inflows.12  
1.10.  According to the IMF, the current account deficit, as a percentage of GDP, was 9% in 2014; 
it went from as low as 1.1% in 2012 to 20.7% in 2013 partly due to the purchase of aircrafts by Fiji Airways.
13 For 2015, the IMF estimates the current account deficit at 6.3% of GDP.14 The 
current account deficit reflects Fiji's surplus of gr oss investment over national savings (Table 1.1). 
Traditionally, Fiji has had a persistent merchandise trade deficit which increased from US$629 million in 2009 to US$1,437 million in 2014 (Tab le 1.2), in line with movements of the 
real effective exchange rate during the period. 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2009-14 
(US$ million)  
 2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014a 
Trade balanceb -629 -674 -852 -819 -1,358 -1,437 
  Exports (f.o.b.) 616 884 1,063 1,158 1,021 1,221 
    Sugarc 96 37 63 87 77 107 
    Re-exports 172 283 504 639 580 635 
    Other exports 348 564 496 432 364 480 
  Imports (f.o.b.) 1,245 1,558 1,915 1,976 2,380 2,658 
    Retained imports (excluding fuels) 898 950 1,032 936 1,581 1,285 
    Purchase of aircrafts 0 3 40 8 443 77 
    Mineral fuels for domestic consumption 243 363 343 349 344 423 
    Imports for re-export 104 245 539 691 455 950 
Services and income (net) 330 446 515 505 529 475 
    Non-factor  services (net) 342 543 629 647 609 636 
       Tourism credit 435 623 719 726 716 745 
    Factor income (net) -190 -247 -258 -354 -286 -424 
Transfers (net) 179 149 144 212 206 263 
    Workers' remittances 123 95 88 123 146 171 
Current accountb -120 -79 -194 -102 -624 -700 
Capital account (net) 2 3 6 4 5 5 
                                               
10 On 15 April 2009, the F$ was devalued by 20% against the basket of Fiji's five major trading 
partners. 
11 IMF (2014). 
12 Remittances have increased recently due to  demand from the UN for Fiji peacekeepers. 
13 According to the RBF, Fiji's current account defici t, as a percentage of GDP, was 1.3% in 2012, 9.8% 
in 2013, and 7.2% in 2014; 8.4% is estimated for 2015. 
14 IMF (2015). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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   2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014a 
Financial account (net)  452 290 473 335 416 249 
  FDI (net) 139 344 403 374 268 246 
  Portfolio investment (net) -1 -1 101 -34 -23 -31 
  Other inve stment (net)b 314 -53 -30 -5 171 34 
  Net loans to the Government 2 23 57 66 46 82 
Errors and omissions -137 -20 -169 -202 255 650 
Overall balance 198 194 116 35 -51 -381 
a Provisional.  
b Includes purchase of aircraft by Fiji Airways.  c Including EU sugar transfer payments and re-expor ts of sugar purchased abroad to comply with the 
EU quota. 
Source: Information provided by the Fijian authorities. 
1.11.  Fiji's overall fiscal deficit, as a percentage of GDP, fell from 4.1% in 2009 to 0.5% in 2013 
largely due to strong tax revenue collections and despite an increase in infrastructure, health and 
education spending. In 2014, however, the deficit jumped to 1.9% of GDP due to an expansionary budget and the fact that privatization receipts were lower than expected.
15 The total debt 
outstanding decreased from 55.8% of GDP in 2009 to 47.7% in 2014 (Table 1.1).  
1.12.  During the next few years, Fiji aims to gradually proceed with fiscal consolidation while 
remaining supportive of public investment spending  to address severe infrastructure backlogs. The 
IMF has pointed out that Fiji's medium-term fiscal sustainability could be further strengthened, 
inter alia , by broadening the tax base, and significantly curtailing income-tax holidays and tax 
incentives that have narrowed the direct tax base and added complexity to the tax system.16 
1.2  Trade Performance and Investment  
1.2.1  Trade in goods and services 
1.13.  Fiji's economy is highly dependent on in ternational trade: the ratio of merchandise trade 
(exports and imports) to GDP averaged 123.5% during 2011-13. In 2013, Fiji ranked 125th among 
world merchandise exporters and 120th among importers (considering EU member States as one 
and excluding intra-EU trade).17 Fiji's total merchandise exports (including re-exports) and imports 
more than doubled during the 2009-14 period as compared to the 1990s. 
1.14.  Fiji's re-exports jumped from US$170.5 million in 2009 to US$722 million in 2014 
(Table A1.2) largely due to higher re-exports of petroleum products, and the inclusion of fish following reclassification into the same category. In 2009, 74% of re-exports consisted of petroleum products other than crude oil, while in 2014 this share dropped to 48% because of an 
increase in re-exports of fish and other commodi ties during the period. Re-exports represented 
52.6% of Fiji's total merchandise exports in 2014 (27.1% in 2009). 
1.15.  Fiji's total merchandise exports (including re-exports) have become less concentrated in 
food and other primary products, which represented 72.3% of total exports in 2014, down from 
75.5% in 2009 (Chart 1.1 and Table A1.1). Agricu ltural products, predominantly fish and sugar, 
decreased their export share from 54.6% to 44.8% over 2009-14. Fuel re-exports to visiting ships, 
aircraft, and other South Pacific islands accounted for 25% of merchandise exports in 2014 
(against 20.1% in 2009), while the share of manuf acturing also increased from 20.6% to 23.2% 
during the review period.  
1.16.  Exports (including re-exports) have become more diversified geographically since 2009. The 
share of the current three major markets, Australi a, the EU (especially the United Kingdom), and 
the United States decreased from 43% of total merchandise exports in 2009 to 32.5% in 2014 
                                               
15 Delays to planned partial privatizations meant that the one-off revenue boost from asset sales largely 
failed to materialize, although spen ding plans were trimmed to help offs et the fiscal impact. The Economist 
Intelligence Unit, Country Report: Fiji , 10 April 2015, London. 
16 IMF (2014). 
17 WTO Statistics database, "Trade  Profiles: Fiji". Viewed at: 
http://stat.wto.org/CountryProfile/WSDBC ountryPFView.aspx?Language=E&Country=FJ . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  (Chart 1.2 and Table A1.4). The United States  displaced Singapore as Fiji's major export 
destination, representing 12.4% of exports (11. 1% in 2009). Fiji's share of exports to South 
Pacific island economies increased from 17.4% in 2009 to 28.6% in 2014, due mainly to re-exports of petroleum products.  
1.17.  Manufactures continue to dominate Fiji's total merchandise imports, with machinery and 
transport equipment accounting for 30.5% of total merchandise imports in 2014 (up from 21.6% in 2009), followed by other semi-manufactures (Chart  1.1). The share of agricultural imports, led 
by fish products, averaged some 20% of total merchandise imports during 2009-14, while that of 
mineral fuels averaged 27.5% over the same period (Table A1.7). 
1.18.  Fiji's merchandise imports continue to be sourced almost entirely from Asia and Pacific 
economies even though their share went down from 90.6% in 2009 to 85.9% in 2014. The United 
States' participation fell from 4.4% in 2009 to 3.7% in 2014. Singapore remains the main source 
of Fiji's merchandise imports, accounting for 25.6% in 2014 (27.7% in 2009), followed by Australia and New Zealand with 14% each (Chart 1.2 and Table A1.8). 
Chart 1.1 Composition of merchandise trade, 2009 and 2014 
 
Source: UNSD Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2009 and 2014 
 
Note:  "Other" under re-exports includes "Bunkers", wh ich are ship stores and airc raft supplies consisting 
mostly of fuels and food. 
Source: UNSD Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3). 
1.19.  In services trade, Fiji ranked 96th as exporter and 124th a s  i m p o r t e r  i n  t h e  w o r l d  
(considering EU member States as one and excluding intra-EU trade).18 Balance of payments data 
indicate that Fiji is a net exporter of services with a surplus that increased from US$330 million in 
2009 to US$475 million in 2014. Despite some disruptions due mainly to floods, tourism receipts 
have increased regularly during the period reaching US$745  million in 2014 (18% of GDP). 
1.2.2  Foreign direct investment 1.20.  FDI remains an important factor in Fiji's development as it improves labour and total factor 
productivity by increasing the amount of capital la bour has to work with and by providing a vehicle 
for disseminating new technology and working method s. The success of Fiji in attracting significant 
FDI inflows, however, has been hampered in recent years by investor uncertainty over political and 
economic stability, and exchange rate restrict ions (section 1.1). Moreover, there are certain 
economic activities which remain either reserved wholly for Fijian citizens and 100% Fijian-owned 
entities or restricted subject to specified conditions (section 2.3.3). In addition, external sources 
                                               
18 WTO Statistics database, "Trade  Profiles: Fiji". Viewed at: 
http://stat.wto.org/CountryProfile/WSDBC ountryPFView.aspx?Language=E&Country=FJ . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  indicate that there remains considerable scope for Fiji to improve its business climate.19  
1.21.  Fiji's FDI inflows have been low by international standards averaging some US$336 million 
per year during 2010-14 (Table 1.3), about the sa me as in 2005-07 (US$340 million). Fiji has no 
statistics on actual FDI inflows by country or sector but work is under way to improve the 
information database. The only inward FDI figures are registered levels, which are usually a poor 
indicator of actual levels. FDI registrations increased from F$117 million in 2010 to F$261 million in 2014, and employment proposals, expected to be created through the approved projects, went 
from 2,706 to 4,041 during the same period.  
Table 1.3 FDI, 2010-14 
(US$ million) 
 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 
FDI inflows 350 403 376 272 279 
FDI inward stock 2,692 3,104 3,541 3,612 3,713 
FDI inward stock (% of GDP) 83.5 82.7 92.0 89.5 88.2 
FDI outflows 6 1 2 4 1 
FDI outward stock 47 48 51 52 51 
FDI outward stock (% of GDP) 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 
Source: UNCTAD (2015), World Investment Report 2015 , Geneva. 
1.3  Outlook 
1.22.  The IMF estimates Fiji's real GDP growth at 4.3% for 2015 and 3.7% for 2016.20 These 
rates are slightly above Fiji's estimated potential economic growth rate of 2.5%.21 Fiji's 
Macroeconomic Committee forecast economic growth rates of 3.3% for 2015, 3.2% for 2016 and 3% for 2017.
22 Although Fiji's economy is relatively diversified and has a more varied production 
structure than most Pacific island economies, it remains dependent on tourism and sugar, which 
account for 5.7% and 2% of GDP, respectively.23  
1.23.  Fiji's GDP growth prospects are also constrai ned by high transportation costs, the small size 
of its economy, and the frequency of natural disa sters. Therefore, accelerating the structural 
reforms seems necessary to support increased investment, raise the productive capacity of the economy, improve the business environment to fo ster Fiji's competitiveness, strengthen its 
resilience to shocks, and raise Fiji's potential GDP growth rate. The Fijian Trade Policy Framework 
(FTPF) 2015-2025 provides the overall policy guide to the Government in order to enhance trade, investment and the business environment (section 2.2).  
1.24.  The authorities have stated their commitme nt to continuing to drive the reform process 
particularly in the following areas: (i) land reform in order to increase the efficiency in utilization of 
land and provide a predictable and stable supply of land for long-term investment; (ii) a new Energy Policy for 2014-2020 that aims to address Fi ji’s increasing energy needs through reliable 
energy supply while ensuring that the sector remains resource efficient, cost effective and 
environmentally sustainable (section 4.3); (iii) the Sugar Cane Industry Action Plan 2013-22 which 
aims to raise sugar output and exports, prepare th e industry for the withdrawal of EU preferential 
prices in 2017, and sustain the industry over the next ten years (section 4.1.4); (iv) better market 
access for textiles, clothing and footwear, manuf actured food and non-food items, and bottled 
water; and (v) improvement of the investment approval process (section 2.3.3). 
 
                                               
19 Fiji ranks 81st (out of 183 economies) in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business 2015 Index 
(compared with 39th out of 181 economies in 2009). World Bank Group online information. Viewed at: 
www.doingbusiness.org/data/ exploreeconomies/fiji/ .  
20 IMF (2015).  
21 IMF (2014). 
 22 Ministry of Finance (2014), Economic and Fiscal Update: Supple ment to the 2015 Budget Address, 
Suva. 
23 These 2015 figures, obtained from the Fijian auth orities, represent the contribution to GDP of 
accommodation and food services, and of su garcane and sugar production, respectively. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME 
2.1  General Institutional and Legal Framework 2.1.  Fiji is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the powers of the State 
divided among the executive, legislative and judici al branches. The President is the head of State 
and the Prime Minister is the head of Govern ment. The executive power is exercised by the 
Government, composed of a cabinet presided over by the Prime Minister. The Constitution vests sole legislative authority in a single chamber with 50 seats. Parliamentarians are elected for a 
four-year period using an open-list system of proportional representation. The judiciary is 
independent of the executive and the legislature,  with judicial power vested in the following 
courts: Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Cour t, Magistrates Court, and such other courts or 
tribunals as created by law. 
2.2.  Important political and constitutional deve lopments have occurred since Fiji's Review in 
2009.
1 Fiji's new Constitution was promulgated in September 2013.2 It is the first to eliminate 
race-based electoral rolls, race-based seat quot as, district-based representation, the unelected 
upper chamber, and the role of the hereditary Council of Chiefs. It is also the first Constitution 
ever to grant the right to multiple citizenship (in effect since 2009 by decree, on abrogation of the 
1997 Constitution), and lowered the voting age to 18. 
2.3.  On 17 September 2014, Fiji had general el ections ending nearly eight years of interim 
government since the coup in 2006. With retu rn to democracy, relations with traditional 
development partners and access to concessional finance have improved, which in turn have boosted Fiji's investment and economic growth prospects (section 1.1).  
2.4.  Some ministerial and departmental reshuffles have occurred since Fiji's last Review, notably 
the sugar industry is now the responsibility of  the Prime Minister's Office (section 4.1.4).
3 
2.2  Trade Policy Formulation and Objectives 
2.5.  Formulating and implementing Fiji's external  trade policy lies with the Ministry for Industry, 
Trade, and Tourism (MITT).4 It is also responsible for investment policies through Investment Fiji 
(section 2.3.3); internal trade and commerce; small business development; consumer protection 
and fair-trading; and for all trade negotiations. MITT consults with trade-related agencies such as 
the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF, the central bank),  and other ministries including the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management; the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests;  the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport; 
the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources; the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and 
Industrial Relations; and the Ministry of Finance. Consultations are carried out mainly through semi-regular meetings of the Cabinet-mandated inter-ministerial Trade and Development 
Committee (TDC).
5 
2.6.  The private sector and civil society continue to interact formally and informally with the 
Government. In July 2015, the MITT launched the Fijian Trade Policy Framework (FTPF) 
2015-2025 which sets out a structure for such interaction and for the implementation of its policy 
recommendations and other trade-related issues. The National Economic Development Council (NEDC) is the main formal consultative mechanism and has representatives from the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fiji Indigenous Busine ss Council, Fiji Manufacturers Association, and 
                                               
1 See WTO (2009). 
2 Fiji’s first constitution, implemented in 1970 at the time of independence from the United Kingdom, 
contained negotiated provisions to enshrine the politi cal supremacy of the minori ty indigenous population. 
When an Indo-Fijian dominated government was elected despite these safeguards in 1987, Fiji’s first two back-to-back military coups took place, resulting in even tighter measures in the 1990 Constitution. 
Widespread Indo-Fijian dissen t, coupled with a population shift back to an indigenous ma jority, prompted a 
more inclusive approach in the 1997 Constitution.  
3 At the time of the previous TPR of Fiji, responsi bility for sugar was transferred from the Ministry of 
Finance and National Planning to th e Ministry of Agriculture, Fisherie s and Forestry. A major sugar reform 
programme was also initiated under the oversight of a Parliamentary Select Committee. 
4 The MITT was previously the Ministry for Indust ry, Tourism, Trade, and Communication (MITTC). 
5 There is a "focused" TDC which comprises govern ment representatives, wh ile an "extended" TDC 
includes private-sector stakeholders. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  numerous trade union and NGO representatives.6 No independent body publicly evaluates or 
advises the Government on trade policies or sectoral assistance. There are no government-funded independent economic research institutes. 
2.7.  The FTPF 2015-2025
7 aims to help achieve the Government's vision of a "Better Fiji for All" 
through the following policy objectives8: 
 transforming Fiji into a vibrant, diversified and internationally competitive export-led 
growth-oriented economy, by increasing th e contribution to GDP of manufacturing, 
services and other priority sectors; 
 facilitating the engagement of Fiji in bilateral, regional and multilateral trade 
arrangements with a view to expanding and securing meaningful market access for Fijian goods and services;  
 attracting domestic and foreign investment into export-oriented areas in which Fiji has 
comparative advantage to boost total factor productivity and induce innovation and technology transfer into its economy;  
 stimulating and encouraging value-addition activities through R&D with a view to 
increasing export earnings, and improving Fiji 's external current account position and job 
creation;   
 assisting domestic firms to help them impr ove their efficiency and competitiveness in 
international markets; 
 facilitating the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as a 
backbone of the Fijian economy; 
 improving trade-related infrastructure and reducing the cost of doing business to position 
Fiji as a strategic location for global value chains and a hub of the Pacific; and 
 promoting human capital development in all the priority sectors, as well as 
mainstreaming of gender, environmental protection and other related policies. 
2.8.  The FTPF envisages the following market acce ss policy targets: securing at least one new or 
alternative market for sugar by the end of 2016; increasing the number of Fijian goods eligible 
under the United States GSP; negotiating a long -term preferential market access scheme with the 
United States by 2025; concluding negotiations for a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU; concluding negotiations for a Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus; implementing the fully- fledged Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Trade 
Agreement and Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA); and concluding preferential 
market access scheme negotiations with China. Regarding value addition, Fiji aims to increase the contribution of both the primary sector (including agriculture, forestry and fisheries) and 
manufacturing to GDP from about 14% (each) at present to 20% by 2020. As regards trade 
facilitation, the key targets are:  ratifying the Trade Facilitatio n Agreement by the end of 2015; 
implementing the "Single Window" clearance sy stem by 2016; and reducing the maximum time 
taken to clear sea cargo from 5 days to 3 days by 2020.
9 
                                               
6 The NEDC, formed under the finance ministry in 2005, meets quarterly and includes other public- and 
private-sector representatives such as NGOs. The NEDC has five sub-committees (Trade and Investment Facilitation, Agriculture, Services , Manufacturing, and Sustainable Deve lopment) and nine working groups, 
including on macroeconomic management and state institutions; structural reforms; rural development; poverty and social justice; infras tructure; and natural resources. 
7 The need for the first FTPF became clearer during Fiji's TPR in 2009, with the WTO Secretariat Report 
as an important reference document for its drafting. OECD (2011), Aid-For-Trade Case Story: Fiji . OECD online 
information. Viewed at: www.oecd.org/aidfortrade/48338234.pdf . 
8 In 2020, the FTPF will have a mid-term review to monitor progress and make possible adjustments to 
ensure that its objectiv es are met. MITT (2015), Fijian Trade Policy Framework (2015-2025): A vibrant, 
dynamic and internationally competitive economy serving as the hub of the Pacific , Suva.  
9 MITT (2015). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  2.9.  The National Export Strategy (NES) is be ing implemented to achieve sustainable growth by 
encouraging exports, competitiveness, value adding, and export diversification in six priority areas: agro-business; forestry; marine products; mineral water; information and communication technologies (ICT); and audiovisual services. Th e NES is administered and implemented by the 
MITT, which also assists MSMEs within the prioritized sectors on a cost-sharing basis with an 
emphasis on addressing supply-side constraints (e.g. product development, packaging, infrastructure, marketing and training).
10 
2.10.  Since 2009, some new trade-related laws have been enacted in areas such as competition, 
government procurement, foreign investment, SPS measures, standards, agriculture, audiovisual 
services, and shipping. Fiji's legislation is published in the Government Gazette, and many 
ministries and departments have websites to disseminate information.  
Table 2.1 Main trade-related legislation 
Area Legislation 
Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Authority Act 2004  
 Banana Export and Marketing Act (Cap. 155) 
 Coconut Industry Development Decree, 2010 
 Co-operative Dairy Companies Act (Cap. 119) 
 Copra Industry Loans Act (Cap. 153) 
 Dairies Act (Cap. 118) 
 Fiji Sugar Corporation (Repeal) Act 2005 
 Fruit Export and Marketing Act (Cap. 154) 
 Ginger Council of Fiji Act 1996 
 Meat Industry Act (Cap. 237)  
 Sugar Industry Act (Cap. 206) 
Audiovisual Film Fiji Act 2002 
Air transport  Civil Aviation Act (Cap. 174) 
 Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji Act (Cap. 174) 
 Civil Aviation Reform Act 1999 
Quarantine and SPS Biosecurity Promulgation 2008 
 Quarantine Act (Cap. 112) 
 Food Safety Act 2003 
Financial services Banking Act 1995 
 Bankruptcy Act (Cap. 48) 
 Broadcasting Commission Act (Cap. 105) 
 Insurance Act 1998 
 Insurance Law Reform Act 1996 
 Capital Markets Decree 2009 
 Reserve Bank of Fiji Act (Cap. 210) 
 Consumer Credit Act 1999 
 Exchange Control Act (Cap. 211) 
 Fiji Development Bank Act (Cap. 214) 
 Marine Insurance Act (Cap. 218) 
Commerce Companies Act (Cap. 247)  
 Business Licensing Act (Cap. 204) 
 Commerce Commission Decree, 2010  
 iTaukei Development Fund Act (Cap. 121)  
 Public Enterprise Act 1996 
 Public Private Partnerships Act 2006 
 Small and Micro Enterprise Development Decree 2002  
Customs  Dumping and Countervailing Duties Act 1998 
 Excise Act 1986 
 Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority Act 1998  
Competition Commerce Commission Decree 2010 
Energy  Electricity Act (Cap. 180)  
Environment  Ozone Depleting Substances Act 1998 
 Endangered and Protected Species Act 2002  
Fisheries  Fisheries Act (Cap. 158)  
 Marine Spaces Act (Cap. 158) 
 Marine Spaces (Foreign Fishing Vessels) Regulation 
Forestry  Forest Decree 1992  
Government 
procurement Procurement Regulations 2010 
Investment Foreign Investment Act 1999 
                                               
10 Investment Fiji online information. Viewed at: http://www.investmentfiji.org.fj/ . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Area Legislation 
 Foreign Investment (Amendment) Act 2004 
 Foreign Investment (Amendment) Regulation 2013 
Intellectual property  Copyright Act 1999 
 Merchandise Marks Act (Cap. 241)  
 Patents Act (Cap. 239) 
 United Kingdom Designs (Protection) Act (Cap. 242)  
 Trade Marks Act (Cap. 240) 
Land  Land Development Act (Cap. 142) 
 Land Sales Act (Cap. 137) 
 Land Transfer Act (Cap. 131) 
 iTaukei Lands Act (Cap. 133) 
 iTaukei Lands Amendment Act 2002 
Mining Fiji National Petroleum Company Limited Decree 1991 
 Mining Act (Cap. 146) 
 Petroleum (Exploration and Exploitation) Act (Cap. 148) 
 Petroleum (Exploration and Exploitation) (Amendment) Act 1995 
Maritime transport Maritime Transport Decree 2013 
Standards Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 114) 
 Food Safety Act 2003 
 Pesticides Act (Cap. 157) 
 Medicinal Products Decree 2011 
 National and Trade Measurement Decree 1989 
 Trade Standards and Quality Control Decree 1992  
Taxation Income Tax Act (Cap. 201) 
 Value Added Tax Decree 1991 
 Capital Gains Tax Decree 2011 
 Services Turnover Tax Decree 2012 
 Tax Administration Decree 2009 
Tourism Tourism Fiji Act 2004 
Income Tax Act (Hotel Incentives Amendment) Promulgation 2007 
 Hotel Aids Act  
Road transport Land Transport Act 1998 
Source:  Information provided by the Fijian authorities. 
2.3  Trade Agreements and Arrangements 
2.3.1  WTO 2.11.  Fiji is an original Member of the WTO, an d grants at least MFN treatment to all its trading 
partners. It is neither a party to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) nor to the 
plurilateral Agreements on Government Procurement (GPA) and Trade in Civil Aircraft. To further foster its participation in the WTO, Fiji opened a Permanent Mission in Geneva on 2 June 2014.  
2.12.  Fiji fully supports the multilateral tr ading system and endorses the ongoing Doha 
Development Agenda where its main interests include: further liberalizing trade in agricultural 
products by substantially reducing domestic su pport by developed countries, eliminating export 
subsidies by developed countries, and reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) on products of 
export interest to Fiji; reducing or eliminating ta riffs and NTBs on industrial products, particularly 
of export interest for developing countries; reachi ng a satisfactory agreement on GATS mode four 
(labour mobility); clarifying and improving rules on contingency trade measures, RTAs and the 
DSU; ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement; strengthening all special and differential 
treatment provisions by making them precise, effe ctive and operational; and further protection of  
IPRs.
11 In the WTO negotiations, Fiji is part of the Small, Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) group and 
is one of the so-called "W52" sponsors.12 
                                               
11 MITT (2015). 
12 Fiji sponsors a proposal for "modalities" in nego tiations on geographical indications (establishing a 
multilateral register for wines and spirits, and extend ing the higher level of pr otection beyond wines and 
spirits) and "disclosure" (requiring pa tent applicants to disclose the origin of genetic resources and traditional 
knowledge used in the inventions). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 22 - 
 
  2.13.  Fiji has not been involved in any formal disputes, but has been a third party in three cases: 
(i) EC – Export subsidies on sugar (Australia as complainant)13; (ii) EC – Export subsidies on sugar 
(Brazil as complainant)14; and (iii) EC – Export subsidies on sugar (Thailand as complainant).15 
2.14.  During the review period, Fiji made few WTO notifications (Table 2.2). To the detriment of 
transparency, at the end of 2014 (15 February 2015 for notifications on agriculture) it had 
54 outstanding notifications (compared with 70 in 2009).16 Fiji has regularly submitted tariff data 
to the WTO Integrated Data Base (IDB).  
Table 2.2 Fiji's notifications, 2009-15 
Agreement  Requirement  Periodicity WTO documents 
GATT 1994 
Article XXIV:7(a) FTA  Ad hoc  WT/REG302/N/1, 19.10.11 
WT/REG302/N/1/Add.1, 
19.09.14 
Agreement on Agriculture  
Articles 10 and 
18.2 Export subsidies (ES:1) Annual G/AG/N/FJI/7, 28.10.10 
G/AG/N/FJI/9, 06.12.11 
G/AG/N/FJI/10, 09.01.12 
Articles 18.2 and 
18.3 Domestic support (DS:1) Annual G/AG/N/FJI/8, 28.07.11 
G/AG/N/FJI/11, 09.02.12 
Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-dumping) 
Article 16.4 Anti-dumping actions taken over the 
past six months Semi-
annual G/ADP/N/158/Add.1/Rev.5, 
01.08.12 
Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 
Article 7, Annex 
B SPS regulations  Ad hoc  G/SPS/N/FJI/4, 15.07.09 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
2.3.2  Regional Trade Agreements 2.15.  Fiji views regional integration as a key stepping stone towards fuller participation in the 
increasingly liberalized global economy. As an island country with a small market, Fiji considers that its RTAs will help increase market access and investment inflows in support of its economic 
diversification efforts. 
2.16.  Fiji has four RTAs in force: (i) Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) EU–Papua 
New Guinea/Fiji; (ii) Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG); (iii) Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA); and (iv) South Pacific Region al Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement 
(SPARTECA). Some of the main features of these RTAs are summarized in Table 2.3.  
2.17.  The IEPA is the only agreement that entere d into provisional application on 28 July 2014 for 
Fiji. It provides duty-free and quota-free market ac cess to all products from Fiji except for sugar 
and rice, which are subject to longer transitional periods. It also provides for improved rules of 
origin, especially in fisheries, allowing investors based in Fiji to use fish caught using any boats (global sourcing) and export it to the EU, provided  the fish is landed and processed (canned) in 
Fiji. A comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to deepen Fiji's trade relationship with the 
EU over time is also under negotiation. 
2.18.  Fiji has fully liberalized its trade with MSG partners. Under Fiji's leadership, trade became 
the priority for MSG that led to the removal of duties by Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu in 2012. 
The Solomon Islands is expected to fully liberalize its trade by 2017.
17 
                                               
13 WTO document series WT/DS265. 
14 WTO document series WT/DS266. 
15 WTO document series WT/DS283. 
16 WTO documents G/L/223/Rev. 17, 15 March 2010; and G/L/223/Rev. 22, 16 March 2015. 
17 MITT (2015). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 23 - 
 
  Table 2.3 Fiji's RTAs in force 
EU–Papua New Guinea/Fiji 
Title Interim Economic Partnership Agreement EU – Papua New Guinea / Fiji 
Parties EU, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji 
Date of signature/entry into 
force  EU and Papua New Guinea signed on 30 July 2009, Fiji on 11 December 
2009 / Provisional application started 20 December 2009 for EU and Papua 
New Guinea, and on 28 July 2014 for Fiji 
End of transition period 2023  
Services Not included 
Selected features Customs and trade facilitation; TBT; SPS; dispute settlement; and 
institutional provisions. In 2017, the EU preferential purchase agreement 
on sugar from Fiji will expire. 
WTO consideration status  Factual presentation not distributed 
WTO document series WT/REG302 
Fiji–Papua New Guinea–Solomon Islands–Vanuatu 
Title Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) 
Parties Fiji; Papua New Guinea; Solomon Islands; Vanuatu 
Date of signature/entry into force 22 July 1993/1 January 1994 
End of transition period 1994 
Services While the MSG excludes services it was agreed in 2005 to consider a 
multilateral air services agreement. 
Selected features Accession; anti-dumping and counte rvailing measures; competition; 
customs-related procedures; rules of origin; safeguard measures; subsidies 
and state aid; dispute settlement; general exceptions; and institutional 
provisions 
WTO consideration status Factua l presentation not distributed 
WTO documents WT/COMTD/N/9, 3 August 1999 and WT/COMTD/21, 7 October 1999 
Cook Islands–Fiji–Kiribati–Micronesia–Nauru–Niue–Papua New Guinea–Samoa–Solomon Islands–
Tonga–Tuvalu–Vanuatu 
Title Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) 
Parties Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, 
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu 
Date of signature/entry into 
force 18 August 2001 / 13 April 2003 (although dates of signature and of entry 
into force are specific to each PICTA member) 
End of transition period 2021 
Services Not included. However, it is expected that the coverage of PICTA will 
expand to include trade in services, movement of capital and labour 
Selected features Covers trade in goods ex cept trade in alcohol and tobacco products. 
Government procurement is also excluded. The Agreement also provides a list of exceptions to ensure that the Forum Island Countries (FICs) can 
continue to restrict trade for the usua l range of reasons generally allowed in 
international trade agreements. This includes the prohibition of dangerous goods (e.g. explosives or restriction of  trade necessary to protect human or 
animal health) 
WTO consideration status Factual presentation not distributed 
WTO document series WT/COMTD/N/29, 17 September 2008 and WT/COMTD/21, 7 October 1999 
Australia–Cook Islands–Fiji–Kiribati–Marshall Islands–Micronesia–Nauru–New Zealand–Niue–
Papua New Guinea–Samoa–Solomon Islands–Tonga–Tuvalu–Vanuatu 
Title South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement 
(SPARTECA) 
Parties Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, 
Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu  
Date of signature/entry into force 14 July 1980/1 January 1981 
End of transition period 1981  
Services Not included 
Selected features Accession; anti-dumping and counte rvailing measures; competition; 
customs-related procedures; rules of origin; safeguard measures; subsidies 
and state aid; dispute settlement; general exceptions; and institutional 
provisions 
WTO consideration status Factua l presentation not distributed 
GATT document L/5100, 20 February 1981 
Source: WTO Secretariat and information provided by the Fijian authorities. 
2.19.  In general, the implementation of PICTA started in 2007. However, only Fiji and six other of 
its 14 members (i.e. Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu) are 
currently implementing the agreement. Fiji re mains committed to assisting other PICTA members WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 24 - 
 
  in implementing the trade in goods part of PICTA. Following this, Fiji will shift its focus to the 
implementation of trade in services within PICTA.18 
2.20.  SPARTECA is a non-reciprocal and non-discriminatory trade agreement whereby Australia 
and New Zealand provide duty-free access to all products originating in the 14 Forum Island 
Countries (FICs)19, except sugar in the case of Australia. SPARTECA has played an integral part in 
Fiji's development. During 2001-14, the Fijian textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) sector benefitted under the SPARTECA-TCF scheme, which since has been replaced by the Developing 
Country Preference Scheme (in 2015 in the case of Australia).
20 
2.21.  In September 2014, Fiji joined the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) 
Plus negotiations as part of its efforts to secure a long-term preferential market.21 The PACER is 
not a free trade agreement but a framework ("umbrella") agreement for cooperation on trade and 
economic integration between the FICs, Australia and New Zealand, with a view to the 
development of a single regional market of about 37  million people. Fiji aims for a PACER Plus that 
would allow the easing of mobility of Fijian labour in the region, larger FDI inflows into Fiji, and 
improved trade facilitation arrangements for Fijian exporters.22 
2.22.  Overall, Fiji's RTAs in force encompass 41 partners (some of them are non-WTO Members): 
Australia, Cook Islands, EU-28, Kiribati, Mi cronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New 
Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Fiji's RTAs have been notified to 
the WTO either under the Enabling Clause or under GATT Article XXIV. These RTAs are overlapping, increasing risks of raising business costs by creating complex trade regimes that may result in more trade (and investment) diversion than creation. 
2.23.  In 2014, merchandise trade with RTA partners accounted for about 7.2% of Fiji's total 
imports and 8.8% of total exports. 
2.3.2.1  Other arrangements 
2.24.  Fiji is also a member of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
23 It aims to increase sustainable 
regional trade (including in services) and investment to promote pro-poor economic growth by lowering trade barriers among members, including physical (e.g. border) and technical (e.g. 
quarantine, import taxes and passport requirements) measures. On 2 May 2009, Fiji was 
suspended from participating in the PIF. The susp ension was lifted on 22 October 2014 after Fiji's 
general election. 
2.25.  Fiji is pursuing a preferential trading arrang ement with China. Fiji is also trying to diversify 
its trading markets by engaging with other neighbouring developing countries under the South-
South Cooperation.
24 
2.26.  Fiji is not a member of the Global Syst em of Trade Preferences (GSTP) and provides no 
preferential tariff treatment to developing countries or least developed countries. 
2.27.  During the review period, Fiji received GSP treatment from Australia, Canada, Japan, 
New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United States.25 
                                               
18 MITT (2015). 
19 The FICs combined population is about 9 million people. 
20 MITT (2015). 
21 PACER Plus negotiations commenced in early 2010 without Fiji. Under the PACER Plus negotiations, 
common priority issues for discussions are: rules of origin; development assistance, focusing on physical 
infrastructure for trade; trade developm ent and promotion; trade facilitation ; SPS; TBT; services (e.g. health, 
education, telecommunications, air and maritime transport, and regional labour mobility (beyond mode 4)); investment; economic cooperation; and environment, including renewable energy. 
22 MITT (2015). 
23 PIF includes Australia, New Ze aland and the 14 FICs. French Poly nesia, New Caledonia and Tokelau 
are associate members, while American Samoa, Guam , Timor-Leste, and Wallis and Futuna are special 
observers. PIC Secretariat onli ne information. Viewed at: http://www.forumsec.org.fj . 
24 Fiji contributes to South-South Cooperation throug h its exports, exchange of resources, technology, 
and institutional capacity building with other developing countries in the South Pacific region. 
25 WTO PTA Database. Viewed at: http://ptadb.wto.org/ . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  2.3.3  Investment regime 
2.28.  Investment Fiji, a statutory organization created in 1980 under the Economic Development 
Board Act No. 1126, operates independently as the marketing arm of the Government to provide 
services and assistance to promote, facilitate and stimulate investments and exports. It also 
undertakes regulatory functions, in terms of re gistration of foreign investors, promotional 
activities, and advisory and information services. Investment Fiji acts as liaison between government, the private sector and regional and international agencies. 
2.29.  The Foreign Investment Act (FIA) 1999, the Foreign Investment (Amendment) Act 2004, 
and the Foreign Investment (Amendment) Regulation 2013 lay down the guidelines by which a foreign investor can invest in Fiji.  
2.30.  Prior to the commencement of the business, a foreign investor has to apply for and obtain 
approval from the following agencies: the Registrar of Companies for reservation and registration 
of a company/business name; Investment Fiji for a foreign investment registration certificate; the Department of Immigration for work permits; Fi ji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA) for the 
registration of tax and VAT; RBF for the issue of  capital; local town/city councils for a business 
licence to operate in the respective area; and Fiji National Provident Fund for employer/employee registration. The foreign investor may also require an approval/permit/licence from other relevant 
agencies depending on the scope of the business.
27 
2.31.  Investment Fiji is currently focusing on simplifying the registration process for investments 
in Fiji through the creation of the "single window clearance" application system for Tier 1 agencies 
(e.g. the Registrar of Companies, Investment Fiji, FRCA, Reserve Bank of Fiji) which has been 
available online to investors since July 2015.28  
2.32.  Over the last few years, Fiji has taken some measures to boost FDI inflows. For example, 
the minimum investment required for foreign investors was eliminated in 201329, and the 
corporate-tax rate payable by a foreign firm esta blishing/relocating its headquarters to Fiji was 
reduced from 20% to 17%. Under the Foreign Investment (Amendment) Regulation 2013, foreign equity limitations were removed, except in the fi shing sector where a foreign equity ceiling of 70% 
is imposed.
30 In 2014, the corporate tax rate for companies listed on Fiji’s South Pacific Stock 
Exchange (SPSE) was reduced from 20% to 10%.31 Also, the 2015 budget includes enhancements 
to existing incentives aimed at the agriculture, information technology, tourism and biofuel sectors. Nonetheless, in recent years Fiji's FDI inflows have been affected by factors such as 
investor uncertainty over political and economic stability, and exchange rate restrictions 
(section 1.1). 
2.33.  In December 2014, the Land Sales (Amendment) Act 2014 was passed by Parliament 
whereby land within town and city boundaries for residential purposes is not allowed to be sold, 
transferred or leased to non-residents. However, any state land or freehold land within town and city boundaries may only be sold, transferred or leased to a non-resident for the acquisition of a 
s t r a t a  o r  u n i t  t i t l e .  L a n d  m a y  o n l y  b e  l e a s e d  w i t h  a p p r o v a l  o f  t h e  L a n d s  D e p a r t m e n t .
32 
                                               
26 Investment Fiji was previously known as Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau (FTIB). 
27 For the checklist of documents required and application fees ch arged to start a business see 
Investment Fiji online information. Viewed at: http://www.investmentfiji.org.fj/ . 
28 It provides services for both in vestment registration and payments, and consol idates the investment 
requirements for Tier 1 agencies. 
29 In January 2009, the lowest investment level was increased to F$250,000 (five times the 2005 rate). 
In November 2012, as part of the 2013 Budget, the Government eliminated this minimum investment requirement. Asian Development Bank (2013), Re-invigorating Private Sector Investment. A Private Sector 
Assessment for Fiji . Viewed at: http://www.adb.org/documents/re-invig orating-private-sector-investment-
private-sector-assessment-fiji . 
30 There was a ceiling of 70% equity in manufacturing and 60% in agriculture. Office of the Chief Trade 
Adviser (2014), Regulatory Audit of Services and Investment Regimes: Fiji , 3-7 November 2014, Suva. 
31 Income earned from trading of shares in SPSE is exempted from Income and Capital Gains Taxes. 
32 Land in Fiji is managed through three complement ary systems: native land, freehold land, and crown 
land. Native land and crown land cannot be bought/s old; they are available on ly on a leasehold basis. 
Leasehold land can be developed through long-term leas e (often 99 years). Freehold land can be bought and 
sold for business purposes but has rest rictions for residential purposes.  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Representatives from the business sector have warned that these changes may deter foreign 
investors from future land purchases.33  
2.34.  Under the Foreign Investment (Amendment) Regulation 2013, certain activities are reserved 
for Fijian citizens only, while others are restricted, i.e. have conditions which must be met by 
foreign investors who wish to pursue them (Box 2.1). 
Box 2.1 FDI reserved and restricted activities  
I. Reserved activities (only for Fijian citizens): 
Milk bars or cafeteria businesses; taxi businesses; kava businesses; retail sale via stalls and markets; 
handicraft businesses; tailor shops; repair of personal and household good s; plumbing businesses; electrical 
businesses; plant nurseries and care; day-care centres; internet cafes and amusement and gaming centres; 
home-stay lodging services; bakery businesses, other than those operated within the vicinity of a 
hotel/resort and/or operated by foreign-owned hotels/r esorts; backpacker operatio ns; nightclubs, other than 
those operated within the vicinity of a hotel/resort and/or operated by foreign owned hotels/resorts; and 
liquor bars, other than those operated within the vicinity of a hotel/resort  and/or operated by foreign owned 
hotels/resorts. 
II. Restricted activities: 
1. Fishing 
At least 30% equity held by Fiji citizen(s) and the fo reign investor must have at least F$500,000 in owner's 
contribution or paid-up capital for companies in the form of cash from the operational date, to be fully 
brought into Fiji within the implementation period. 
2. Forestry (plant management and logging) 
A foreign investor must undertake va lue adding and must have at least F$500,000 in owner's contribution or 
paid-up capital for companies in the form of cash from the operational date, to be fully brought into Fiji 
within the implementation period. 
3. Manufacturing (tobacco production) 
A foreign investor must use at least 75% (up from 50% in 2009) locally grown and processed tobacco in all 
domestic cigarette production and must have at least F$500,000 in owner's contribution or paid-up capital 
for companies in the form of cash from the operational date, to be fully brought into Fiji within the 
implementation period. 
4. Tourism (cultural heritage) 
Any activity involving investment in the cultural heritage of the Fiji islands must have at least F$500,000 in 
owner's contribution or paid-up capital for companies in  the form of cash from the operational date, to be 
fully brought into Fiji within the implementation period. 
5. Real estate management 
A foreign investor engaging in real estate management and real estate agents must have at least F$1 million 
in owner's contribution or paid-up capital for companies in the form of cash from the operational date, to be 
fully brought within Fiji within the implementation period. A foreign investor engaging in the above real 
estate management activities needs to be certified under the Real Estate Agents Act. A foreign investor 
engaging in the real estate activity of renting out ho mes/villas/apartment/bures to tourists only must have 
at least F$250,000 in owner's contribution or paid-up capital for companies in the form of cash from the 
operational date, to be fully brought within  Fiji within the implementation period. 
6. Real estate development 
A foreign investor engaging in real estate developmen t must have at least $5m in  owner's contribution or 
paid-up capital for companies in the form of cash from the operational date, to be fully brought within Fiji 
within the implementation period. 
7. Construction 
A foreign investor engaging in the construction industry  must have at least F$1m in owner's contribution or 
paid-up capital for companies in the form of cash from the operational date, to be fully brought within Fiji 
within the implementation period. 
8. Earthmoving Business 
A foreign investor engaging in earthmoving business must have at least F$1m in owner's contribution or 
                                               
33 Economist Intelligence Unit (2015). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 27 - 
 
  paid-up capital for companies in the form of cash from the operational date, to be fully brought into Fiji 
within the implementation period. 
9. Inter-island shipping and passenger servic es (exclusive of tourism support services) 
A foreign investor engaging in inter-island shipping and passenger services must have at least F$500,000 in 
owner's contribution or paid-up capital for companies in  the form of cash from the operational date, to be 
fully brought within Fiji within the implementation period. 
Note: Apart from these reserved and restricted activities, all other activities fall under unspecified activities. 
In line with the 2013 Budget, under unspecified activi ties the F$250,000 in owner's contribution or paid-up 
capital for companies in the form of cash from the oper ational date, to be fully brought into Fiji within the 
implementation period of the business has been waiv ed. Projects having a minimum financial threshold 
below F$2.5 million will be given a 12-month implemen tation period whereas projects having a minimum 
investment financial threshold above F$2.5 millio n will be given 18 months for implementation. 
Source:  Investment Fiji onli ne information. Viewed at:  
http://www.investmentfiji.org.fj/resourc es/uploads/embeds/file/FIRCBooklet2015.pdf . 
2.35.  Fiji has traditionally offered a wide range of investment incentives to both domestic and 
foreign investors (section 3.3.1 and Table A3.2). 
2.36.  Fiji has concluded double taxation agreements with Australia, Japan, Korea (Rep. of), 
Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, and is negotiating 
similar agreements with India and the United States.34 Fiji does not have any investment 
promotion and protection agreements. 
2.37.  Fiji is not a party to any investment agreements, as it considers that its domestic regulatory 
framework provides adequate protection to foreign investors who have access to Fijian courts for 
the resolution of any investment-related disputes.35 Although Fiji is a long-standing signatory of 
the ICSID Convention and member of the World Ba nk Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency 
(MIGA), no projects have been guaranteed in Fiji.  
2.38.  Fiji's RTAs in force do not currently have investment provisions. Nonetheless, there is 
interest in including a chapter on investment under both MSG and PACER Plus.36 
 
                                               
34 Investment Fiji online information. Viewed at: http://www.investmentfiji.org.fj/ . 
35 Office of the Chief Trade Adviser (2014). 
36 Office of the Chief Trade Adviser (2014). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE 
3.1  Measures Directly Affecting Imports 3.1.1  Customs procedures and requirements 3.1.  The Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA) is responsible for all customs matters.
1 The 
Customs Act 1986 (revised in 2013), the Customs Tariff (Amendment) Decree 2013, and the 
Customs Excise (Amendment) Decree 2013 represent the main legislative framework governing Customs in Fiji. 
3.2.  The FRCA is moving towards the single window concept in three stages. The first stage 
includes the full automation of the customs clea rance process in all border regulatory agencies. 
Recently, the FRCA launched a new system called ASYCUDA World, which for the moment is operational only in Suva, but is planned to roll out to other ports later in 2015.
2 The other two 
stages of the single customs window concept will be the port single window and the national single 
window. 
3.3.  Commercial importers and customs agents must register with the FRCA and have a Tax 
Identification Number (TIN). A Single Administra tive Document (SAD), used to declare commercial 
goods of over F$1003, may be submitted electronically or manually. The fee for processing the 
SAD is F$7.15.4 In addition to the SAD, other documents are required (e.g. invoice, packing slip, 
bill of lading, and the C45 declaration form). For some products additional documents may be 
required, such as certificates of origin (section 3.1.3) and import licences (section 3.1.5). Goods 
are released as soon as the customs declar ation is processed and duty is collected. 
3.4.  Temporary importation, re-importation, and bonded and customs warehouses are allowed.5  
FRCA has the authority to stop any goods from entering Fiji if they do not comply with the 
country's SPS and TBT regulations, or if they infr inge IPRs (section 3.3.5). Appeals on all customs 
matters are handled by the Court of Review, and its decisions may be appealed to the High Court.  
3.5.  Customs clerks, who are authorized to clear documentation of imports (and exports), must 
meet certain qualification requirements (Diploma in Customs Business from Fijian Institute) and, customs agents, brokers, and customs carriers must  be licensed by the FRCA.  Goods valued over 
F$80,000 are automatically channelled through the Yellow Lane for documentation check. Based 
on importer profiles built into ASYCUDA, goods selected to pass through the Red Lane are physically inspected. In 2014, 8.6% of SADs were automatically selected to pass through the Red Lane (47% in 2007), while 39.4% went into the Yellow Lane (20% in 2007).  The remaining 52% 
followed the Green Lane (33% in 2009). 
3.6.  Fiji ranks 116
th (out of 189 economies) in the World Bank's Trading Across Borders 2015 
Index. Importing a standard container of goods requires 10 documents, takes 22 days and costs 
US$753.6  
3.7.  At the end of November 2015, Fiji was yet to make its notification of Category A 
commitments under the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation. 
3.8.  Fiji has been a member of the World Customs Organization since July 1997. It has acceded to 
the Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, the Customs 
Convention on the Temporary Importation of Scientific Equipment, and in 2009 to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (Revised 
Kyoto Convention).
7 
                                               
1 FRCA was previously the Customs Service of the Fiji Islands Revenue & Customs Authority (FIRCA). 
2 ASYCUDA World will be used as a platform to  integrate all border regulatory agencies. 
3 Products for personal use worth at least F$1,000 must be declared. 
4 The list of fees and char ges is available on the FR CA website: www.frca.org.fj. 
 5 In the case of temporary imports, an acceptable de posit or security must be provided. For re-imports, 
any overseas materials used in the goods will be levied the tariff applicable to them  based on their added cost. 
6 World Bank Group online information. Viewed at: http://doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/Fiji . 
7 According to the authorities, FRCA is about 90% compliant with the Revised Kyoto convention. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 29 - 
 
  3.1.2  Customs valuation 
3.9.  Fiji's legislation on customs valuation has not changed during the review period. It is still 
based on Clause 1 (10–12) of Schedule 1, Customs Tariff Act, 1986, inserted in 1997. Customs value is primarily assessed based on the tr ansaction value. Where the FRCA suspects 
undervaluation it creates an audit trail to scrutinize the goods to determine the correct value, and 
large penalties, of up to one-third of the good's  value, can be imposed. Importers also have the 
right to appeal against the value determined by the FRCA. 
3.10.  Imported used clothing and second-hand motor vehicles are subject to alternate tariffs; on 
the latter, this increases with engine size, which ensures the minimum tariff rate is 32%.  These alternate rates are aimed at addressing under-declared values (and consequent tariff evasion). 
3.11.  Fiji does not require preshipment inspection of imports. 
3.1.3  Rules of origin 
3.12.  Fiji has notified the WTO that it does not have non-preferential rules of origin.
8 
3.13.  Fiji's preferential rules of origin are co ntained in its specific regional trade agreements. 
Rules of origin under the Interim Economic Part nership Agreement (IEPA) between the EU, Papua 
New Guinea and Fiji are prescriptive, as they indicate the origin of products in terms of wholly obtained or sufficiently processed. Cumulation of origin gives a possibility to source materials from 
other countries after the fulfilment of necessary requirements. 
3.14.  The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has rules of origin requiring a change in 4-digit HS 
classification, with special processes defined as not constituting originating products; these include packing, marking and labelling, mixing of produc ts, simple assembly of parts of articles, and 
slaughter of animals. 
3.15.  Under the Pacific Island Countries Trade Ag reement (PICTA), the rules of origin require the 
good to be wholly produced or obtained in the exporting country, or that the final process of 
manufacture is performed in the exporting partner country with at least 40% of the goods’ factory 
cost being originating materials, labour, and overhead costs. 
3.16.  General rules of origin under the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation 
Agreement (SPARTECA) require the last manufacturing  process to have been made in Fiji and at 
least 50% of a product's factory cost to represent "allowable expenditure" in the Fiji qualifying 
area.
9 In January 2015, the SPARTECA – Textile, Clothing and Footwear Scheme was superseded 
by the Developing Countries Preference Scheme (DCPS). DCPS provides for liberal rules of origin, 
allowing manufacturers to source raw materials from more economical sources. 
3.1.4  Tariffs 3.1.4.1  MFN applied tariff 
3.17.  Imports may be subject to customs tariffs, VAT, and excise duties. According to information 
provided by the authorities, VAT receipts averaged 26% of total tax revenues in 2014, followed by excise duties (25%), and customs tariffs (17%). 
3.18.  Fiji's MFN tariff rates are contained in Sc hedule 2 (Parts 1-3) of the Customs Tariff Act, 
1986.  They are amended annually by the FRCA at  the end of each calendar year (usually 
November) for the following year, as part of budget deliberations. Tariff rate changes must be approved by Parliament and become operative when the legislation is passed, usually during the 
budget sitting.
10 As part of the budget process the Ministry  of Finance invites stakeholders to make 
tariff proposals and also undertakes budget consultations for the forthcoming budget, and these 
                                               
8 WTO document G/RO/N/17, 10 April 1997. 
9 In addition to Fiji, this area includes other Foru m Island Countries (FICs), Australia, New Zealand and 
Papua New Guinea. However, in the case of New Zealand, only to the extent of qualifying Australian materials. 
10 Parliament passes these as legislative changes to the Customs Tariff Act. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 30 - 
 
  are assessed in the Revenue Technical Committee (consisting of the Ministry of Finance and the 
FRCA officials). 
3.19.  Fiji's tariff has 5,968 lines (up from 5,782 lines in 2009)11: 5,440 lines have ad valorem  
rates (91.2% of the total), 259 are duty free (4.3% of the total), and 269 are non- ad valorem  
(4.5% of the total) (Table 3.1). Ad valorem  tariffs are applied on the c.i.f. customs value. Specific 
duties are levied on 92 lines (up from 80 in 2009), including on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Alternate (mixed) duties are levied on  177 lines (down from 181 in 2009), in goods such 
as iron and steel tubes and used transport equipment. 
3.20.  Overall, 66.3% of tariff lines are within the range 0-5%; the modal (most frequent) rate 
being 5% (Chart 3.1). The tariff structure is relatively disparate overall, with a standard deviation of 10.5 (Table A3.1). By HS Section, the highest tariff rates are arms and ammunition, followed by 
footwear and headgear, prepared food, and transport equipment (Chart 3.2). 
Chart 3.1 Distribution of MFN applied tariff rates, 2009 and 2015  
(3.0) (63.3) 
(13.7)(15.5)
(4.5) (4.3)(62.0)
(14.0)(15.2)
(4.5)
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,000
Duty free 5% 15% 32% Non-ad valorem ratesNumber of tariff lines
Tariff rates (%)MFN 2009
MFN 2015
 
Note: Figures in parentheses denote th e percentage share of total lines. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities. 
                                               
11 The 2009 tariff is based on HS07 nomenclature, while the 2015 tariff is based on HS12. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 31 - 
 
  Chart 3.2 Average applied MFN tariff rates, by HS Section, 2009 and 2015  
 
Note: Calculations exclude specific rates and include the ad valorem  part of alternate rates. 2009 tariff 
schedule is based on HS07 nomenclature, 2015 on HS12. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities. 
3.21.  Fiji's simple average applied MFN rate is 11.2% (11.3% in 2009).12 Using the WTO 
definition13, applied MFN tariffs average 12.5% on agricultural products and 11% on 
non-agricultural products in 2015 (Table 3.1). Tariff rates range from zero to 32% without ad 
valorem  equivalents (AVEs), while the highest rate including AVEs is 1,257% on certain beverages, 
spirits and tobacco (Table A3.1).14 Fiji does not participate in the Information Technology 
Agreement (ITA). 
Table 3.1 Structure of MFN tariff in Fiji 
(%, unless otherwise indicated) 
 MFN applied Final 
bounda 2009 2015 
Bound tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 49.5 49.5 49.5 
Simple average rate 11.3 11.2 40.2 
   WTO agricultural products 11.5 12.5 40.6 
   WTO non-agricultural products 11.3 11.0 40.0 
Duty-free tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 3.0 4.3 0.0 
Simple average rate of dutiable lines only 11.7 11.7 40.2 
Domestic tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines)b 0.0 0.0 0.0 
International tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines)c 18.5 18.0 48.9 
Overall standard deviation of tariff rates 10.6 10.5 2.1 
Coefficient of variation of tariff rates 0.9 0.9 0.1 
Tariff quotas (% of all tariff lines) 0.0 0.0 0.0 
                                               
12 The tariff is calculated excluding specific rates, and including the ad valorem  part of alternate rates. 
13 WTO definition of agriculture:  HS Chapters 01-24 less fish and fishery products (HS Chapter 3, 0508, 
0511.91, 1504.10, 1603-1605 and 2301.20) plus some selected products (HS 2905.43, 2905.44, 2905.45, 3301, 3501-3505, 3809.10, 3823, 3824.60, 4101-4103, 4301, 5001-5003, 5105-5103, 5201-5203, 5301, and 5302). 
14 The AVEs are calculated using average unit prices, i. e. the ratio of specific duties to import unit 
values, estimated by the ratio of import  to import quantities/volumes for th e latest available year: 2013 import 
data for the 2015 tariff (51 AVEs are included out of 92 specific rates; while 85 AVEs are included out of 
166 alternate rates, for the remaining alternate lines the ad valorem  part is used). The Fijian authorities 
provided the import data. 
WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 32 - 
 
   MFN applied Final 
bounda 2009 2015 
Non-ad valorem tariffs (% of all tariff lines) 4.5 4.5 0.6 
Nuisance applied rates (% of all tariff lines)d 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Number of lines 5,782 5,968 2,952e 
  Ad valorem  rates 5,350 5,440 2,918 
  Duty-free lines 171 259 0 
  Non- ad valorem  rates 261 269 34 
      Specific 80 92 32 
      Alternate 181 177 2 
a Final bound rates are based on the 2015 tariff schedule in HS12 nomenclature. Calculations are 
based on bound rates only. 
b Domestic tariff peaks are defined as those exceed ing three times the overall simple average applied 
rate. 
c International tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding 15%. d Nuisance rates are those greater than zero, but less than or equal to 2%. 
e Referring to bound tariff lines only. 
Note: Excluding specific rates, and including the ad valorem  part of alternate rates. 2009 tariff schedule is 
based on HS07 nomenclature and 2015 is based on HS12. 
Source: WTO calculations, based on data provided by the Fiji authorities. 
3.22.  In aggregate, the applied MFN tariff displays mixed escalation (Table A3.1): negative from 
first-stage processed goods with an average tariff ra te of 8.2% to semi-finished products on which 
tariffs average 7.5%, and positive from the latter to fully processed products (13.9%). Further 
disaggregation reveals that tariff escalation is positive in some manufacturing industries, with escalation more pronounced in wood and furnitur e, followed by food, beverages and tobacco, and 
chemicals, thereby providing higher levels of effe ctive protection to those industries than that 
reflected by the nominal rates (Chart 3.3). 
3.23.  Fiji does not maintain any tariff quotas, and there are no seasonal tariffs. Chart 3.3 Tariff escalation by 2-digit ISIC industry, 2015  
 
n.a. Not applicable. 
Note: Calculations exclude specific rates and include the ad valorem  part of alternate rates. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities. 
WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 33 - 
 
  3.1.4.2  Bound tariff 
3.24.  Fiji has bound 49.5% of tariff lines (Table 3.1). Bindings are most pronounced in vegetable 
products (HS Section 2) where all tariff lines are bound, followed by machinery (HS Section 16), agriculture (HS Sections 01, 02, 03, and 04), and textile products (HS Section 11) (Chart 3.4). 
Greater coverage of bindings would increase tariff predictability.  
3.25.  There remains a significant difference between the overall bound average of 40.2% and the 
simple average applied MFN tariff of 11.2% (Table 3.1). Fiji bound its tariff lines on agricultural 
products (WTO definition) at a final simple average rate of 40.6% (compared with a simple 
average applied MFN rate of 12.5%); the final simple  average bound tariff rate for non-agricultural 
products is 40% (simple average applied MFN rate of 11%). 
Chart 3.4 Share and average of bound tariff lines, by HS Section 
 
Note: Calculations are based on the 2015 tariff schedule. HS Sections 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 
20, and 21 are fully unbound. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities. 
3.26.  For some 42 lines, mostly alcoholic beve rages, MFN applied tariff rates exceed bound rates 
when using AVEs based on 2013 import data (Table 3.2). 
Table 3.2 Tariff lines where MFN a pplied rates exceed bound rates 
HS code MFN applied 2015 AVEa Bound rate AVEa 
21069032 $62.93 per litre .. $15/litre .. 
21069039 $100.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22030010 $2.95 per litre 97.4 70%  
22030090 $4.02 per litre 198.7 70%  
22041090 $6.27 per litre 73.0 40%  
22042190 $5.56 per litre 50.4 40%  
22042990 $5.56 per litre 68.1 40%  
22060022 $3.84 per litre 93.6 40%  
22060092 $3.84 per litre 51.4 40%  
22060099 $5.56 per litre 41.3 40%  
22071000 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22072010 $62.93 per litre 1251.7 $15/litre 298.3 
22072090 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22082020 $62.93 per litre 146.7 $15/litre 35.0 
WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 34 - 
 
  HS code MFN applied 2015 AVEa Bound rate AVEa 
22082090 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22083010 $2.49 per litre 74.2 70%  
22083020 $62.93 per litre 208.5 $15/litre 49.7 
22083090 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22084010 $2.49 per litre 91.0 70%  
22084020 $62.93 per litre 325.4 $15/litre 77.6 
22084090 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22085020 $62.93 per litre 364.5 $15/litre 86.9 
22085090 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22086020 $62.93 per litre 296.8 $15/litre 70.7 
22086090 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22087012 $62.93 per litre 247.5 $15/litre 59.0 
22087019 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22087022 $62.93 per litre .. $15/litre .. 
22087029 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22089021 $62.93 per litre .. $15/litre .. 
22089029 $62.93 per litre 187.5 $15/litre 44.7 
22089091 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
22089099 $110.19 per litre of alcohol .. $25/litre of alcohol .. 
24011000 $193.03 per kg .. $40/kg .. 
24012000 $193.03 per kg 1194.9 $40/kg 247.6 
24013000 $193.03 per kg .. $40/kg .. 
24021000 $124.28 per kg 12.8 $30/kg 3.1 
24029010 $124.28 per kg 24.5 $30/kg 5.9 
24031100 $124.28 per kg .. $30/kg .. 
24031900 $124.28 per kg 119.7 $30/kg 28.9 
24039990 $124.28 per kg 32.4 $30/kg 7.8 
73089090 32% or $2.50 per kgb 79.0 40%   
a AVE calculated using 2013 import value and volume provided to the IDB. 
b Whichever is greater. 
.. No import data available. 
Source: WTO calculations based on data provided by the Fijian authorities. 
3.1.4.3  Preferential tariff 
3.27.  Preferential tariff rates are not specified in the Customs Tariff Act. Instead, they are 
provided for under Code 122, which refers to pref erential tariff rates for any good produced or 
manufactured in any Forum Island Country (FIC) or any other country approved by the Minister, 
and granted ministerial approval under Section 10 of the Customs Tariff Act. 
3.28.  Fiji has preferential trading agreements wi th 41 partners: Australia, Cook Islands, EU-28, 
Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, 
Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu (section 2.3.2). Accordin g to the authorities, with the exception of the 
Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) wi th the EU and Papua New Guinea, the rest of 
Fiji's RTAs in force are duty free. 
3.29.  Fiji is not a member of the Global Syst em of Trade Preferences (GSTP) and provides no 
preferential tariff treatment for developing countries (including least developed countries), but goods originating in Fiji benefit from the Genera lized System of Preferences (GSP) of Australia, 
Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russ ian Federation, Switzerland, Turkey, and the 
United States (section 2.3.2.1). 
3.1.4.4  Other taxes, duties and concessions 3.30.  In addition to customs tariffs, certain imports are subject to VAT and excise duties. Most 
imports are subject to VAT levied on domestic goods and some services; the rate was raised from 
12.5% to 15% as from 2011. VAT applies to 5,905 tariff lines (98.9% of the total). The exceptions are: (i) powdered milk; (ii) tea; (iii) wheat and meslin, wheat and meslin flour; (iv) rice; 
(v) certain vegetable oils (e.g. soya-bean oil, ground-nut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil); 
(vi) prepared/preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes; and (vii) audio-frequency electric 
amplifiers and electric sound amplifier sets. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 35 - 
 
  3.31.  The VAT tax base for imports is the tariff-inclusive c.i.f. price plus any other taxes or 
charges. VAT also applies to services, except fina ncial services (banking, insurance, stock dealings 
and credit provision), domestic rents, and education services. Exports, including of services, are zero-rated i.e. subject to a zero VAT rate, enabling exporters to claim tax credits for VAT paid on 
inputs, including those imported. 
3.32.  Fiji applies import excise duties to 545 ta riff lines (9.1% of the total) at rates of 15%, 10% 
and 5% as follows:  
 15% applied to 265 tariff lines mainly on beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic); 
tobacco and tobacco products (except 2 tariff lines for cigarettes where excise duty is F$132.73/kg); and motor vehicles for persons and used motor vehicles for goods.
15 
 10% applied to 205 tariff lines mainly on trunks, suitcases, and other cases; wood 
sawn or chipped lengthwise of a thickness > 6mm; footwear; and tube/pipes of iron 
or steel.16  
 5% applied to 75 tariff lines mainly on new motor vehicles.17  
3.33.  While called excise duties they do not apply to domestically produced items and thus are 
akin to tariffs. According to the authorities, th e rationale for their introduction was to protect 
government revenue, dampen domestic demand, and stimulate domestic industries in the medium 
term.  
3.34.  Specific excise taxes apply to domestically made "sin" products, i.e. alcoholic beverages and 
tobacco products. Because excise taxes are not levied separately on equivalent imports, the excise is implicitly included in the specific tariff (the excise component of the tariff). The protective 
component of the tariff on such products is thus effectively reduced by the excise component, i.e. 
the amount of excise paid on domestic goods. Neve rtheless, specific tariffs still afford substantial 
protection in ad valorem  terms (Table 3.3). 
Table 3.3 Excise duties, 2015 
Product 2015 rate 
Ale, beer, stout and other fermented liquors of an alcoholic strength of less than 3% 1.90 
Ale, beer, stout and other ferm ented liquors of an alcoholic strength of 3% or more 2.22 
Potable spirit not exceeding 57.12 GL 41.88 
Potable spirit exceeding 57.12 GL 73.33 
Wine 
-  still -  sparkling  
2.95 3.37 
Other fermented beverages 
-  still 
-  sparkling  
2.95 
3.37 
Ready to drink mixtures of any alcoholic beve rages of any alcoholic strength by volume 
of 11.49% or less 1.36 
Cigarettes from local tobacco 128.69 
Cigarettes from imported tobacco 193.03 
Manufactured tobacco containing tobacco grown outside Fiji 111.22 
Manufactured tobacco containing tobacco grown in Fiji 65.34 
                                               
15 Other products subject to 15% excise rate are: sugar confecti onary; chocolate and other food 
preparations containing coco a; prepared food of cereal products; bi scuits; waffles; prepared potatoes; plastic 
articles of the packing/conveyance of goods; plastic household articles; cordage/ro pes of plastic; cool-room 
freezer panels; electric filament or discharge la mps; and tables/machines constructed for games. 
16 Other products subject to 10% ex cise rate are: natural honey; alcoholic preparations used in the 
manufacture of alcoholic beverages; cement; exposed and developed cinematographic film; certain tubes and 
pipes of plastics; leather arti cles of apparel; leather belts and bandolie rs; articles of kitche nware of aluminium; 
fans; air-conditioning machines; dish-washing (househo ld type) and washing machines; electrical appliances 
(e.g. electric accumulators, food grinders and mixers, shavers, water heaters, hair-dryers, microwave ovens, 
toasters, microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, video apparatus, radios); certai n furniture and mattresses; 
articles for billiards; spa baths and swimming pools. 
17 Other products subject to 5% exci se rate are: motor vehicles for th e transport of 23 persons or more; 
machinery and mechanical appliances (e.g. refrigera tors/freezers; new cranes ; new work trucks; new 
bulldozers and other new moving, grading, levelling, excavating, etc. machinery). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 36 - 
 
  Product 2015 rate 
Manufactured tobacco containing foreig n tobacco and tobacco grown in Fiji 
-  foreign portion 
-  local portion  
111.22 
65.34 
Carbonated drinks 5 cents/litre 
Source: Information provided by the Fijian authorities. 
3.35.  Fiji has substantial tariff concessions in  the form of partial and full exemptions and 
remissions. The Minister of Finance may remit a tariff fully or partially if recommended by Customs 
and if the goods are imported by a statutory body incorporated for public purposes (e.g. charities) or the Minister considers that the imports will benefit the country (duty remission in cases causing 
"serious hardship" is no longer allowed (Section 10 of the Customs Tariff Act)).
18 Fiji provides 
concessions on raw materials for manufacturing. Total customs revenue forgone from all concessions increased from F$66.2 million in 2007 to F$252.4 million in 2014.  
3.1.5  Import prohibitions, and licensing 
3.36.   Authority to regulate or prohibit imports is provided in the Customs Act (Section 64) and 
Customs (Prohibited Imports and Exports) Regula tions, 1986. The importation of some products 
(e.g. narcotics; dangerous weapons; blasphemous, indecent or obscene material; gambling 
machines; certain manufactured fireworks) are prohibited for various reasons, such as health, 
environment, public security and order, cultural heritage or the fulfilment of international obligations (Table 3.4). None of these products is allowed to be produced in Fiji (Schedule 1 of the 
Customs Regulations). 
Table 3.4 Prohibited imports 
Description 
All goods having thereon or on the cover any words, ma rks or designs of a seditious nature, or of a nature 
in the opinion of the minister to  disturb Fiji’s peace and order 
Counterfeit coin, imitation or counterfeit bank notes 
Dangerous drugs, including raw opium, any seed of th e opium poppy or any portion of the plant; Indian 
Hemp ( Cannabis Sativa  or Cannabis Indica ) and its resin, seed or any port ion of the plant; cocoa leaf and 
any such seed or portion of the plant; prepared opiu m, opium pipes or other utensils for its smoking or 
used to prepare it for consumption; lysergide (N.N. Diethyl-lysergamide); mescaline (3,4,5-
trimethylosy-phenethylamine); peyotl (any part of the plant of the species laphophora williamsi  or 
laphophora lewinii ) 
Goods that in the Minister’s opinion are dangerous an d a menace to the communit y e.g. daggers, electronic 
shock sticks, flick knives, gravity knives, knuckle dusters, sword sticks, attaché cases capable of 
discharging electric shocks of 30,000 volts, and taser public defenders 
Goods that, whether of their own nature or having rega rd to any literary or other work or matter that is 
embodied, recorded or reproduced in, or can be repr oduced from the goods, are blasphemous, indecent or 
obscene, unduly emphasize matters of sex, horror, violence  or crime, or are likely to encourage depravity.  
The book Satanic Verse  is a prohibited import 
Machines for playing games of chance, being games that  require no action by any player other than the 
actuation or manipulation of the machine 
Manufactured fireworks containing potassium chlorate  or other chlorates mixed with sulphur or any 
sulphides, phosphorous or aluminium powder with or without the addition of other substances  
Matches made from yellow or white phosphorous 
Thalidomide and its preparations 
Chemical warfare gas and devices and apparatus designed to use such gas 
All tubers, bulbs, corns, rhizomes, peanuts, and other oil seeds not including any product composed of or 
made therefrom, intended for human  consumption, that have been su bject to manufact uring processes 
other than or in addition to roll ing, flaking, pearling or milling 
All cereals, pulses (dried leguminous vegetables, shel led, whether or not skinned or split) and legumes and 
products composed or made from them, including stock feed (excluding polished rice and pulses intended 
for human consumption and products made from or comp osed of cereals, pulses, and legumes intended for 
human consumption, that have been subject to any ma nufacturing process other than or in addition to 
                                               
 18 The applicant must apply in writing to the Comptroller providing details of the concession requested 
and the savings in tariff revenue as well as th e benefits it would provide to the country.  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 37 - 
 
  Description 
rolling, flaking, pearling or milling) from all countries except Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Japan, 
Mexico, New Zealand, the United Stat es and all Pacific territories other than French Pacific Territories and 
Vanuatu (flour and sharps made in mills and by a process approved by the permanent Secretariat for 
Primary Industries may be imported from France) 
Phenacetin or any drug combination or substance containing Phenacetin 
Weights or measures, or weighing or measuring instrume nts, graduated in Imperial or in both imperial and 
metric units, and used  for trade purposes 
The drug Novalgin containing the active ingredient  dipyrone or any drug combination or substance 
containing dipyrone 
Source: Schedule 1 of Customs (Prohibited Imports and Exports) Regulations, 1986; and information 
provided by the Fi jian authorities. 
3.37.  The import of the products listed in Tabl e 3.5 is subject to a licence issued by various 
authorities (Schedule 2 of the Customs Regulations). An applicant for an import licence may submit an online application at any time. No quantitative restrictions are stipulated in the 
authorizations. The decision to issue a licence, or to refuse one, is made within seven working 
days of the date of the presentation of all the necessary documents. The validity of the licence is 
for each shipment. Some licences vary from 6 months to 1 year, according to the type of authorization required. Importers must possess the licence prior to the arrival of the goods. 
Table 3.5 Licensed imports 
Description Conditions, restrictions or requirements 
Fireworks (other than those prohibited) Import licence from the Principal Inspector of Mines.  
Goods must be imported through the Port of Suva and be 
physically examined, and are subject to the issue of a removal licence by the Prin cipal Inspector of Mines 
Margarine or any other mixture of edible fats, 
oils and water, prepared in the form of a solid 
or semi-solid emulsion, including every 
substance made in the imitation of butter or 
ghee (clarified butter) and every other 
preparation resembling butter or ghee, the fat 
content of which is not derived from milk Must comply with the Pure Food Act or all regulations 
made thereunder 
Sweetened/unsweetened condensed milk, 
dried milk, reconstituted milk, separated or dried separated milk, an d milk substitute or 
any other product containing skim milk and any fat other than butter fat Must comply with the Pure Food Act or all regulations 
made thereunder 
Methylated spirits Import licence issued under the Methylated Spirits Act 
Radio communication equipment constructed or adapted for emission Import licence issued by the telecommunications authority 
Radioactive substances other than luminous 
dials of watches, clocks or other instruments Written permission from the permanent Secretariat of 
Health, meeting specified conditions 
Spirits of brandy, whisky and rum Importer must  prove maturity in wood for at least three 
years for brandy and whisky,  and two years for rum.  
Production of certificate issued in the exporting country 
will be sufficient 
Whale’s teeth (Tabua) Imported by Ministry of Fijian Affairs or in accordance with 
an import licence issu ed by the Ministry 
Apparatus or device designed to detect 
advanced warning of the presence of any lawfully established radar check point Import licence issued by the telecommunications authority 
Mechanical cane harvesters classified in HS 
items 8433.51.00, 8433.52.00, 8433.53.00 
and 8433.59.00 Import licence from the perm anent Secretary for Primary 
Industries 
Branches and leaves fro m all trees originating 
in Queensland (Australia) and Papua Import certificate from the Ne w Guinea or Solomon Islands 
appropriate agricultural author ity stating that they are free 
of pests and disease and do not belong to the family Meliaceae  or the group Coniferae  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Description Conditions, restrictions or requirements 
Apparatus or device to receive radio or TV 
transmission, other than domestic broadcasts Import licence from the telecommunications authority 
Salt classified in HS 2501.00.00 Import permit from the Permanent Secretariat for Health 
Gold items classified in HS 7108.11.00, 
12.00, 13.00, 7108.20.00 and 7109.00.00, 
sweepings, residues, lemels, and other waste 
and scraps of gold classified in HS items 
7112.20.00 and gold coin classified in 
HS 7118.90.11. 90.21, 90.90 Import licence from the Minister of Finance 
Galvanized or zincalume pre-coated metal coil 
sheet classified in HS 7210.20.10, 90, 30.10, 90, 41.20, 90, 49.10, 90, 50.10, 90, 61.10, 9069.10, 90 Import licence from the Permanent Secret ary for Industry, 
Trade and Tourism 
Cyclonic crew fasteners, washers and seals 
for roof and wall cladding, classified in 
HS 7317.00.90, 73.18.15.00, 19.00, 22.00, 
29.00 Import licence from the Permanent Secret ary for Industry, 
Trade and Tourism 
Photocopying apparatus with an optical 
system or of the contact type, and thermo-copying to produce full co lour copies classified 
in HS 9009.21.90, 22.90, 30.00 Import licence from the Minister of Finance 
Cigarette lighters and other lighters, either 
mechanical or electrical, under HS 96.13 Import licence from the Minister of Finance 
Lubricants, transformer and circuit-breaker 
oils 
 Import licence from the Permanent Secret ary for Industry, 
Trade and Tourism  
Animals, animal products, manure, packing 
material, fittings or fodder Written permission of Assistant Director of Agriculture 
(Animal Health and production) or in accordance with 
regulations under the Animals Importation Act 
Arms and ammunition Import licence issued  by Commissioner of Police subject to 
Arms and Ammunition Act 
Copyright in any publis hed literary, dramatic 
or musical work Copyright (Customs Regulations) (Page 6839 Vol. X) 
Dangerous drugs covered by part IV In accordance with the Dangerous Drugs Act 
Excisable goods In accordance with a licence issued by the Comptroller of 
Customs under Excise Act 1986 
Currency notes and certificate of ti tle In accordance with exchange control regulations issued by 
the Reserve bank under the Exchange Control Act 
Explosives Import licence under the Explosive Act 
Trade mark material  Merchandise Marks Act 
Plants and plant material, bacteria, viruses, 
soil, sand, clay, earth, plant pests or other 
invertebrate animals In accordance with Plant Quarantine Act 
Rags, second-hand clothing and bedd ing Must be properly disinfected under official supervision at 
importer's expense or accompanied by a Health Certificate from exporting country stating that the goods have been properly disinfected prior to export (Quarantine Act) 
Pharmaceuticals and poisons In accordance with the Pharmacy and Poisons Act. 
Source: Schedule 2 of Customs (Prohibited Imports and Exports) Regulations, 1986; and information 
provided by the authorities. 
3.1.6  Contingency trade measures 
3.38.  Fiji's legislative framework on anti-dumping and countervailing measures remains 
unchanged since its previous review. The Dumpin g and Countervailing Duties Act states that 
countervailing duties that would be inconsistent with WTO rules cannot be imposed; no such 
provisions exist for anti-dumping measures. Responsibility for administering this legislation 
currently lies with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism; this responsibility is in the process of being transferred to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA).  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 39 - 
 
  3.39.  Fiji has no general (GATT Article XIX) safeguards legislation. However, under its customs 
legislation, domestic producers may request the FRCA to extend relief against imports causing material injury.  FRCA investigations and recommended remedies must be completed within six months.   
3.40.  Fiji has never taken anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard measures. 
3.41.  The Fijian Trade Policy Framework 2015-2025 has undertaken to establish mechanisms that 
will monitor and where necessary invoke continge ncy trade measures based on the relevant WTO 
Agreements. The National Trade Remedies Committee, comprising officials from various Ministries 
and trade-related agencies, is to be established to handle cases on anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguards. 
3.1.7  Standards and other technical requirements 
3.42.  The legal and institutional framework on standards and technical regulations in Fiji has 
remained largely unchanged since its last review. Fiji's legal framework includes the Trade Standards and Quality Control Decree 1992, as well as the National Trade Measurement Decree 
1989 and its associated regulations.
19  
3.43.  The Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards (DNTMS)20, under the 
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, admini sters standards and measurement. The DNTMS is 
also the WTO TBT enquiry point. Fiji is yet to noti fy the WTO of its acceptan ce of the Code of Good 
Practice (Annex 3 of the TBT Agreement). Fiji has never submitted any notifications to the TBT Committee. No specific trade concerns have been raised in the Committee regarding Fiji. 
3.44.  The DNTMS signed a Memorandum of Unders tanding with Standards Australia International 
in 1998, which gave Fiji a platform from which it approached standardization issues.
21 The Trade 
Standards Advisory Council (TSAC), consisting of private sector and consumer representatives, makes recommendations to the Minister on standard s, including processes, practices, composition, 
labelling, and codes of practice.   This includes voluntary and mandatory standards as well as other 
quality and safety issues related to trade (e.g. declaration of dangerous goods, temporary bans, 
and issuance of defect notices and warnings). Ma ndatory standards must be approved by Cabinet. 
3.45.  During the review period, Fiji adopted three standards on: the minimum requirements for 
biodiesel and ethanol produced, imported, sold, used or exported to other countries; the minimum requirements for toothpaste imported, manufactured and marketed for use in Fiji; and on hot water bottle safety.
22 Up to September 2015, Fiji had 12 mandatory standards (technical 
regulations)23 and 72 voluntary standards (e.g. for telecommunication, occupational health and 
safety, and electricity) of which 65 have been directly adopted from international standards.  
Voluntary and mandatory standards are published on official websites.24  
3.46.  The National Trade Measurement Laboratory is the only authorized testing laboratory for 
weighing and measuring instruments used for trade in Fiji. It maintains the primary standards for all weights and measures used in Fiji (e.g. ti me and frequency, length, mass, and volume). 
3.47.  Manufacturers needing products tested use accredited laboratories in Australia or 
New Zealand, or the University of the South Pacific’s Institute of Applied Science (USP/IAS) 
                                               
19 These are: National Trade Measurement (Units & Standards) Regulations 1989; National Trade 
Measurement (Pre-packed Articles) (Packaging) Re gulations 1989; National Trade Measurement Bread 
Regulations 1989; National Trade Measurement Misleading Markings and Deceptive Packaging Regulations 1989; and National Trade Measurement Fees and Charges 2010. 
20 DNTMS was previously known as Fiji Trade St andards and Quality Cont rol Office (FTSQCO). 
21 The MoU gave DNTMS the opportunity to adopt and modify Australian Standards as Fiji Standards. 
This site is maintained and administered by Stan dards Australia on behalf of DNTMS. DNTMS online 
information. Viewed at: http://www.pasc.standards.org.au . 
22 DNTMS online information. Viewed at: http://www.pasc.standards.org.au/FijiStandards.aspx . 
23 These mandatory standards are on fireworks labell ing, bottled water, fuel , biodiesel and ethanol, 
household electric refrigerating applia nces, hot water bottle safe ty information, batteries, second hand vehicle 
import certification, roofing coil, fasteners and screws, fortification of wheat, and toothpaste. 
24 Fijian standards are published on www.pasc.standards.org.au  and technical regulations on 
www.mit.gov.fj. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 40 - 
 
  laboratory, which is limited to approved chemical tests. Test results from approved laboratories 
are required for Fijian bottled water, battery, roofing coils, etc. 
3.48.  Preparing, packing, keeping, conveying, sell ing or giving free-of-charge food that is unsafe, 
unhygienic, adulterated or unfit for consumption and without prescribed labelling requirements is 
prohibited. The Central Board of Health may declare any food as unfit for consumption if it does 
not comply with Codex food standards, or has been proven unfit based on scientific evidence. These food safety standards and codes are deem ed regulations unless modified by the Board. 
Importers of processed foods that are non-compliant, including with labelling requirements (see 
below), may have to forfeit the products and may be criminally prosecuted. Board permits are required to import raw or semi-processed food for further processing, and to remove original 
packaging for re-packaging. 
3.49.  Fiji has no drug registration process, and all pharmaceuticals are imported. Import (and 
production) comes under the Fiji Pharmacy and Po isons Act. Imports are permitted provided the 
label states compliance with either the British Pharmacopoeia or United States Pharmacopoeia 
standards; only licensed wholesalers in Fiji may import pharmaceuticals. 
3.50.  The DNTMS has affiliation/membership wi th the following international organizations: 
International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission 
(IEC), Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC), International Organization of Legal Metrology 
(OIML), National Measurement Institute (NMI), and Asia Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP). 
3.1.8  Labelling and marking  3.51.   All imported goods must be labelled with the country and company of make, and, for 
clothing, display washing instructions and fabric content. Packaged goods must be labelled with 
quality certification and weight. The Food Safety Act also covers regulations for labelling and packaging of food products e.g. manufacturers',  importers', packers' and distributors' name, 
ingredients, prescribed nutritional information, shelf-life expiry date, and other mandatory Codex 
labelling requirements. If not met, importers may be directed to re-label within 30 days. All beverage products in Fiji require use-by-date labelling and details of contents on packaging.   
3.52.  Fiji has no food labelling requirements for GMO foods or restrictions on their importation or 
production; this issue is currently under discussion.   
3.1.9  Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements 3.53.  Fiji's legal framework on sanitary and phytosanitary requirements includes: Biosecurity 
Promulgation 2008 which merged the Plant Quaran tine Act 1982 (as amended) and Regulations, 
as well as the Animal Importation Act 1978 and Regulations; the Animal Contagious Diseases Act 1985; the Quarantine Act 1970; the Food and Safety Act 2003; and the Food Safety Regulation 
2009. 
3.54.  Fiji AgTrade, under the Ministry of Ag riculture, Rural and Maritime Development and 
National Disaster Management (Ministry of Agriculture), is the enquiry point under the WTO SPS 
Agreement.
25 So far, Fiji has submitted four notifications to the SPS Committee (up to 
November 2015).26 
3.55.  Fiji is a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Organization for Animal 
Health (OIE), and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).27 
3.56.  The statutory Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), created under the Biosecurity Promulgation 
2008, replaced the Department of Quarantine and In spection Services as the body responsible for 
animal and plant protection. Health and quarantine regulations in Fiji apply to most food products, 
especially meats and fresh produce. 
                                               
25 WTO document G/SPS/ENQ/26, 11 March 2011. 
26 WTO document seri es G/SPS/N/FJI. 
27 WTO document G/SPS/GEN/49/Rev.12, 20 January 2015. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 41 - 
 
  3.57.  Fiji has bilateral quarantine agreements with: Australia on papaya, fresh ginger and other 
fresh and frozen produce; New Zealand on papaya, eggplant, chillies, herbs, pineapple, breadfruit, mango, and other fresh and frozen products; Papua New Guinea on coffee and copra; Tonga on watermelon, yams, and vanilla; and Vanuatu on any animal products. Fiji also has a bilateral 
agreement regarding apple and pear imports from China, and general bilateral quarantine 
agreements (BQA) on cooperation with Austra lia, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, and the 
Philippines. 
3.58.  Imports of pork and pork products of New Zealand origin and poultry products of Australian 
origin are not allowed entry into Fiji.
28 Live cattle, sheep, goats, and all ruminants and their semen 
from Australia require written permission from the BAF.  Imported  frozen chicken and chicken 
by-products, including eggs, are prohibited from countries affected by Newcastle disease, and/or 
where poultry is vaccinated against other animal diseases exotic to Fiji, such as Australia (except 
possibly from Western Australia) and the United States (including baby foods containing chicken or eggs). These imports are subject to a risk assessment in line with OIE requirements.  
3.59.  Import permits are required for all animals and their products, including 
fresh/chilled/frozen/preserved meat and poultry; processed meat (e.g. sausages) and poultry; noodles containing albumen and/or natural meat/poultry flavours; natural beef base and stock; 
canned meat/poultry; dairy products (milk, cheese,  yoghurt, butter, whey, etc.); semen; hides; 
feathers; natural bristles; eggs (including albu men); embryos/ova; animal feeds (e.g. meat and 
bone meal); and honey.  Imports shipped without permits and veterinary certification will be re-shipped or destroyed at the importer's expense. Imported honey is prohibited unless it is 
imported for processing. 
3.60.  Imported plants and plant products may require import permits; new commodities also 
need an import risk analysis (IRA) carried out by the BAF. Imports of all fruits and vegetables, cut 
flowers, coconuts, mushrooms, rice and other grains, nuts, and kernels require a quarantine 
permit and a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country, many of which (e.g. citrus fruit) must be treated with methyl bromide in the ex porting country. Fruit and vegetables must be 
grown and packed in areas at least 80 km from fruit fly infestation areas (currently only applies to 
Australia) or be subject to methyl bromide treatmen t or be held in cool storage for 14 days at 0°C 
before shipment. All seed imports or plant and plant parts are subject to mandatory IRA. In addition to its BQA with New Zealand, Fiji's plant protection legislation covers mandatory 
biosecurity and quality control of exported plant products.  Fiji has developed a system approach 
standard on the entire BQA systems pathway in order to address pests of concern and also export quality for chillies, eggplants, leafy vegetables, pr ickly mangoes, and okra to ensure that export-
market requirements are met. 
3.1.10  Trade-related investment measures 3.61.  Some of Fiji's investment incentives are tied to minimum local-content or export 
requirements. For example, a foreign investor must use at least 75% (up from 50% in 2009) 
locally grown and processed tobacco in all domest ic cigarette production (Box 2.1). Tax free 
factories (TFF) and/or firms located in tax free zones (TFZ) exporting at least 70% of their production also benefit from certain incentives (section 3.2.4). 
3.2  Measures Directly Affecting Exports 
3.2.1  Export procedures and requirements 3.62.  All commercial exporters must be registered with the FRCA and have a tax identification 
number (TIN). Exporters of some goods must be registered with the appropriate authority. These 
are mainly specific agricultural products exported to certain markets under bilateral quarantine arrangements whereby governments insist Fiji impo se such requirements to address SPS concerns 
(section 3.1.9).  Export valuations may be checked by the FRCA, e.g. for goods subject to export 
taxes. 
                                               
28 BAF online information. Viewed at: http://www.baf.com.fj . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 42 - 
 
  3.63.  According to the latest estimates from th e World Bank, exporting a standard container of 
goods requires 11 documents, takes 19 days and costs US$790.29 
3.2.2  Export duties 3.64.  Export duties are provided for in the Customs Act (Sections 92(2) and 93(3)) and the 
Customs Tariff Act (Section 3(b)) (rates are specified in Schedule 2). They are applied to 16 tariff 
lines (0.3% of total tariff lines) at a rate of 3%: cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, 
in solid form (5 lines); molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar (2 lines); silver, 
unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms or in powder forms (3 lines); base metals clad with 
silver, not further worked than semi-manufactured (1 line); gold, unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms or in powder forms (4 lines); and base metals or silver, clad with gold, not further worked than semi-manufactured (1 line). 
3.2.3  Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing 
3.65.  The Customs Act provides authority to prohibit and regulate exports (Section 64(2)). 
Prohibited exports are dangerous drugs (i.e. narcot ics) (Customs (Prohibited Imports and Exports) 
Regulations, 1986, Schedule 6), as well as all live fish, and turtle flesh and shells not meeting 
certain size limits. Exports of controlled ozone-depleting substances of CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform were banned from 2000, and those of HCFC will be included 
from 2031 (Ozone Depleting Substances Act, 1998) . Exports of these ozone-depleting substances 
require a permit from the Ministry of Environmen t. Certain exports are also banned or require a 
permit from the Fiji Management Authority under CITES (Fiji Endangered and Protected Species Act, 2002). Exports of round logs are banned for environmental reasons and to promote 
downstream processing, which provides an implicit subsidy to processors at the expense of forest 
owners, by lowering the domestic price. 
3.66.  Some exports, including a wide range of agricultural products, require a licence from the 
relevant authority (Table 3.6).  
Table 3.6 Exports requiring a licence, 2015 
Description Conditions, restrictions or requirements 
All birds (other than domest ic fowl, ducks, turkeys, 
geese and pigeons) alive or dead and the plumage or any part of the plumage of such birds Written permission from the Secretary for Primary 
Industries 
All live cattle Export licence from the Secretary for Primary 
Industries 
All reptiles (except for marine turtles), amphibians (except for toads), bats, and the Fiji Gos Hawk Export licence from the Secretary for Primary 
Industries 
Whales' teeth (Tabua), brea st plates of pearl and 
ivory Written permission from the Secretary for Fijian 
Affairs 
Unprocessed turtle shel l Export licence from th e Secretary for Primary 
Industries 
Fiji manufactured sugar in any consignment 
exceeding 5 kg Export licence from the Comptroller of Customs 
Copra Export permit from the Coconut Board 
Wheat bran classified in HS 2302.00.00  Export licence from the Secretary for Primary 
Industries 
Oil cake and meal of copra classified in 
HS 2304.00.01 Export licence from the Secretary for Primary 
Industries 
All Fijian weapons made for war, forks of bone, 
ivory or wood made for eating human flesh, 
artefacts made from whales' tooth including breast 
plates, pendants, necklaces, food hangers, and 
human and animal figure s, all stone adzes and 
pounders, and all wooden or stone carvings of 
human or animal figures, except replicas made for 
the souvenir trade Export licence from the Secretary for Housing and 
Urban Affairs 
Wood and wood products classified in 84 
eight-digit tariff items within HS Chapter 44, Export licence from the Conservator of Forests 
                                               
29 World Bank Group online information. Viewed at: 
http://doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/Fiji . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 43 - 
 
  Description Conditions, restrictions or requirements 
covering unprocessed (r ound) logs and timber 
Coffee in any form classified in HS 0901.00.01, 
0901.00.09, 2101.02.01 and 2101.02.09 Certificate from the Secretar y for primary Industries 
in accordance with the rules of the International 
Coffee Organization 
Unprocessed Trochus shells classified in 
HS 0508.00.20 Licence from Secretary of Trade and Commerce 
Arms and ammunition Licence from the Commissioner of Police subject to 
Arms and Ammunition Act 
Dangerous drugs covered by Part IV Authorization in accordance with the Dangerous 
Drugs Act 
Gold coin, bullion, currency notes of Fiji or any 
other country Written permission from Reserve Bank, excluding 
travellers taking abroad foreign currency notes of up 
to F$5,000 per person, all consignments of goods 
exceeding F$1,000 f.o.b. except in accordance with 
the provisions of the Exchange Control Act 
Explosives Licence un der the Explosive Act 
Fisheries Live fish of any kind; turtle flesh; turtle shell of 
length less than 45.72 cm; any shell of the Trochus 
species measuring less than 8.89 cm across the 
whorl, and of some other species 
Minerals Permit from Director of Mines endorsed with a 
certificate indicating that all royalties have been paid o r  s e c u r e d ,  o r  t h a t  n o  royalties are payable, in 
accordance with the Mining Act 
Monuments or objects of  archaeological and 
palaeontological interest Permit issued by the Board of Trustees established 
u n d e r  t h e  F i j i  M u s e u m  A c t ,  i n  a c c o r d a n c e  w i t h  t h e  
Preservation of Archaeolog ical and Palaeontoloigcal 
Interest Act 
Source: Schedule 6 of Customs (Prohibited Imports and Exports) Regulations, 1986. 
3.2.4  Export assistance and promotion 
3.67.  Fiji continues to have various export incentive schemes with the aim of increasing 
investment in exporting activities. The Short-Term  Export Profit Deduction Scheme, administered 
by the Ministry of Finance, exempts from income tax a set share of net profits on exports of goods 
and services (excluding re-exports) (Section 21 of the Income Tax Act). This share has been 
reduced gradually from 100% in 2001-02 to 10% in 2015 (as from 2016 export profits will be fully 
taxed). Revenue forgone from the  Scheme increased from F$6 million in 2007 to F$42.4 million in 
2014. It was introduced to cushion the impact of the 2001 withdrawal of investment incentives on 
goods and services to tax free factories (TFF) or firms located in tax free zones (TFZ) tied to export performance (Section 11, Fifth Schedule , Income Tax Act).  However, because TFF/TFZ 
firms exporting at least 70% of production receiv ed duty-free exemptions (including of VAT) on 
imported inputs, and income tax holidays for 13 years, existing beneficiaries will be assisted until 
2015. The scheme also provides a full tax rebate on exports (excluding re-exports) of manufactured, processed, and assembled goods (with at least 30% domestic value added or as 
otherwise determined by the Minister), services, manufacture or produce of deep-sea fishing, 
production of agricultural products (excluding sugar or copra, but not their manufactured derivatives), and timber where export growth  over the previous year exceeded F$10,000.
30 These 
schemes have been regularly notified to the WTO Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures. Fiji has been granted extensions, the last until end-2015.31  Exporters also benefit from 
general investment incentives, such as the 40% investment allowance (section 3.3.1). 
3.68.  In July 2010, the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) rationalized  its Export Finance Facility and 
Import Substitution Facility into an Import Substitution and Export Finance Facility (ISEFF). In 
addition, the RBF has further reduced the administrative requirements and streamlined the approval process for funding under the scheme.
32 The ISEFF assists exporters, large-scale 
                                               
 30 Export profits on timber were deemed to equal 10% of the f.o.b. value of all "arms-length" exports up 
to a maximum of 50% of the income arising from total timber sales.  Exporters claiming incentives are ineligible for the Short-Term Export Profit Deduction Scheme.  The Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism could extend the 13-year period by up to 5 years if co nsidered necessary to market the export adequately and 
to facilitate foreign exchange earnings.
 
 31 WTO document G/SCM/N/243/FJI, 4 October 2012. 
32 Reserve Bank of Fiji (2010), Import Substitution and Export  Finance Facility Guidelines , Suva. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 44 - 
 
  commercial agricultural farming and renewable energy businesses to obtain credit at concessional 
interest rates. The export finance part of ISEFF aims to advance competitiveness and ensure the availability of credit to the export sector. Like wise, the import substitution component of ISEFF 
aims to promote both domestic commercial agricultural production and the competitiveness of 
local agricultural produce (section 4.1.3).
33 
3.69.  The ISEFF provides back-to-back finance through commercial banks, licensed credit 
institutions (LCIs)34, and the state-owned Fiji Development Bank (FDB). The interest rate charged 
o n  I S E F F  a d v a n c e s  i s  c u r r e n t l y  2 %  p e r  y e a r .  The commercial banks, LCI and FDB, can borrow 
from RBF at this rate and on-lend to businesses with a maximum margin of 5%. The total amount available for this facility is F$80 million. Loans are limited to a maximum of F$1 million per business and will be allocated on a first-in basis. Funding is available for the export of all goods by 
primary and secondary exporters (primary exporters produce/manufacture while secondary 
exporters act as agents and distributors for their clients) and certain professional services e.g. 
architectural, engineering and maritime services.
35 
3.70.  The Export Credit Ratio (ECR), administered by the Ministry of Finance, aims to extend 
greater credit access to eligible exporters and not to provide concessionary credit, since commercial banks provide the credit. They must hold at least 5% of their average deposit and 
similar liabilities in outstanding loans to eligible exporters of goods (excluding traditional exports) 
and services (including construction and refurbishment of hotels and specific tourist-related operations, as well as architectural, engineering, and maritime services). Eligible borrowers must have at least 40% domestic value added. 
3.71.  The FDB launched its own export credit facility in December 2007.  It provides pre-shipment 
export finance by way of loans of up to F$20,000 to eligible producers/exporters (excluding traditional exports of sugar, molasses, gold, green logs, and rough unprocessed sawn timber) at 
concessionary interest rates, currently 6% annually. It also allows eligible exporters to discount 
export bills as a means of obtaining post-shipment export finance. The Government has allocated F$1.5 million to the facility. 
3.72.  A duty drawback scheme has been in op eration since 1986 (Section 101, Customs Act). 
FRCA is in charge of this scheme. There are two types of drawback, depending on whether the 
imported goods are exported or processed. Norm al drawback applies where imported inputs are 
exported without undergoing any domestic processing, while industrial drawback applies on 
imported inputs that undergo processing before export. Exporters must meet several requirements 
to receive drawback, and the amount of duty ref unded is based on a formula derived and agreed 
between customs and the exporters,  which may be company-specific. 
3.73.  The export income deduction rate was increased from 40% during 2012-14 to 50% as from 
2015. The deduction is available to all exporters except for re-exports. Export income means net profits derived by a taxpayer from the busine ss of exporting goods and services. The export 
income deduction is only allowed if the Commissioner of Inland Revenue is satisfied that the export 
earnings will be remitted to Fiji.
36 
3.74.  The Duty Suspension Scheme (DSS), introduced in 2002, is used mainly by exporters, and 
enables them to import inputs (raw materials) free of tariffs and VAT if they are "substantially 
transformed" and exported. New machines and equi pment directly used for manufacturing are also 
free of tariffs (but VAT is payable). Agriculture and mining are excluded from the scheme. The value of duty- and VAT-free imports is the ratio of the share by value of approved imported inputs 
required to produce the exports (the Entitled Prop ortion, or EP) to the value of exports. The EP 
ratios are product-based. The DSS is administered by the Fiji Export Council, established primarily 
                                               
33 Investment Fiji online information. Viewed at: http://www.investmentfiji.org.fj/ . 
34 LCIs include Credit Corporation Fiji Limited, Merc hant Finance Limited, BSP Finance (Fiji), and Kontiki 
Finance Limited. 
35 Advances to eligible businesses ar e at the risk of the lender with no  recourse to RBF. The amount of 
the advance under the ISEFF is now at the discretion of th e lending institutions based on their respective credit 
assessments. RBF reserves the right to  award loan amounts greater than F$1 million in special circumstances. 
The maximum loan term is six months and ca n be rolled over for up to five years. 
36 Investment Fiji online information. Viewed at: http://www.investmentfiji .org.fj/pages.cfm/for-
exporters/export-opportunities-in-fiji/incentives.html . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 45 - 
 
  for this purpose and to improve Fiji's export competitiveness.37 Only DSS licensed exporters are 
eligible for duty suspension. 
3.75.  Tax free region incentives, administered by the Ministry of Finance and FRCA, apply to 
newly incorporated entities engaged in a new trade, business or manufacturing activity established 
in certain areas.38 To be eligible for a licence the company must be a newly incorporated entity 
engaged in a new trade, business or manufacturing activity; the minimum initial investment required is F$250,000 since 2010. Investment in any new activity approved and established during 
2010-14 is exempted from tax as follows: capital investment from F$250,000 to F$1 million for a 
period of 5 consecutive fiscal years; capital investment from F$1 million to F$2 million for a period of 7 consecutive fiscal years; capital investment above F$2 million for a period of 13 consecutive fiscal years. The income of any new activity ap proved and established from 1 January 2015 is 
exempted from tax for a period of 13 consecutive fiscal years with an initial capital investment of 
F$2 million or more.
39  
3.76.  The National Export Strategy (NES), admi nistered by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and 
Tourism, aims to achieve sustainable growth by encouraging exports, competitiveness, value 
adding, and export diversification in areas where there are competitive advantages. Fiji has identified six key areas: agro-business; forestry; marine products; mineral water; information and 
communication technologies (ICT); and audiovisual services. The NES assists small and 
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the prioritized sectors on a cost-sharing basis with an emphasis on addressing supply-side constraints (e.g. product development, packaging, infrastructure, marketing and training).
40 
3.3  Measures Affecting Production and Trade 
3.3.1  Incentives 3.77.  Incentives are seen as an integral part of Fiji's industrial policy. Fiji offers a wide range of 
investment incentives to both domestic and foreign investors. Some apply more generally to 
businesses while more generous incentives target specific activities or sectors (Table A3.2). 
3.78.  Fiji has notified tax incentives for the film and audiovisual industries to the WTO and 
Members have agreed to their extension until end-2015.
41 
3.3.2  Competition policy, consumer protection, and price controls 3.79.  In 2010, Fiji introduced a new competition law, the Commerce Commission Decree (CCD) to 
integrate the functions of several laws into a single comprehensive one.
42 It addresses competition 
                                               
 37 Shareholders are the Fiji Australia Business Council, the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the 
Fiji Employers Federation, the Fiji Indigenous Business Council, the Fiji New Zealand Business Council, the Fiji PNG Business Council, the Fiji U SA Business Council, and the Textile Clothing and Footwear Council. 
38 These are: Vanua Levu (also includes Taveuni, Rabi , Kioa and other islands generally included for the 
Government’s administrative purposes); Rotuma; Kadavu; Levuka; Lomaiviti; and Lau.  Any company may 
apply to the Minister for Finance for an operating lice nce using a prescribed form . Investment Fiji online 
information. Viewed at: http://www.investmentfiji.org.fj/pages.cfm/for-exporters/export-opportunities-in-
fiji/incentives.html . 
39 Other benefits under tax free region s are: import duty exemption on the importation of raw materials, 
machinery and equipment (including parts and materials) for the establishment of the business in the tax free region; an additional 5 years of income tax exemptio n is available to any company granted a licence and 
having Indigenous iTaukei landowner equity of at le ast 25%; and an additional 7 years of income tax 
exemption is available to any hotel developer granted a licence and having indigenous Fijian landowner equity 
of at least 25%. Investment Fiji  online informat ion. Viewed at: http://www.investmentfiji .org.fj/pages.cfm/for-
exporters/export-opportunities-in-fiji/incentives.html . 
40 Investment Fiji online information. Viewed at: http://www.investmentfiji.org.fj/ . 
41 WTO document G/SCM/N/243/FJI, 4 October 2012.  
42 The Decree is available at the official website of the Fiji Commerce Commission. Viewed at: 
http://www.commcomm.gov.fj/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ccd-2010.pdf . This repealed previous individual 
laws including the Fair Trading Decree 1992, the Fair Trading Amendment Act 1998, the Fair Trading 
Amendment Act 2005, the Commerce Act 1998, the Commerce Amendment Promulgation 2008, and the 
Counter Inflation Act 1978. Similar to Fiji's legislatio n in other areas, the CCD has been modelled on the 
legislation of its neighbour countries with du e adaptation to its own specific situation. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 46 - 
 
  affairs, consumer protection, and price controls. The Government is reviewing the CCD and 
considering specifying the details of its implementation such as rules and guidelines. 
3.80.  Under the CCD, the Fiji Commerce Commission (FCC) was created in 2010 as an 
independent statutory body to administrate the im plementation of the Decree. The objectives of 
the FCC outlined by the CCD are to promote: the interests of the consumers; the effective and 
efficient development of industry, trade or commerce; and the effective competition in industry, trade or commerce. It also aims to ensure equitable returns for businesses with fair and 
reasonable prices charged to consumers.  
3.81.  In general, the CDD prohibits restri ctive business practices such as: contracts, 
arrangements, or understandings that restrict dealings, affect competition or fix prices; misuse of dominant market position to eliminate or substantially damaging a competitor, or prevent a 
competitor's entry into a market or competitive conduct; bid rigging; exclusive dealing; resale 
price maintenance; and price discrimination.  
3.82.  With regard to mergers, the CDD provides  the requirements that mergers and acquisitions 
must meet. Firms engaging in acquisition, directly or indirectly, of any shares in capital or any 
assets, need to acquire clearance from the FCC before finalizing the deal. The FCC will conduct an analysis and assessment of the merger proposal. Mergers that will result in obtaining or 
strengthening a dominant position in a market will not be approved. Since 2013, the FCC has 
received and authorized three acquisitions.
43 The UNCTAD peer review suggests that to reduce the 
workload of the regulator, merger regulation should only be made subject to a mandatory 
notification process over a set turnover threshold. 
3.83.  Proposed access agreements must be notified to the FCC for assessment at least 30 days 
before they take effect. Valid agreements must be registered at the FCC. Failure to do so will lead to invalidity and unenforceability of the agreement. When negotiation is conducted between parties 
to an access agreement, the FCC may, upon the request of the parties, attend the negotiations 
and facilitate agreement between the two sides. Where a dispute exists with regard to an access 
regime, it may be referred to arbitratio n procedures under the Arbitration Act. 
3.84.  In July 2015, UNCTAD carried out a peer review of Fiji's competition regime and proposed 
the following amendments: (i) inclusion of a definiti on of the term "market" and "consumer" in the 
CDD; (ii) careful consideration of whether Fiji should enact more specific cartel provisions, or whether the current provisions should be modernized; (iii) further consideration of the provision on 
the misuse of market power; (iv) repeal of price discrimination prohibitions, as they inhibit price 
flexibility; and (v) introduction of a leniency policy for cartel conduct.
44 
3.85.  So far, there have been no court cases on competition provisions in Fiji. All matters have 
been resolved via the FCC decisions. The UNCTAD p eer review believes that this suggests a lack of 
awareness about the competition provisions of the CDD and recommends that the FCC extend its 
awareness workshops and seminars to the subject of competition policy, to raise the level of 
understanding of consumers and business about this area. 
3.86.  The FCC is actively pursuing arrangements for international cooperation mechanisms. To 
this effect, Fiji and Austria have recently agreed  to a have a Memorandum of Understanding. The 
FCC is a member of the International Competition Network (ICN). Since 2010, it has also 
participated in a number of training programmes and conferences jointly organized by the OECD 
and the Korea Policy Centre (KPC), and by the Small States Network for Economic Development 
(SSNED). 
3.87.  The CCD also gave the FCC the authority to regulate prices replacing the Prices and 
Incomes Board. Prices of a wide range of goods and services products continue to be regulated, such as milk, butter, sugar, fish, rice, pharmaceutical products, fuels, electricity, water, and 
telecommunications (Table A3.3).
  In reviewing and determining the prices of regulated products, 
the FCC first publishes orders authorizing the price control of various products, and then reviews 
                                               
43 FCC (2014), Annual Report of the Fiji Commerce Commission 2013 , Suva. 
44 Currently, Fiji and UNCTAD are wo rking on a technical assistance programme on competition policy 
for Fiji for the next fe w years. UNCTAD (2015), Bipartite Voluntary Peer Review of Competition Law and Policy: 
Fiji and Papua New Guinea Comparative Report, 2015 , Geneva. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 47 - 
 
  and determines the prices of the products. The frequency of price review and the calculation 
methods vary from product to product depending on the features of the product and the market. The FCC provides the Ministry for Industry, Trad e, and Tourism (MITT) with recommendations. The 
FCC monitors prices via daily on-site inspections.
45 Traders have the right to challenge price 
decisions by the FCC in court. 
3.88.  The Government’s rationale for price controls stems from its view that anticompetitive 
practices are common in small developing countries such as Fiji where the lack of sufficient 
competition enables market participants to earn abnormally high profits. In their view, price 
controls are therefore necessary to protect the interests of low-income users. Price controls, 
however, might also distort market signals, discourage investment, and encourage low-quality production. Many of the products currently under pr ice control are agricultural items that could be 
produced in Fiji. According to UNCTAD, Fiji's price control policy is generally appropriate, but FCC 
should reconsider whether price control continues to be the most effective approach in relation to particular markets. 
3.3.3  State trading, state-owne d enterprises, and privatization 
3.89.  Fiji has not notified the WTO of whether or not it has state-trading enterprises as defined in 
GATT Article XVII
 and the Understanding on the Interpretation of Article XVII. The Fiji Sugar 
Corporation is the only licensed importer of unrefined sugar (section 4.1.4). 
3.90.  State-owned enterprises (SOEs) continue to play a significant role in the Fijian economy.46 
They include commercial statutory authorities and government commercial companies. In addition, the Government has an ownership stake in a number of private companies. The Government’s SOE 
interests encompass infrastructure services as well as other commercial activities such as rice 
milling, cattle farming, sugar milling, fish processing, coconut milling, telecommunications, and broadcasting (Table 3.7). They contribute some 4% of GDP. At least 50% of annual profits must 
be paid to the Government as dividends. 
Table 3.7 State-owned enterprises, 2015 
Category/entity Core activities and social obligations Government 
shareholding 
(%) 
Government commercial 
companies   
Airports Fiji Ltda Manages the operation of Nadi and Nausori 
international airports and 13 outer island airstrips in 
Fiji. In addition, it mana ges air traffic management 
facilities for Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Tuvalu. 100 
Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Ltda Operates four commercial radio stations and television 
services. 100 
Fiji Ports Corporation Ltda Provides and manages port infrastructure and services 
within declared ports. It also repairs ships and 
provides for ship building services. 100 
Unit Trust of Fiji (Management) 
Ltd. Administers and makes investment decision. 100 
Viti Corp Corporation Ltda Produces and processes agricu ltural food products for 
both export and do mestic markets. 100 
Yaqara Pastoral Company Ltda Produces and supplies beef, engages in cattle breeding 
and bee keeping, supplies me at products of sheep and 
goats, and produces horticultural crops. 100 
Post Fiji Ltd.a Provides postal, courier and agency services, and post 
shop operations. 100 
Food Processors (Fiji) Ltda Processing and value added of locally grown agro-food 
(e.g. fruits, vegetables, se afood and root crops) for 
sale in the local and export markets. 100 
Rewa Rice Ltda Milling and sale of rice and poultry feed. 100 
Fiji Public Trustee Corporation 
Ltd.a Acts as custodian and provid es administrati ve services 
to estates  persons who are deceased, or are 100 
                                               
45 In 2013, it conducted 27,232 inspections of which 3,096 traders did not comply with the CCD, of 
which 1,503 failed to have prices indicated and 1,246 offered a price exceeding the maximum approved. 
46 An SOE is a corporatized entity with a commerci al mandate in which the state holds a controlling 
equity stake. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 48 - 
 
  Category/entity Core activities and social obligations Government 
shareholding 
(%) 
incapable of conducting their own affairs. It also 
provides educational and medical assistance to beneficiaries who are under 21 years through the annual pay out from Fiji National Provident Funds. 
Fiji Hardwood Corporation Ltd. Responsible for managing all operations regarding the 
planting, growing, harvesting and sale of mahogany 
timber  on mahogany plantati on land. It also provides 
services and expertise on the management of 
mahogany plantation land s and the development of 
the mahogany industry. 100 
Commercial statutory 
authorities   
Fiji Electricity Authoritya Provides energy solutions to customers in Fiji through 
the use of all types of energy sources. 100 
Housing Authoritya Produces lots and housing units, and provides for 
mortgage financing for low income earning customers. 100 
   
Public Rental Boarda Provides and manages rental housing for low and 
middle-income earners. 100 
Fiji Meat Industry Board Constructs and operates public slaughtering facilities 
for the protection, preservation and expansion of the 
meat industry in Fiji. In addition, it purchases and 
trades in livestock, meat and by products. 100 
Reorganized Entities   
Water Authority of Fiji Provides access to drinki ng water and waste-water 
services to over 14 4,000 residential and 
non-residential customers covering more than 
700,000 people. 100 
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji Manages qu arantine controls at the borders to 
minimize the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering Fiji. It also provides import  and export inspection and 
certification to help retain Fiji's favourable animal, plant and human status and wide access to overseas export markets. 100 
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji Oversees and acts as a re gulator for the maritime 
sector. 100 
Majority-owned Government 
companies   
Fiji Airways Limited Operates international and domestic airline services 
in the Pacific, North America, and Japan. 51.0 
Fiji Pine Ltd. Owns and operates sawmill and chip plant and 
produces woodchips. 99.8 
Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd. Sugar milling company with the monopoly on 
production of all raw sugar in Fiji. 68.0 
Pacific Fishing Company Ltd.a Processes loin and fish (Tuna) canning for local and 
overseas markets. 99.4 
Copra Millers Fiji Ltd. Manufactures and distributes coconut oil and other 
related products. 96.0 
Air Terminal Services (Fiji) Limited Only gr ound handling company and flight catering 
operation in Fiji that prov ides total ground handling 
services. 51.0 
Minority-owned companies    
Amalgamated Telecom Holdings 
Ltd Provides various telecom se rvices such as fixed, 
mobile, Internet and data related services, sale and 
service of customer premises equipment for voice, and data. It also offers transaction management through the marketing and sale of prepaid services, directory services, business  processing outsourcing, 
including call centre services. 34.6 
a State-owned entities monitored by  the Department of Pu blic Enterprises and Public Sector Reforms. 
Source: Information provided by the Fijian authorities. 
3.91.  Portfolio responsibility for SOEs is with th e Ministry of Public Enterprise (MPE) following its 
merger with the Asset Management Unit under the Ministry of Finance in 2014. Fiji's Roadmap for 
Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development 2009–2014 announced an ambitious WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 49 - 
 
  plan to accelerate public enterprise refo rm, including a programme  of SOE divestment, 
corporatization of water and roads, and increased outsourcing to the private sector. So far the following has been achieved: merger of Fiji Ships and Heavy Industries into Fiji Ports Corporation 
in 2009; corporatization of the Water and Sewage Divi sion of the Ministry of Public Utilities into a 
commercial statutory authority (Fiji Water Authority) in 2010; and the privatization of Fiji Dairy in 
2012.
47  
3.92.  Restructuring efforts also began in 2012 to align Fiji Hardwood Corporation’s operations with 
the functions outlined in the Mahogany Industry Development Decree 2011.48 The Government has 
also introduced a comprehensive programme to re form the sugar industry and return the Fiji 
Sugar Corporation to profitability (section 4.1.4). 
3.93.  The MPE has indicated its intention to fully/partially divest ownership in nine SOEs (Fiji Meat 
Industry Board, Food Processors (Fiji), Posts Fiji, Airports Fiji, Fiji Ports Corporation, Fiji 
Broadcasting Corporation, Rewa Rice, Yaqara Past oral Company, and Pacific Fishing Company) and 
to liquidate some other SOEs (e.g. National Trading Corporation, and Shipbuilding Fiji). In 
addition, some state entities have been reorganize d, such as the Fiji Road Authority (FRA), the 
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), and th e Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).49 
3.94.  In March 2014, the Cabinet approved the revision of the Public Enterprise Act, inter alia , to 
strengthen the monitoring of public enterprises in general, including oversight of majority owned 
government companies. MPE is currently working with Asian Development Bank to finalize key policy principles for revision of the Act. The authorities acknowledge that the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Act also needs a formal review to bring it in line with international best 
practices.
50 
3.3.4  Government procurement 3.95.  The annual value of government procurement ranged from F$40 million in 2009 to 
F$167 million in 2014, i.e. about 7% of GDP on average over the period. Recognizing the 
significant impact of procurement policies and practices on the efficiency and accountability of public expenditure, the Government has undertaken great efforts to reform its procurement sector 
with the aim of modernizing its procurement system and bringing it in line with international best 
practices and standards. Important progress has been made in terms of both legal and institutional developments in this regard. Value for money is the fundamental goal pursued in government procurement in Fiji and the system does not generally discriminate against foreign products and 
suppliers.  
3.96.  Fiji is not a party or observer to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). 
Currently, Fiji has not entered into any international obligations with other countries in relation to 
government procurement. 
3.97.  The Financial Management Act 2004 la ys the foundation for government procurement 
policies and authorizes the Minister of Finance to make regulations to give effect to the Act. New 
Procurement Regulations came into force on 1 August 2010 repealing the Service and Supplies 
Regulations 2005 and the Public Works Regula tions 2005. The authorities state that new 
                                               
47 In 2010, the Government restructured the Rewa Cooperative Dairy Company Limited (RCDCL) into 
two entities: Fiji Dairy (processing company), and Fiji Cooperative Dairy (farmer's cooperative). The 
Government sold its 80% share in Fiji Dairy to Southern Cross Foods (SC Foods) for F$10 million on 30 August 2012. Under the conditions of the sale, SC Food s will purchase all the milk produced by the FCDL for 
the next 10 years. It also ensures that the 20% Class B shares in Fiji Dairy held by the farmers will not be 
diluted. Asian Development Bank (2013). 
48 Eventually, all mahogany re-fores tation, harvesting, processing and marketing activities will be done 
by the private sector. Fiji Hardwood will focus on the core tasks of forest management, licensing and 
establishing a global br and for Fiji mahogany. 
49 The Department of Roads is now FRA, a statutory authority governed  by a Board that reports to the 
Minister for Infrastructure and Tran sport. BAF and MSAF are now governed  by their respective Boards. The 
MSAF Decree and BAF Promulgation mandate their key responsibilities. 
50 Within the region, Fiji has been an early implem enter of SOE reform and a leader in PPP projects. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Regulations are based on international best practices and the UNCITRAL model law. The 
Procurement Regulations were amended in 2012 to adopt certain adjustments and flexibilities.51 
3.98.  The new Procurement Regulations apply to all procurements of goods, services and works 
by ministries and departments at the central government level. Local governments, state-owned 
enterprises and statutory authorities are governed by their own sets of financial rules and 
procedures. The Regulations identify five guiding principles that any procurement should follow: 
(i) value for money; (ii) maximising economy and efficiency and the ethical use of government 
resources; (iii) promoting open and fair competition amongst suppliers and contractors; 
(iv) promoting integrity, fairness and public confidence in the procurement process; and 
(v) achieving accountability and transparency in procurement procedures. To facilitate the implementation of the Regulations,  a series of guidelines have been published to explain specific 
procedural aspects of the Regulations at a more detailed level.
52 
3.99.  Additionally, the Fiji Procurement Office (F PO) was established under the Ministry of Finance 
to regulate and administer all procurements for the Government of Fiji. The Government Tender 
Board (GTB) was also established under the Regula tions to consider and approve procurements of 
goods, services and works valued above F$50,000.53  
3.100.  For the purposes of predictability, transparency and efficient management, government 
agencies are required to submit individual a nnual procurement plans summarizing their expected 
procurement during the year, the estimated costs, timing and the proposed methods of procurement, to the FPO for approval. Each minist ry and department is responsible for organizing 
its own procurements when the contract value does not exceed F$50,000. The GTB is responsible 
for all contracts above F$50,000. Ministries or Departments are not allowed to split any single 
contract in order to avoid the application of this threshold.
54 
3.101.  The promotion of competition is a requirement of all procurements. For procurements 
valued at less than F$1,000, verbal quotes are acceptable; for procurements valued at between 
F$1,000 and F$50,000, a minimum of three written competitive quotes must be received for one procurement. But for both cases, the requiremen t for quotation might be waived by a Permanent 
Secretary or Head of Department where: (i) there is only one capable supplier; (ii) there is already 
a binding annual contract with a particular supplier; (iii) the supplier has been nominated by an aid agency that is funding at least 50% of the pr ocurement; or (iv) the supplier has previously 
provided a specialized service to the Government by utilizing its intellectual property and the 
current procurement is a recurrence of the previo us service. For procurements valued at more 
than F$50,000, a tender is obligatory.  
3.102.  The Regulations identify five types of tendering methods: open tendering, two-stage 
tendering, pre-qualified tendering, selective tendering and single source procurement. Open 
tendering is the preferred tender method unless the nature of the tender or its complexity justifies 
the use of other methods by the procuring agen cy. For common use goods and services procured 
for more than one ministry/department, a tender can be called for the supply of such goods or 
services for one year or an even longer period through a standing offer contract. A two-envelope 
                                               
51 The amendment was made through the Procurem ent (Amendment) Regulations 2012, which were 
published in the Government Gazette on 12 June 2012. The amendments mainly raise the threshold values 
below/above which different procurement methods apply an d confer the approval of procurements to different 
levels of government agencies. They also give more discretion to author ities responsible for procurements of 
relatively low value.   
52 Key guidelines include the Guide to the Procurem ent Policy Framework 2010, the Guide to the Tender 
and Evaluation Process 2010, and the Guide to Overseas Procurement and Logistics 2012. All relevant acts, regulations, policies and guidelines are publicly available at FPO's website: http://www.fpo.gov.fj . 
53 The GTB, normally chaired by the Permanent Secr etary for Infrastructure and Transport, comprises 
representatives from other ministries  and agencies. Decisions are made collectively through voting. When 
necessary, a sub-committee may be established to cons ider and recommend specialized or technical tenders 
for civil or capital works or tenders exclusively called for a procuring enti ty. GTB may also co -opt experts from 
within and outside the public service to provide advice on tenders of a technical and complex nature. 
54 In 2014, after it was noted that the procurement regulations had been violated through cost splitting, 
a policy paper on the splitting of contracts was publis hed by the Ministry of Finance to assist government 
agencies in identifying what constitutes contract or cost splitting. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 51 - 
 
  tender may be used as a form of open tender.55 In the case of extreme emergencies, 
procurements may be conducted with certain procedural flexibilities. The number of contracts awarded using the different procurement methods during 2011-14 is detailed in Table 3.8. 
Table 3.8 Number of contracts by  procurement method, 2011-2014 
Procurement method Number of contracts 
2011 2012 2013 2014 
 Local Foreign  Local Foreign  Local  Foreign Local Foreign 
Open tendering 136 32 169 34 101 39 154 22 
Two-stage tendering 6 - - - 1 - 3 - 
Pre-qualified tendering - - - - - - - - 
Selective tendering - - - - - - - - 
Single source  6 5 11 17 16 12 15 12 
Total 148 37 180 51 118 51 172 34 
Source: Information provided by the Fijian authorities. 
3.103.   For complex procurements of high valu e and high risk, two-stage tendering is usually 
used. At its first stage, the procuring agency publis hes a notice of expression of interest to collect 
market information about the procured goods, serv ices or works. The procuring agency may adjust 
its requirements to make them more accurate and appropriate based on responses that have been 
received. At the second stage, the procuring agency issues a tender request and interested suppliers submit their offers or proposals. 
3.104.  Sometimes prequalification of suppliers may be conducted in order to enhance the 
efficiency of procurement. Only pre-qualified bi dders are allowed to participate in the tender 
proceedings. The pre-qualification proceedings must be advertised so that all interested suppliers 
are able to submit their application for pre-qualification.
56  
3.105.  The procuring agency is also allowed to use selective tendering in which only tenderers 
that have already satisfied certain pre-set requirements are invited to participate in the tendering. The selection is done by the process of expression  of interest. The procuring agencies are required 
to select potential suppliers in a non-discriminatory manner and from the largest practicable 
number of potential suppliers.  
3.106.  Single source tenders are used in exceptional conditions where there is only one supplier 
capable of supplying the goods, services or works.  It can also be used when the procuring agency 
needs to purchase from the same supplier or manufacturer for compatibility purposes. 
3.107.  In organizing a tender, the procuring agen cy publishes the invitation for expression of 
interest or the tender notice, which includes all useful information, such as the specifications of 
that particular procurement and the evaluation criteria, in at least one national newspaper at least 10 working days, but not more than 30 working days, in advance of the deadline for submitting a pre-qualification application or a bid. Wherever possible, advertisements are also published on a 
government website. Tender documents are obtain ed by bidders either free of charge or at a 
reasonable fee. A tender deposit may be required but will be refunded to unsuccessful bidders. All 
valid bids are opened on the pre-published date. Th e overall evaluation criteria shall be value for 
money. It may not necessarily be the initial cost, but a whole-of-life value for money assessment. 
Negotiations may be used by the procuring agency if it has been indicated in the tender notice or documentation, or if it appears from the evaluation that no tender is the most advantageous in 
terms of the specific evaluation criteria.  
3.108.  When the selection process has been comp leted, the procuring agencies will promptly 
publish or inform the bidders of the contract award decision. Upon written request from an unsuccessful bidder, the Director of the GTB must promptly provide reasons for the rejection or 
the advantages of the successful bidder. Tender ing documents and records will be properly 
maintained and kept for at least five years.  
                                               
55 In a two-envelope tender, bidders submit their bids in two separate  envelopes, one containing their 
technical proposal and the other containing their price.  Technical proposals are eval uated first. Only tenders 
that meet the technical requirements of the procur ement will be admitted to the price evaluation. 
56 This tendering method is normally used by the Ministry of Health for the procurement of 
pharmaceutical products where interest ed suppliers have to meet internat ional standards and best practices. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 52 - 
 
  3.109.  The FPO and the GTB are the competent authorities for reviewing suppliers' complaints. 
Before a contract comes into effect, any supplier or contractor can bring a complaint in writing to the reviewing body to claim that it has suffered or may suffer from loss or injury due to a breach of duty by the procuring agency. The complaint should be submitted within 20 working days of the 
day the complainant became or should have become aware of the circumstances giving rise to the 
complaint. The reviewing authority should, within 30 days of the submission of the complaint, issue a written decision. The complainant may instigate court proceedings where: (i) the reviewing 
authority fails to issue a decision within the period of 30 days; (ii) the complainant is dissatisfied 
with the decision; or (iii) the procurement contract has entered into force. 
3.110.  For major infrastructure and certain services, public private partnerships (PPP) may be 
used. The use of PPP is regulated by the Public Private Partnerships Act 2006. In implementing a 
PPP project, the Ministry responsible for the projec t makes "authorization regulations" to authorize 
the development of a PPP proposal and specify th e conditions that must be met by the PPP. A 
summary of the authorization regulations will be published so that interested parties are informed 
of the PPP project. After carrying out initial consul tations with interested parties, the responsible 
Ministry will issue implementation regulations fo r the proposed project to prescribe the framework 
and parameters under which the PPP will be operated. Then a tender evaluation team will be 
established by the Ministry to pr e-qualify and appraise tenderers. Up to half of the team may be 
public officers. Ranking of offers takes into consideration the suitability of various tenderers to implement the project, their compliance with th e implementation regulations, and how they 
achieve the purposes of PPP. The Cabinet makes its decision based on recommendations which 
have reflected the views of relevant agencies.  
3.111.  The PPP controlling company must be registered in Fiji, have direct or indirect control of 
the entities described in the implementation regu lations, and be under Fijian control (i.e. Fiji 
interests holding and able to exercise at least 51% of its shareholder voting rights or having the 
r i g h t  t o  a p p o i n t  m o r e  t h a n  5 0 %  o f  i t s  d i r e c t o r s )  o r  h a v e  a  " F i j i  s h a r e "  h e l d  b y  t h e  M i n i s t e r  o f  Finance. The Fiji shareholder has the right to veto specified actions proposed by the PPP, be 
consulted on certain matters, and give prior written approval for the PPP to undertake specified 
decisions. 
3.112.  The authorities state that Fiji does not maintain any discriminatory measures against 
foreign products, suppliers or service providers. For the reasons of getting cheaper options through 
bulk purchases and getting products/services that are not available locally, the Government often 
needs to procure from overseas. In fact, a majo r portion of procurement budgets is spent on 
procuring goods and services from overseas. In  July 2010, the Government endorsed a broad 
outsourcing policy with the main objectives of reducing the government's operational expenses 
and improving efficiency in service delivery. Infr astructural and works contracts are identified as 
priorities in this regard. The procurement method and evaluation factors are generally the same as 
for normal procurement but the tender advertisements are published more widely in order to raise 
awareness among foreign suppliers/service provider s. The Logistics Unit of the Fiji Procurement 
Office plays an important role in facilitating the relevant import process. 
3.113.  The Government supports the engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 
in government procurement. It is ensured that SMEs have appropriate opportunities to compete 
for government contracts and are not unfairly discriminated against. Nevertheless, value for money is still the fundamental principle in selecting a supplier and there are no policies specifically 
in favour of SMEs in government procurement.  
3.114.  E-tenders are also used in government procurement and an administration fee may be 
charged by the Fiji Procurement Office for uploading tenders. 
3.3.5  Intellectual property rights 
3.115.  There are three main laws governing IP in Fiji: the Patents Act 1879, the Trade Marks Act 
1933, and the Copyright Act 1999.
57 Since the last review, these three laws have been amended.58 
                                               
57 WIPO LEX, online information. Viewed at: http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/details.jsp?id=1542 . 
58 Government Gazette, Vol. 13, Nos. 94, 95 and 126.  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  3.116.  Fiji notified its Copyright Act in June 2001.59 The WTO TRIPS Council started the review of 
Fiji's legislation in June 2001. During the review process, 46 questions were posed to Fiji by Japan, Canada, Switzerland, the United States and the European Union.
60 Fiji has provided responses to 
22 of 46 questions.61 The remaining questions cover all fields of IPRs, especially IP enforcement. 
The review will be concluded in 2015. 
3.117.  Fiji has not yet accepted the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement that was submitted 
to WTO Members for acceptance by means of a General Council Decision unanimously adopted by 
the WTO membership on 6 December 2005 (WT/L/641). By depositing its instrument of 
acceptance to the Protocol, Fiji would contribute to advancing the entry into force of the TRIPS amendment which establishes a new pathway for the export of generic medicines, a measure that may assist countries in its region gaining access to medicines. 
3.118.  Fiji is party to four WIPO treaties: th e WIPO Convention, the Berne Convention (for the 
Protection of Literary and Artistic Works), the Ro me Convention (for the Protection of Performers, 
Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations) and the Geneva Convention (for the 
Protection of Producers of Phonograms against Unau thorized Duplication of their Phonograms). Fiji 
acceded on 24 October 2012 to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization, which was adopted by the 
Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity on 29 October 2010 and 
entered into force on 12 October 2014.
62 
3.3.5.1  Patents 3.119.  Fiji currently recognizes two types of pate nt application: national patent applications and 
re-registrations of existing United Kingdom (UK) patents. To be eligible for patent protection, an 
invention shall be new and of utility. A patent shall not be granted or shall be revoked if the patent applicant is not the true and first inventor, or if the petition or any specification contains a wilfully 
false statement. The inventor includes the heirs,  executors, administrators or assigns of an 
inventor. While the substantive patent examination of all national applications for letters patent is currently conducted by the Australian Patent Office (IP Australia), and upon satisfying the 
necessary requirements, a certificate is issued by the Attorney-General. 
3.120.   All UK patentees may apply to the Solicitor-General within three years of the date of the 
issue of a UK patent to have the patent registered  in Fiji upon providing certified copies of the 
documents containing the specifications and a certificate of the Comptroller-General of the United 
Kingdom Patent Office giving full particulars of the issue of the patent on such specification or 
specifications. 
3.121.  The patent rights include the sole and excl usive rights of using, selling, or making the 
patent invention and licensing these rights to others. The duration of patent protection is a period 
of 14 years from the date of letters patent, while a UK patent is valid and in force only so long as the patent remains in force in the United Kingdom. 
3.122.  The Patents Act provides that the Attorney-General may annul letters patent if the 
invention is proved to be prejudicial to the public interests or if the special conditions on which the patent has been granted are not observed. 
3.123.  The amendment of the Fijian Patents Act in  July 2012 transferred the responsibility for its 
administration to the Solicitor-General from the Administrator-General. The Solicitor-General 
principally administers the Intellectual Property Office (FIPO), which is charged with the responsibility of maintaining an up-to-date register of all patent applications in Fiji. To date, FIPO 
has received 1,213 patent applications inclusive of both UK and local applications. 
                                               
59 Circulated in WTO document IP/N/1/FJI/C/1, 12 July 2001.   
60 These questions were circulated in WTO docume nts IP/C/W/258, 27 April 2001 (Japan); IP/C/W/261, 
9 May 2001 (Canada); IP/C/W/263, 14 May 2001 and IP/C/W/263/Add.4, 7 February 2002 (Switzerland); 
IP/C/W/268, 31 May 2001 (United States); and IP/C/W/274, 12 June 2001 (European Union). 
61 The responses are contained in WTO document IP/C/W/311, 11 October 2001.   
62 CBD, online inform ation. Viewed at: https://www.cbd.int/countries /default.shtml?country=fj . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  3.3.5.2  Trademarks  
3.124.  The Fijian Trade-Marks Act was last amen ded in 2012, which provides for the applications, 
registrations and regulations of a trademark and its related matters. It also provides that if a trademark contains parts not separately registered by the proprietor as trademarks or if it contains 
matter common to the trade or otherwise of a non-distinctive character, the registrar or the court 
may require the proprietor to disclaim any right to  the exclusive use of any part or parts of such 
trademark or of all or any portion of such matter to the exclusive use of which they hold the 
proprietor not to be entitled. 
3.125.  A trademark is registrable when it is used or proposed to be used upon or in connection 
with goods or services. Similar to that of the patents system, Fijian trademark law allows for two types of trademark applications, firstly national trademarks applications and secondly the 
recognition of existing United Kingdom (UK) trademarks by issuing a certificate of registration 
upon necessary application. A national trademark registration needs to be renewed after 14 years, 
while the UK registration can be renewed upon the renewal of the original UK registration.   
3.126.  Fiji significantly amended the provisions  of its Trade-Marks Act in 2012 by prohibiting 
registration of trademarks using the word "Fiji" or any word that makes reference or implies geographic origin; words or marks making reference to or implying an approval from the State for 
which the proprietor is entitled to disclaim all or any portion of such matter separately or together 
with other words; or a body corporate’s name or trading names duly registered under the Companies Act. Nevertheless, such use might be  approved by the Minister responsible for 
administering the Trade-Marks Act on certain terms and conditions, such as if the mark is 
necessary for the public interest or the mark complies and is in accordance generally with 
approved marks and brands recognized and licensed in accordance with written laws; the registration of the trademark will develop Fiji’s  economy and technology; or the company seeking 
registration of its company name as a trademark is a government-owned entity. The decision of 
the Minister is final and this amendment has no re trospective effect on existing trademarks which 
use the word "Fiji". 
3.127.  The amendment of the Fijian Trade-Marks Act in July 2012 transferred the responsibility 
for its administration to the Solicitor-General from the Administrator-General. The Solicitor-General principally administers the Intellectual Property Office (FIPO), which is also charged with the responsibility of maintaining an up-to-date register of all trademark applications 
in Fiji. FIPO received 731 trademark applications in 2014 and a separate register is maintained for 
each year, inclusive of both UK and local applications.  
3.128.  In May 2012, Fiji Airways (Fiji's national flag  carrier airline, formerly known as Air Pacific) 
successfully rebranded its aircraft by using Fijian traditional motifs–Fijian Masi.  
3.3.5.3  Copyright 3.129.  Compared to the Patents Act and Trade-Marks Act, Fiji has a modern copyright law which 
was enacted in 1999. Under the Copyright Act, copyri ght protection exists in original works of the 
following descriptions: literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic works; sound recordings; audiovisual works; broadcasts; cable programmes; and typogr aphical arrangements of published editions. 
Copyright does not exist in a literary, dramatic or musical work unless and until the work is 
recorded in writing or otherwise.   
3.130.  The copyright owner has the exclusive righ t to copy; to issue copies to the public; to 
publicly perform; to broadcast; to communicate to the public; and to adapt his/her work. The term 
of copyright protection in a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work is the life of the author and 
50 years after the author's death. If the work is  a photograph, copyright expires at the end of 
50 years after the taking of the photograph. If th e work is computer-generated, copyright expires 
at the end of 50 years after the authorized publicat ion of the work, or, if there is no authorized 
publication within 50 years after the making of th e work, at the end of 50 years after its making. 
3.131.  Two types of copyright infringement are provided for in the Copyright Act: primary and 
secondary infringements. Primary copyright infringement mainly includes unauthorized copying, 
issue of copies to the public, performance, broadcas t, and making an adaptation or an act done in WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  relation to an adaptation of the copyright work. Secondary infringement includes importing 
infringing copy; possessing or dealing with infrin ging copy; providing means for making infringing 
copies; permitting use of premises for infringi ng performance; and provision of apparatus for 
infringing performance. 
3.132.  The Copyright Act provides for the possibili ty of using protected works in particular cases 
without having to obtain the authorization of the copyright owner and without having to pay any remuneration for such use. Such exceptions include incidental copying of copyright work; criticism, 
review and news reporting; and research or private study.  
3.133.  In June 2003, Fiji issued its Copyright (Border Protection) Regulation, which establishes a 
detailed enforcement mechanism to enable the co pyright owner to obtain the cooperation of 
customs administrations to prevent the release of infringing products at the border. Fiji also 
established the Copyright Enforcement Unit within the Fijian Intellectual Property Office (FIPO). 
The Copyright Enforcement Unit makes great efforts in stopping the importation and distribution of 
copyright infringing products, and addresses a number of issues: legislative amendments; 
awareness programmes and outreach; enforcement;  government agency policies; and capacity 
building. Under these various headings, the Unit has deadlines which are used as performance indicators.
63 
 
                                               
63 The Government has provided a contact point to  the general public kn own as the Government 
Information Centre. The FIPO uses this contact point to provide information on intellectual property rights 
including the protection and enforcement of copyright. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
4.1  Agriculture 4.1.1  Main features 4.1.  Between 2009 and 2014, agriculture's annual co ntribution to Fiji's GDP averaged 8.1%. The 
sector continues to play a key role in the economy: it generates foreign exchange earnings, 
supplies raw materials for agro-processing industries, and employs, directly or indirectly, nearly two-thirds of the labour force. Subsistence farming accounts for about a third of agricultural 
output.
1 Commercial agriculture is still dominated by sugarcane, although its production has 
declined in recent years; it also includes coconut, meat and some export-oriented and niche market crops. Other agricultural products include  root crops (taro, cassava (manioc), yams and sweet potato); tropical fruits (mainly pineapple and pawpaw); vegetables; spices; ginger; cocoa; 
livestock (cattle, poultry, pigs, sheep and goats); dairy; honey; and rice.  
4.2.  Fiji's main agro-exports are: sugar - which represents about a third of total exports of farm 
products; mineral water; sweet biscuits; wheat; manioc and taro; ginger; prepared food and 
meat; and pasta (Table 4.1). Fiji is a net importer of agricultural products. Main imports include 
wheat and meslin; concentrated milk and cream; rice; sheep and goat meat; soya bean oil; butter and other milk fats; potatoes; and animal fodder. Rice  is one of the main sources of calories in Fiji, 
but despite costly efforts to increase its production through irrigation and other incentive schemes, 
most rice demand is met through imports.  
4.3.  Agriculture has lower labour productivity compared to other sectors of the Fijian economy. 
This partly reflects a number of long-standing structural impediments to agricultural development, 
including the large subsistence sector, the predominance of small farms (of less than one hectare), 
low mechanization, high input costs, poor farming and husbandry practices, inadequate 
infrastructure, marketing inefficiencies, and lack of access to credit.  
4.4.  Insecurity in the land tenure system constitutes a further constraint on agricultural growth. 
Indeed, 88% of the land in Fiji is "native land" (owned by tribal groups) which cannot be sold but only leased; 4% is held by the state; and 8% is freehold. The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) 
administers the leasing of native land for agricultural use under the Agricultural Landlords and 
Tenants Act. Agricultural leases last for up to 30 years and may be extended for another 20 years. 
Obtaining a lease can be a cumbersome process hence much native land remains idle, and given the uncertainty regarding the renewal of land leases, farmers have been reluctant to make further 
investments causing production to decrease in certain sectors, such as sugar cane and the dairy 
industry.  
4.5.  Land market reform is therefore crucial fo r agricultural development. Some steps in this 
direction were taken during the review period : The Native Land Trust (Amendment) Decree 2010 
transferred some power from the tribal chiefs to the Government in deciding on native land matters within the TLTB. In the same year, a Land Use Unit was established in the Ministry of 
Lands to operate the Land Bank. The bank offers native landowners more attractive conditions for 
leasing their land, including higher rental rates and longer lease periods (up to 99 years), thus encouraging them to lease more land for productive uses.    
4.1.2  Policy objectives 
4.6.  Revitalizing the agricultural sector remain s at the core of the Government's socio-economic 
development policies. The overarching goal of the 2020 Agriculture Sector Policy Agenda, issued in 
August 2014, is to establish a diversified, economically and environmentally sustainable 
agricultural economy in Fiji. For this purpose, five objectives and strategic actions have been set: 
(i) to build a modern organized agricultural sector; (ii) to develop an integrated system of supporting infrastructure; (iii) to strengthen agriculture support services; (iv) to enhance 
                                               
1 Fiji Bureau of Statistics online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.statsfiji.gov.fj/index.php/economic/45-ec onomic-statistics/national-accounts/100-fiji-national-
accounts-summary-table . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  capabilities to secure domestic and foreign investment; and (v) to improve planning and policy 
formulation.2  
Table 4.1 Trade in major agricultural productsa, 2009-14 
HS code   2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Total exports US$ million  628.7      841.4    1.069.5    1.220.6  1.108.0  1.373.3  
Agricultural exports   US$ million  232.0      209.7      280.2      335.4     303.8     372.0  
2201 - Waters, excluding 
added sugar US$ million 41.5  62.5 71.2 89.7 85.4 113.1  
1701 - Cane or beet sugar 
in solid form US$ million 95.8 37.3 71.7 97.6 64.3 111.1  
% of agriculture  41.3 17.8 25.6 29.1 21.2 29.9  
1905 - Sweet biscuits and 
other bakers' ware US$ million 25.6 26.8 36.3 30.6 27.6 28.4 
% of agriculture  11.0 12.8 12.9 9.1 9.1 7.6  
1101 - Wheat or meslin 
flour US$ million 9.3 12.2 12.8 13.2 15.4 16.5 
% of agriculture  4.0 5.8 4.6 3.9 5.1 4.4  
0714 - Manioc, taro, and 
similar roots US$ million 12.3 14.4 14.5 14.9 15.1 14.6 
% of agriculture  5.3 6.9 5.2 4.5 5.0 3.9  
1904 - Certain prepared 
food  US$ million 3.9 5.5 6.2 7.5 7.9 9.8 
% of agriculture  1.7 2.6 2.2 2.2 2.6 2.6  
0910 - Ginger, and other 
spices, mixtures thereof US$ million 3.7 4.1 4.2 5.5 2.1 8.0 
% of agriculture  1.6 2.0 1.5 1.6 0.7 2.2  
1602 - Prepared or 
preserved meat (excluding 
sausages) US$ million 4.0 3.1 6.1 5.8 4.5 7.1 
% of agriculture  1.7 1.5 2.2 1.7 1.5 1.9  
1902 - Pasta US$ million 2.3 2.5 4.7 20.0 16.4 7.1 
% of agriculture  1.0 1.2 1.7 6.0 5.4 1.9  
2202 - Waters incl. added 
sugar/other non-alcoholic 
beverages US$ million 2.4 3.0 4.1 5.6 5.4 6.1 
% of agriculture  1.0 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.8 1.7  
Total imports US$ million 1,437.0    1,808.5    2,181.9    2,252.6    2,825.7   3,250.5  
Agricultural  imports US$ million   259.8      277.8      331.3      327.4      348.1      382.1  
1001 - Wheat and meslin US$ million 38.9 50.0 61.4 60.6 68.9 61.4 
% of agriculture  16.8 23.8 21.9 18.1 22.7 16.5  
0402 - Milk and cream, 
concentrated/sweetened US$ million 11.7 17.5 23.1 20.5 20.8 38.0 
% of agriculture  5.1 8.3 8.2 6.1 6.9 10.2  
1006 - Rice US$ million 17.7 19.6 20.2 19.9 21.4 23.1 
% of agriculture  7.6 9.3 7.2 5.9 7.0 6.2  
0204 - Meat of sheep or 
goats US$ million 14.5 13.4 15.4 14.6 15.6 19.3 
% of agriculture  6.2 6.4 5.5 4.4 5.1 5.2  
1507 - Soya bean oil US$ million 4.5 5.2 7.8 13.8 12.7 14.1 
% of agriculture  1.9 2.5 2.8 4.1 4.2 3.8  
0405 - Butter and other 
fats/oils derived from milk US$ million 6.5 12.3 11.5 7.9 8.6 13.6 
% of agriculture  2.8 5.9 4.1 2.4 2.8 3.6  
0701 - Potatoes, fresh or 
chilled US$ million 7.3 8.6 11.1 9.6 11.8 12.6 
% of agriculture  3.1 4.1 4.0 2.9 3.9 3.4  
2309 - Prepared animal 
fodder US$ million 3.0 1.7 2.6 2.1 3.4 9.7 
% of agriculture  1.3 0.8 0.9 0.6 1.1 2.6  
2208 - Spirits, whiskies, 
vodka, liqueurs, etc. US$ million 4.4 6.5 7.0 6.8 6.6 9.0 
% of agriculture  1.9 3.1 2.5 2.0 2.2 2.4  
1517 - Margarine; edible 
preparations of animal or 
vegetable fats or oils US$ million 6.6 6.8 9.5 8.1 6.9 8.6 
% of agriculture  2.9 3.2 3.4 2.4 2.3 2.3  
a Refers to WTO agriculture definition. 
Source: UNSD Comtrade database. 
4.7.  The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is the leading government agency for the sector. There are 
over 30 pieces of legislation relating to the ag ricultural sector, many of which are outdated and 
awaiting review. MoA's statutory functions are to: accelerate product diversification into 
higher-value crops and livestock products with competitive advantage; facilitate private sector development; promote food security; and ensu re sustainable development of the non-sugar 
sector. According to the MoA's Annual Corporate Plan  (ACP) 2015, food securi ty is to be promoted 
through the provision of agricultural extension and research services; the recovery of the non-
sugar and livestock sectors is to be facilitated through the delivery of demand-driven services, and 
poverty is to be alleviated through capacity building for farmers to increase output. Other ACP 
policy goals are to strengthen the links between agriculture and the tourism industry, reduce the 
                                               
2 Ministry of Agriculture (2014), Fiji 2020 Agriculture Sector Policy Agenda: Modernizing Agriculture , 
August. Viewed at http://www.agriculture.gov.fj/ . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  import bill for agricultural produce, and strengthen bilateral quarantine agreements and 
commodity protocols to promote exports.3 
4.1.3  Support measures 4.8.  In recent years, Fiji's support policy for agriculture has placed more emphasis on 
demand-driven measures such as agricultural extension and advisory services to improve 
productivity. Other support measures include marketing assistance, the provision of concessionary loans to facilitate import substitution and prom ote exports, infrastructure projects, and tariffs. 
Subsidies apply to some agro-inputs such as fertilize r, chemicals, and livestock feed, as well as for 
land preparation and farm mechanization.   
4.9.  The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), established in 2004 under the AMA Act No. 2, 
aims to facilitate the purchase, sale and export of agro-produce. By acting as a single buyer, AMA 
is expected to reduce marketing costs while at the same time protecting the interests of 
small-scale agricultural producers vis-à-vis  private traders. In practice, however, there already 
seems to be significant competition among pr ivate traders/exporters in the local market.
4 Under 
the 2015 Budget, AMA was allocated F$1.5 million. The authorities have indicated that about 33% 
of agricultural output is bought and marketed by AMA. 
4.10.  In order to promote food security, Fiji continues to implement an import substitution 
programme. In July 2010, the programme was merged with the export finance programme to form 
the Import Substitution and Export Finance Facility  (ISEFF), operated by the Reserve Bank of Fiji. 
Under the ISEFF, new and existing agricultural businesses involved in import substitution may apply for concessional loans for the production of fruits, vegetables, root crops, dairy produce, 
beef, aquaculture and renewable energy. In November  2011, the Facility was extended to poultry, 
honey and pig farming. The ISEFF is not available for businesses that produce goods in which Fiji is self-sufficient (such as canned meat) unless they produce for export. Loans are provided 
through commercial banks, the Fiji Development Bank, and other licensed credit institutions, with 
the Reserve Bank providing back-to-back financ e. Individual loans are granted for up to 
F$1 million. The Export Finance arm of the ISE FF seeks to promote the competitiveness of, and 
ensure availability of finance for, primar y and secondary exporters (section 3.2.4). 
4.11.  Tariffs continue to be the main border assistance measure and are relatively high. The 
simple average applied MFN tariff on agriculture was 12.5% in 2015 (18.9% taking into account ad valorem  equivalents (AVEs) based on 2013 prices), up from 11.5% in 2009 (section 3.1.4). The 
product group "beverages and tobacco" commanded the highest applied tariffs. Fiji does not apply 
tariff quotas nor has it resorted to special safeguard measures for agricultural products. Fiji's simple average final bound tari ff for agriculture is 40.6%. 
4.12.  Fiji did not make any domestic support reduction commitments under the WTO Agreement 
on Agriculture. In February 2012, Fiji notified a ll domestic support measures it applied during the 
period 1999-2009 as falling under the Green Box.
5 Fiji has also notified the WTO that it did not 
provide export subsidies to agricultural products during the years 2009, 2010 and 2011.6 
4.13.  Under the 2015 Budget of the Ministry of Agriculture, 47 capital projects were earmarked 
for funding for a total amount of F$32.1 million. So me of the largest allocations were for: drainage 
and flood protection, the drainage subsidy, land clearing, the Agricultural Marketing Authority 
capital grant, maintenance of irrigation schemes, the export promotion and import substitution 
programme, the food security programme, the agro-inputs subsidy, the rural and outer islands development programme
7, and the livestock rehabilitation programme.8   
                                               
3 Ministry of Agriculture (2015), Annual Corporate Plan 2015 . Viewed at: http://www.agriculture.gov.fj/ . 
4 ADB (2012), Fiji 2012.  Revitalizing the Fiji Economy , Pacific Studies Series, Manila. 
5 WTO document G/AG/N/FJI/11, 9 February 2012.  
6 WTO documents G/AG/N/FJI/7, 28 October 2010, G/AG/N/FJI/9, 6 December 2011 and 
G/AG/N/FJI/10, 9 January 2012. 
7 The Rural and Outer Islands Programme aims to enha nce the livelihoods of people living in rural areas 
and the most remote islands through farming. The comm odities targeted are root crops, papaya, vegetables 
and livestock (beef, poultry, pi g, sheep and goat) and honey. 
8 Ministry of Agriculture (2015).  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  4.14.  Investment in agricultural activities is promoted through tax incentives. Commercial farming 
and agro-processing businesses approved and established between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2018 enjoy income tax holidays for 5, 7 or 13 years depending on the amount of capital invested. In addition, imports of ag ricultural inputs by commercial farming and 
agro-processing businesses are duty-free. New under takings by businesses to process agricultural 
commodities into biofuels (e.g. ethanol) approved from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2018 enjoy a ten-year tax holiday, provided the businesses invest at least F$1 million and employ 20 or 
more local workers. They also benefit from duty -free imports of machinery and equipment for their 
initial establishment and of chemicals needed for biofuel production. 
4.1.4  Sugar sector 4.15.  Sugar production and related activities rema in a key sector of Fiji's economy. About 75% of 
Fiji's arable land is planted with sugar cane. The sugar sector contributes around 2% to GDP and 
has linkages to other economic sectors. About a fourth of the population derive their livelihood directly or indirectly from the sugar industry. However, for several years the industry has been 
struggling to keep abreast, affected by a number of  ailments, including milling inefficiencies, land 
lease insecurity, lack of investment, declining productivity, regular plantation flooding and declining world prices for sugar. Over the last ten years, sugar cane production has almost halved. 
It fell by almost a quarter between 2009 and 2013, while the share of sugar exports in total goods 
exports declined from over 15% in 2009 to 8% in 2014.  
4.16.  The sugar sector has also felt the impact of the reform of the European Union (EU) sugar 
regime on preferential market access for ACP countries since 2006, which has led to a sharp drop 
in sugar prices. Moreover, after the imminent expi ry in 2017 of the EU country-specific quotas for 
sugar imports from ACP countries, Fiji will be competing in the global market with large sugar exporters such as Brazil and Australia, among othe rs. Today, 91% of Fiji's sugar exports go to the 
EU (mostly the United Kingdom); 4.5% to the Unit ed Sates under preferential tariff quotas; 4% to 
Asia; and the rest to other Pacific Islands.  
4.17.  Exports of sugar and molasses were subject to an export tax of 3% until 2011, when this 
tax was abolished as part of the measures to help revive the sugar sector.
9   
4.18.  The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), created by an Act of Parliament in 1972, is a majority 
(68%) government-owned enterprise. It has the monopoly of raw sugar production, owns and operates the country's four mills and their railway systems, and is the sole licensed importer of 
unrefined sugar. The FSC is also in charge of storage, delivery and sale of raw sugar. Since 2009, 
the FSC has taken over the marketing operations that were previously handled by the Fiji Sugar Marketing Company, which ceased to exist in March 2009.
10 
4.19.  Sugar cane growers are allocated a minimum tonnage of cane or "farm basic allotment" 
(FBA), which they are to produce based on land  capacity. The FSC must purchase the FBA from 
each grower, and may agree to buy additional amount s if needed to fulfil Fiji's sugar quota to the 
EU. Under the Sugar Industry Act 1984, the Sugar Industry Tribunal establishes the "master 
award" regulating contractual relationships between  the FSC and sugar cane growers, according to 
which 70% of the FSC's net revenue is paid to farmers.  
4.20.  Faced with operational problems at the mills and declining milled volumes, the FSC incurred 
huge losses in past years and became insolvent. Significant financial and other official support has 
been needed to keep the FSC in business.11 In 2010, the Government assumed most of FSC's 
debts and took over full control of the corporat ion. In addition, in February 2013, the Cabinet 
endorsed the Sugar Cane Industry Action Plan in an attempt to revitalize the sugar sector. The 
Plan includes measures to improve farm producti vity and mill efficiency, reduce FSC's operating 
costs, and a long-term strategy to restructure th e industry allowing FSC to focus on its core 
function of sugar cane processing and generate revenue from sugar refining, ethanol production 
and electricity generation. The Plan also envisages consideration of the eventual re-privatization of 
the FSC in the long term.12 For now, the sugar industry has been placed under the responsibility of 
                                               
9 Information provided by the Ministry of Finance. 
10 The Sugar Commission of Fiji was also wound up in 2009. 
11 Total FSC's funding requirements for the years 2011 and 2012 were to the tune of F$170 million.  
12 Ministry of Agriculture (2014). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  the Prime Minister's Office to oversee its recovery. Some progress has been made in increasing the 
mills' efficiency, rationalizing operating costs, improving management of the FSC, and increasing 
sugar production. However, much remains to be done in order to increase the sugar industry's productivity and international competitiveness.  
4.2  Fisheries 
4.2.1  Main features 4.21.  Fisheries accounted for 2.1% of GDP in 2013 (down from 2.4% in 2008), for nearly 4% of 
total employment and about 13% of merchandise exports, which consist mainly of fresh, frozen 
and canned tuna. The total annual catch (excluding subsistence fisheries) averaged 14,143 metric 
tonnes during the review years, less than half its peak volume in 2005.
13  
4.22.  Fisheries comprise the following activities: subsistence fishing; costal artisanal/commercial 
fishing; offshore/industrial fishing; and aquaculture. Subsistence and costal fishing take place in 
internal waters or native (iTaukei) customary fishing grounds, targeting mainly finfish, bêche-de-mer, octopus, seaweed, lobster, crab and molluscs. These activities make a large contribution to 
employment and food supply for coastal an d maritime Fijian islands communities.
14 While most 
production is consumed locally, there are some exports from coastal commercial fishery (bêche-de-mer, snapper, aquarium fish, trochus and coral). 
4.23.  Offshore/industrial fishing accounts for over 80% of fish exports and targets mostly tuna 
species (albacore, yellowfin and bigeye).
15 Albacore tuna represents 65% of the tuna catch. Fish is 
either caught by Fiji licensed fishing vessels in Fiji's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), or by Fijian vessels licensed to fish in the EEZs of neighbouring countries or on the high seas whose catch is 
landed in Fiji. Tuna is exported in canned, frozen (including processed) or chilled form, mainly to 
Japan, China and the United States. Other markets are Hong Kong, China; Chinese Taipei; Australia; New Zealand; and the European Union.  
4.24.  In recent years, the Fijian offshore fish ing industry has suffered from reduced fish stocks, 
low tuna prices and stiff competition from foreign fishing vessels. Most fishing companies have had to substantially scale back their fishing operations. On a more positive note, since December 2012, 
the Fiji Tuna Boat Owners Association (FTBOA) an d the Fiji Offshore Fisheries Association (FOFA) 
have enjoyed the benefits of "sustainable certification" for their albacore longline fishery by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
16 The industry expects this will open access to markets that 
source seafood products from certified fisheries, promote value addition (e.g. by processing 
albacore loins instead of exporting frozen whole fish), create jobs and increase export earnings.17  
4.25.  The majority government-owned Pacific Fi shing Company Ltd. (PAFCO) is the largest fish 
cannery; it has recently entered into a partners hip with US-based cannery Bumble Bee Foods to 
upgrade PAFCO's facilities, including a new cold storage.18  
4.26.  The Government promotes the development of aquaculture through various schemes, 
including subsidies, concessional loans and investments. The objective is to improve the nutritional 
status of rural communities, generate supplementary income, reduce inshore fishing pressure and 
substitute imports. The main aquaculture produc ts include tilapia, carps, freshwater prawns, 
                                               
13 Fiji Bureau of Statistics Online Information – Key Statistics: December 2014. Table 3.3 (A) Primary 
Production: Selected Agricult ural Products. Viewed at: http://www.statsfiji.gov.fj/ . 
14 The direct contribution of subsistence and costal fishing to GDP is about F$73 million (nearly eight 
times greater than from offshore/industrial fishing). Gillet R., Lewis A. and Cartwright I. (2014), Coastal 
Fisheries in Fiji. Resources, issues, and enhancing the role of the Fisheries  Department , August. Viewed at: 
http://www.gillettprestonassociates.com/GPA% 20%20Review%20of%20Fiji%20C oastal%20Fisheries.pdf . 
15 Other exports from offshore fisher ies are: snapper, swordfish, blue  marlin, mahi-mahi and sunfish.  
16 MSC is an international certification for fisheries and seafood meeting sustainability standards. 
17 WWF online article, "Fiji's Path to A Sustainable Fishery", posted on 27 May 2013. Viewed at: 
http://wwf.panda.org/?208824/Fijis-Path-To-A-Sustainable-Fishery . 
18 The upgrading works will require an investment of  US$25 million, which will be financed through a 
loan from the Government, a long-term soft loan fro m Bumble Bee, and a loan from a commercial bank. 
Viewed at: 
http://www.blueaquaint.com/detail.php?WP=q3AZq 21yM250G2zDrYyj4T15q2IZn21lM2I0qTymrTSjoJ0zqmuZZJ
0kM090xTz5rBOjMT1cq3EZoz1uM3E0ozyirTZo7o3Q . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 61 - 
 
  shrimps, clams, gold fish, pearl oysters, mud crabs and seaweed. Lack of technical expertise, 
inappropriate infrastructure and marketing are some of the factors constraining the growth of this subsector. Aquaculture production was estimated at F$12 million (2009).
19 An Aquaculture Decree 
is expected to be promulgated in the near future.   
4.2.2  Policy and legal framework 
4.27.  The Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, thro ugh the Department of Fisheries, is the leading 
agency responsible for policy formulation, impl ementation and management of fisheries. The 
Offshore Fisheries Management Decree (OFMD) of 2012 and the Offshore Fisheries Management 
Regulations (OFRM) of 2014 are the main legislation regulating the fisheries sector.20 Both 
instruments incorporate Fiji's international and regional obligations regarding the sustainable management of highly migratory fish stock that passes through Fiji fisheries waters. 
4.28.  The 2012 Decree aims to ensure sustainable management and use of fisheries. It applies to 
fishing and related activities by Fijian citizens and foreigners. Licences and authorization requirements are set out for Fijian vessels fishing in Fiji waters and international waters, and for 
foreign fishing vessels, including when they are used by Fiji nationals on the high seas. The 
Minister responsible for Fisheries is mandated to  provide general policy guidelines and declare a 
fishery as a "designated fishery" requiring management measures. The Permanent Secretary 
responsible for Fisheries may make allocations for any fishing activity, management plan or access 
agreement, and is in charge of issuing licences and setting their conditions. The Director of Fisheries is responsible for preparing a Fisher ies Management Plan. The 2012 Decree established 
the Offshore Fisheries Advisory Council to advise the Minister on policy matters relating to fisheries 
management and sustainable use. Strengthened monitoring and surveillance procedures are set 
out as well as high penalties and fines for breaches to deter potential offenders.    
4.29.  The Tuna Development and Management Plan, as revised in 2014, aims at maximizing long-
term economic returns to Fijians from tuna fishing. The Plan sets sustainable catch limits, an 
annual cap on the number of licences issued, and licence fees to support management of the fishery. The total allowable catch (TAC) limit within Fiji's EEZ is 12,000 metric tonnes of tuna 
(albacore, bigeye and yellowfin). In order to prevent overfishing and depletion of fish stocks, the 
cap on the number of licences was reduced from 110 to 70 in 2011 and to 60 in 2014. Accordingly, a total of 60 licences were issued in 2015, of which 51 for Fiji-flagged vessels and nine for foreign-flagged vessels exclusively chartered by locals.  
4.30.  Virtually all offshore tuna fishing is done by longline vessels, which must be licensed and 
land their catch in Fiji. Licences are allocated according to three categories of criteria: mandatory criteria (all matters affecting the management of fisheries resources); corporate criteria (all 
aspects pertaining to the applicant companies, aimed at ensuring authenticity of owners); and 
statutory criteria (monitoring, enforcement and compliance with Fijian laws).
21 Among the 
mandatory criteria is the requirement that at least 50% of the seagoing officers and 50% of the 
crew must be locals, with this percentage increasing by 12.5% per year for four consecutive years. 
The local crew requirement may be waived if the Department of Fisheries deems it to be a hindrance to production.  
4.31.  The authorities have indicated that Fiji is in the process of "domesticating" its fishing fleet 
and that licences will only be granted to Fiji-flagged vessels. Nonetheless, the nine foreign-flagged 
vessels that already have a fishing licence will be allowed to continue their operations.  
4.32.  Fiji-registered fishing vessels with 100% local ownership (increased from 51% in 2012), 
having less than 40 m
3 of carrying capacity and a maximum of 2,500 hooks may fish in Fiji's 
archipelagic waters and territorial seas; all other vessels outside these parameters may only fish 
                                               
19 Ministry of National Planning (2009), Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-economic 
Development 2010-2014 , December. Viewed at http://www.fiji.gov.fj/getattachment/Govt--
Publications/Peoples-C harter/RSSED.pdf.aspx . 
20 The OFMD and the OFMR repealed parts of the Fisheries Act 1942, the Marine Spaces Act 1987, and 
the Marine Spaces (Foreign Vessels) Regulations 1985.  
21 Requirements of each category can be found at the Department of Fisheries website. Viewed at: 
http://www.fisheries.gov.fj/images/Legislation/License_requirements.pdf . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 62 - 
 
  within Fiji's EEZ. Licensed foreign-flagged vessels are limited to the EEZ and have to be under 
bareboat charter by locals or under bilateral or multilateral arrangements.  
4.33.  Foreign investors interested in practising tuna longline fishing in Fiji must obtain an 
investment certificate issued by Investment Fiji pursuant to the Foreign Investment Act, before 
they can apply for a fishing licence. Local investors may submit their licence application directly to 
the Department of Fisheries. Only vessels that are under exclusive charter arrangements (bareboat charter), where the local charterer assu mes full control of the operation of the vessel, 
may apply for a licence to participate in Fiji fisheries. Licences may be transferred subject to 
meeting the conditions laid down under regulati on 25 of the OFMR. Licences are approved for a 
period of 36 months subject to annual renewal un der the OFMD. A new set of fees for offshore 
fisheries and the import and export of fish and fishery products was established under the OFMR 
(Schedule 7).  
4.34.  Under Fiji's 2009 Foreign Investment Regulations, foreign investment in fisheries-related 
b u s i n e s s e s  i s  l i m i t e d  t o  7 0 %  o f  e q u i t y  ( i . e .  3 0 %  o f  e q u i t y  m u s t  b e  h e l d  b y  F i j i a n  c i t i z e n s ) .  I n  
addition, the foreign investor must have at least F$500,000 in owner's contribution, or paid-up 
capital in the case of a company, in the form of cash from the operational date and the money must be fully brought into Fiji within 12 to 15 months. 
4.35.  Exports of fish and other marine products require an export permit from the Department of 
Fisheries, and exports of certain species are pr ohibited on conservational and environmental 
grounds. In order to access the lucrative EU fish market – from which Fijian exports were temporarily banned in 2008 on SPS grounds –, Fiji ha s designated the Food Unit of the Ministry of 
Health as the competent authority to ensure that fish and fishery products exported to the EU 
meet the relevant SPS standards, and the Fisheries Department as the competent authority to ensure that products exported are not associat ed with any illegal, unreported and unregulated 
(IUU) fishing activities. In the ongoing negotiations of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) 
with the EU, Fiji continues to strive for the establishment of more flexible rules of origin – than in the interim EPA - that would allow for global sourcing of fisheries raw materials.
22  
4.36.  Import tariffs on canned, prepared or preserved fish were increased from 15% to 32% 
during the period under review, thereby substantially increasing effective protection for fish processing industries. The import duty on fresh fish remains at 15%. Import duty rates for shrimps and prawns are also high at 32%.  
4.37.  Fiji applies a number of tax concessions to  assist the fishing industry; these include an 
exemption of the import duty (F$0.02/litre) on bunker fuel for local fishing vessels; zero-rate 
import duty on imports of all spare parts for maritime vessels; and duty-free importation of 
specialized machinery/equipment directly used by the fishing industry, provided a letter of 
approval is issued by Department of Fisheries in relation to such machinery/equipment. In 
addition, the 2015 Budget provided for import du ty concessions for machinery used by companies 
involved in canning and pouch packaging of fish.  
4.38.  Fiji is party to several international treaties relating to the management of fisheries. Under 
the Treaty on Fisheries between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States, Fiji is committed to allowing access to US purse seiners licensed 
pursuant to this treaty to fish within Fiji's EEZ against the payment of fishing fees; this treaty is 
currently being renegotiated. Other conventions and agreements to which Fiji is a party include the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); the United Nations Fish Stock 
Agreement (UNFSA); the Convention on the Conser vation and Management of Highly Migratory 
Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC); the Convention for the Prohibition of Fishing with Long Driftnets in the South Pacific;  and the Niue Treaty on Cooperation in Fisheries 
Surveillance and Law Enforcement in the South Pacific Region. Fiji is also a member of the Pacific 
Island Forum Fishing Agency (FFA), from which it receives technical assistance in matters relating to fisheries compliance and management, and the Secretariat to the Pacific Community (SPC), provider of scientific research in fisheries and the marine ecosystem. 
                                               
22 Information provided by the Fijian authorities. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  4.3  Energy  
4.39.  Fiji relies heavily on imported fuels to meet its energy requirements for transportation, 
industrial and commercial activities, and to supplement electricity generation for households. Renewable energies are the main sources of el ectricity generation: hydropower, biomass (from 
wood), bagasse (from sugar) and wind account for over 60% of the electricity produced (2013).
23    
4.40.  Rural electrification initiatives over the last two decades have achieved positive results, 
however some 10% of the population are still without access to electricity and remote islands do 
not have access to it in a sustainable manner.24 Supply of electricity to rural areas is done through 
national grid extensions, diesel-based mini-grids  (operated by the Public Works Department or 
community cooperatives) and solar home systems maintained by private contractors and financed from monthly household charges and a subsidy from the Government.  
4.41.  The Department of Energy at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is responsible for 
policy formulation and strategic planning, and for off-grid rural electrification. The Commerce Commission is responsible for economic regulation, including competition and the approval of fuel 
and electricity prices. The sector's current policy framework is complex and outdated, and has 
been under review over the last few years. A Draft National Energy Policy 2014-2020 and a Draft 
Strategic Action Plan finalized by the end of 2013 are currently awaiting Cabinet endorsement.   
4.42.  Reportedly, the main goal of the 2013 Draf t Policy (which, if approved, will replace the 2006 
Energy Policy) is to meet Fiji's energy needs, while  ensuring the sector is resource efficient, cost 
effective, and environmentally sustainable. The redu ction of energy import costs is also one of the 
key objectives. Priority policies for the energy sector include to: promote private sector investment 
in electricity generation; strengthen transparency  and effectiveness of the regulation; develop an 
electrification master plan and an electrification fund; promote fuel efficiency of land transport; 
reduce the cost of imported petroleum; and maintain a comprehensive assessment of Fiji's 
renewable resources and make data publically available.
25 
4.3.1  Electricity 4.43.  Electricity generation accounts for nearly 2% of GDP. In 2014, Fiji's total power generation 
was 891 GWh. The power generation mix was: 45.44% from renewable sources (hydropower and 
wind); 50.91% from thermal power (diesel and heavy fuel oil); and 3.65% from independent power producers (IPPs), namely Tropik Wood Industri es Ltd. (using forestry waste) and Fiji Sugar 
Corporation (converting bagasse, a sugar by-product, into electricity).
26 
4.44.  The electricity market is dominated by the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA), which is a 
vertically integrated, government-owned power utility, established under the Electricity Act 1966. FEA owns the national grid, generates virtually all electricity in Fiji, and transmits and distributes 
electricity to 90% of the population. The rest obta in their supplies from self-generation or through 
small village grids. FEA's total installed capacity is 263 MW across three main hydro systems in the 
islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Ovalau, as well  as a number of diesel plants. In order to meet 
increasing demand, Fiji's electricity system requires significant investment over the next ten 
years
27, which cannot all be financed by the public sector, hence the Government's emphasis on 
attracting private investors and donors.   
4.45.  Improving the regulatory framework for the electricity sector would be a step in the right 
direction. Indeed, Fiji has no independent electricity regulator. Instead, FEA is by far the main 
market operator and has, at the same time, regula tory functions. Through its Regulatory Unit, FEA 
is responsible for licensing IPPs; inspecting and licensing electrical generation equipment; 
monitoring industry compliance with the Electricity Act and technical standards; registering and 
                                               
23 FEA (2014), Annual Report 2013 . Viewed at: http://www.fea.com.fj/wp-
content/uploads/2014/08/FEA-Annual-Report-2013.pdf . 
24 Some 20% of the population relies  exclusively on wood fuels.   
25 Economic Consulting Associates (2013), Review of Fiji National Ener gy Policy. Draft Energy Policy , 
July. Viewed at: www.energy.gov.fj/images/NEP2013/draft% 20national%20energy%20policy%202013.pdf .  
26 FEA (2015), Annual Report 2014 . Viewed at: http://www.fea.com.fj/wp-
content/uploads/2015/09/FEA-Annual-Report-2014.pdf . 
27 Estimated at F$1.5 billion according to Fiji's Power Development Plan (2010-2020). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 64 - 
 
  licensing electricians; and testing imported electrical appliances and fittings. The Government is 
considering options to transfer FEA's regulatory functions to a new multisector regulator; this transfer is likely to be effected through legislativ e changes. The Ministry of Public Enterprises is 
processing expressions of interest received in  June 2015 for the partial divestment of FEA.  
4.46.  FEA purchases electricity from IPPs on the basis of wholesale tariff agreements, approved 
by the Commerce Commission and subject to review  by the Cabinet. Currently, the Fiji Sugar 
Corporation and Tropik Wood Industries Limited are the only two IPPs supplying electricity to FEA. 
The minimum feed-in tariff for FEA's purchases of electricity from IPPs was F 25.65 cents per unit 
in 2013; it was raised to 33.08 cents per unit in May 2014 by the Commerce Commission.  
4.47.  Retail tariffs are charged for electricity used by each consumer category (domestic, 
commercial, industrial, institutional and street light), with subsidies granted to small domestic 
consumers and schools. The Commerce Commission is responsible for approving the tariff rates 
proposed by FEA. Given that tari ffs are fixed according to governme nt policy, they have not always 
been set at cost-recovery levels, thus affecting FEA's financial position. FEA's funding comes from 
state budget allocations and operational revenues; its debts are guaranteed by the Government. 
4.48.  Between 2010 and 2012, electricity tariffs were increased a few times to make them more 
cost reflective. As FEA's returns increased due to additional generation capacity (40 MV) from the 
Nadarivatu Hydro Scheme commissioned in September 2012, tariffs were reduced by 5% across 
all user categories on 1 January 2013.
28 At the same time, a subsidy (17.64 cents per unit) was 
granted to all domestic customers using up to 75 kWh per month; this threshold was increased to 85 kWh in 2015. Because of abundant use of hydropower, Fiji's electricity tariffs are among the 
lowest in the Pacific region. 
4.49.   FEA's internal restructuring measures aimed at improving efficiency, its control of 
operational expenditure, and the returns derived from the new Nadarivatu Hydro Project allowed 
the company to improve its finances and record a financial profit of F$32.5 million after tax in 
2013.
29 However, in 2014 the company saw a significant reduction in its financial profit to 
F$0.97 million due mainly to high fuel costs.30   
4.50.  Fiji grants tax incentives in order to pr omote the development of renewable energy sources. 
A five-year tax holiday is available to businesses undertaking a new activity in renewable energy and cogeneration power projects. Imports of rene wable energy equipment (solar, hydro, biomass, 
biogas, wind, geothermal, solar heaters, solar wate r pumps, etc.) are duty free for five years. In 
addition, energy efficient equipment (e.g. energy saving lights, bicycles and other electrical 
appliances and materials) can also be imported duty free for a five-year period.
31  
4.51.  There are no minimum investment requirements for foreign investors in the energy sector 
pursuant to the 2009 Foreign Investment Regulations and the Foreign Investment (Amendment) 
Regulations 2013.  
4.3.2  Hydrocarbons32 
4.52.  Fiji relies on imported petroleum products to meet nearly half of its energy requirements. 
Increasing domestic consumption of these products and their high price volatility are a concern, hence one of the Government's priorities in this sector is to reduce the volume and cost of imported petroleum products. In 2014, Fiji imported fuels for US$787.7 million (up from 
US$369.4 million in 2009), representing 24% of the co untry's import bill. The transport sector is 
the main consumer of imported fuels, accountin g for more than 60% of Fiji's total petroleum 
consumption. 
                                               
28 Fiji Commerce Commission (2012), Final Determination on Electricity Tariffs , FEA, December. Viewed 
at: http://www.commcomm.gov.fj/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/final-Determination-for-FEA.pdf .  
29 FEA, Annual Report 2013 . Viewed at: http://www.fea.com.fj/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/FEA-
Annual-Report-2013.pdf . 
30 Faced with a prolonged dry spell in 2014, FEA had to scale down its hydro operations and increase its 
diesel generation to meet demand, whic h resulted in an all-time high fuel  cost of F$180 million. The reduction 
in profit was also due to the increase in the IPP's feed-in tariff in May 2014. FEA (2015).      
31 Investment Fiji online information. Viewed at http://www.invest mentfiji.org.fj/ . 
32 This subsection draws mostly on Economic Consulting Associates (2013). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  4.53.  Fuel and other petroleum products are supplied by three major international oil companies, 
each owning their own storage facilities in Fiji : Mobil Oil, Total Oil and British Petroleum (BP). 
Supply is provided by medium-range tankers fr om refineries in Australia, New Zealand and 
Singapore. About half of imports are consumed and distributed at wholesale and retail levels in 
Fiji, while the rest is re-exported to other Paci fic Island countries. In 2014, Fiji re-exported 
US$344.6 million of fuels. 
4.54.  The main imported fuels are diesel, aviation fuel, and gasoline (motor spirit). Fiji also 
imports kerosene, heavy fuel oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). LPG is used mainly for 
cooking, but some land transport vehicles also use it as fuel (2%). LPG is imported from New Zealand and distributed by two companies: Fiji Gas and Bluegas. 
4.55.  Retail fuel prices are regulated by the Commerce Commission on the basis of quarterly 
proposals submitted by the oil companies taking into account the cost of supply plus a return on 
investment. Prices vary by geographical area. Larg e users, such as FEA, purchase their petroleum 
through negotiated bulk arrangements with importers. 
4.56.  There have been attempts to cut back on petroleum imports through the use of locally 
produced biofuels. Under Fiji's Biofuel Programme diesel standards have been modified to allow 
diesel to be blended with biodiesel (maximum 5%). Likewise, new standards allow for gasoline to 
be mixed with ethanol (maximum 10%). Currently such standards are voluntary, since insufficient 
biofuel production prevents mandatory application.  The production of coconut oil to be blended 
with diesel as a fuel substitute for vehicles and the production of ethanol from sugar molasses have also been encouraged.
33  
4.57.  Several tax incentives are granted to promote biofuel production. A ten-year tax holiday is 
provided to businesses undertaking a new activity in processing agricultural commodities into biofuels from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2026 , provided the businesses invest a minimum of 
F$1,000,000 and hire at least 20 local employees for every income year. Other incentives include: 
duty-free importation of plant, machinery and equipment for the initial establishment of a factory as well as duty-free importation of chemical products required for biofuel production.    
4.58.  An ad valorem  5% import duty applies to crude oil, kerosene and aviation turbine fuel. 
Specific duties apply to imports of gasoline (44 cents/litre), automotive diesel oil (18 cents/litre), industrial diesel oil (18 cents/litre) and residual fuel oil (10 cents/litre).  
4.59.  During the 1970s and 1980s, petroleum exploration was carried out in Fiji and reserves 
were estimated at 1 billion barrels per oil bearing structure. No further exploration has been 
undertaken since then. In 2007, the Cabinet decided to place a moratorium on the issuance of any 
exploration licences until an Offshore Minerals Policy was formulated and adopted; accordingly, no 
licences have been issued.
34    
4.4  Manufacturing 4.4.1  Overview and policy objectives 
4.60.  The contribution of manufacturing to Fiji's GDP averaged 14% during the review period. The 
sector accounts for almost a quarter of the total value of merchandise exports and provides around 28,000 direct jobs. The main manufacturing activities are food processing (mainly sugar, fish and meat, and more recently biscuits), tobacco and beverages (mostly mineral water), textiles and 
clothing, chemicals and wood-based products.  
4.61.  Within its policy of import substitution, the Government's objectives are to expand 
manufacturing activities and value addition, particularly through the production of items that are 
heavily imported but can be produced or grown locally.
35 T o  t h i s  e n d ,  F i j i  g r a n t s  g e n e r o u s  t a x  
incentives (tax holidays, duty exemptions and other tax concessions) as well as concessionary 
                                               
33 In addition to these efforts, the authorities have indicated that improvements to the road network 
(both highways and rural roads) have resulted in le ss fuel usage as travel times have been reduced. 
34 For a description of Fiji's licensing scheme for petroleum and gas exploration see WTO (2009). 
35 Investment Fiji, online information. Viewed at: http://www.investmentfiji .org.fj/pages.cfm/for-
investors/sector-industry-profiles/manufacturing-industry.html . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 66 - 
 
  credit to promote investment and exports in ma nufacturing industries (section 3.3.1). Some 
incentives are conditional upon the use of local materials. For example, in order to qualify for tax concessions, an investment in food processing or forestry must utilize 50% of local produce in the production process.  
4.62.  Since 2009, the Government has put in place the "Fijian Made and Buy Fijian Campaign" to 
promote and raise the profile of Fijian made good s and produce in the domestic and international 
markets through a national branding strategy. Un der the Industry Emblem  Decree and Regulations 
2011, several brand categories, each subject to specific compliance criteria, are established: 
"Fijian Made", "Fijian Product", "Fijian Packed", "Fijian Crafted", "Fijian Grown", "Fijian Assembled", "Fijian Designed" and "Fijian Sewn". The Government also seeks to promote SMEs that manufacture niche products in the cosmetic and health sectors, such as coconut virgin oil and 
honey.  
4.63.  In general, the manufacturing sector is open to foreign investment. However, in the tobacco 
industry, in addition to local content, a minimum investment requirement applies. Pursuant to the 
2009 Foreign Investment Regulations and Foreign Investment (Amendment) Regulation 2013, a 
foreign investor must use at least 75% (up from 50% in 2009) locally grown and processed tobacco in all domestic cigarette production and must have at least F$500,000 in owner's 
contribution, or paid-up capital for companies, in the form of cash from the operational date, to be 
fully brought into Fiji within the implementation period. 
4.64.  Fiji's average applied MFN tariff on manufacturing products (ISIC 3 definition) is 11.5% 
(12.5% taking into account AVEs based on 2013 pr ices), with tariffs ranging between zero and 
32% (section 3.1.4). 
4.4.2  The textile and clothing industry 4.65.  The textiles and clothing industry has traditionally been one of the major manufacturing 
sectors in Fiji. Predominantly export-oriented and heavily reliant on preferential market access, the 
industry declined in the 2000s due to a number of factors, including the reduction of tariff preferences margins in the Australian and New Zealand markets; the end of the quota system 
under the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing and the full integration of textiles into the WTO; and 
increased competition in the US market from Sub-Saharan African countries under the AGOA scheme, as well as from low-cost Asian countries.  
4.66.  The industry has, nevertheless, maintained its position as an important contributor to the 
Fijian economy and trade. From 2009 to 2014, it contributed on average 1.2% to GDP and 
currently employs some 7,000 workers. Fijian clothing exports actually increased from 
US$50.5 million in 2009 to US$71.1 million in 2014, although their relative share in total 
merchandise exports declined from 7.1% to 4.5%. Australia remains the most important market, 
accounting for about 85% of total Fijian exports of  textiles and clothing; followed by New Zealand 
and other Pacific Islands. 
4.67.  Recently, Fijian exports of textiles and clothing have been boosted by improved access 
conditions to the Australian market with the implementation of Australia's Developing Country (DC) Preferences effective from 1 January 2015. The DC Preferences replaced the South Pacific 
Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement–Textile, Clothing and Footwear Scheme 
(SPARTECA-TFC), providing for easier and more flexible origin requirements for duty-free entry to 
the Australian market. Under the new scheme, Fijian exporters are allowed to source raw materials from more efficient and cost-effective sources outs ide the Pacific region and then transform them 
into finished garments for duty-free export to Australia. The new scheme includes wool products, a 
long-standing request from Fiji.
36  
4.68.  Over the past few years, the Government has supported the textile and clothing industry 
through marketing grants to the tune of F$100,000 a year under the National Export Strategy. The 
grants aim at improving the industry's image in overseas markets and supporting its participation in trade fairs.  
                                               
36 WTO (2009).  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 67 - 
 
  4.69.  According to industry representatives, improved market access conditions under the DC and 
the Government's marketing grants have contribute d to the sector's steady growth over the last 
two years, the expansion of investment and the creation of new jobs. Reportedly, most factories have employed additional workers (with a ge neral increase of 1,500 jobs from 2014 to 2015), 
some companies have announced major expansion plans over the next two years, and a few new 
factories are expected to start operations in 2016.   
4.70.   Imports of textiles and clothing command relatively high tariffs: the average applied MFN 
tariff on textiles is 8.4% (8.5% including AVEs) and 30.6% on clothing (with tariffs ranging from 
5% to 32%).    
4.4.3  Food processing 4.71.  Within the food processing sector, the most important activity remains the sugar industry. It 
contributes about 2% to GDP, provides the livelihood, directly or indirectly, for about a quarter of 
the population, and accounts for 8% of total merchandise exports (2014). The industry has faced major challenges causing its decline in past year s, however, measures taken by the Government 
to restructure the sugar sector and increase productivity are gradually yielding results and helping 
the industry recover (section 4.1.4). Other important food industries are fish processing and confectionary. In particular, biscuit pr oduction is an emerging industry.  
4.4.4  Beverages 
4.72.  During the review period, the local beverage s industry continued to grow, mainly driven by 
the expanding production of bottled mineral water. This is mostly destined for exports (98%), which have surged in recent years benefiting from the popularity of the "Fiji water" brand. Fijian 
exports of bottled mineral water more th an doubled from US$41.1 million in 2009 to 
US$98.6 million in 2014, and accounted for over 8% of the total value of merchandise exports that 
year.
37 The outstanding performance of mineral water exports has attracted new investments in 
bottling plants. The sector is expected to further grow as a number of international companies 
have applied for rights to explore for underground water resources.  
4.73.  In 2010, the Government introduced an ex traction tax on bottled water in a move to 
increase the benefits to the Fijian population from the exploitation of national aquifer resources. 
An international company (Natural Waters of Viti Ltd.) is responsible for most exports of bottled 
water from Fiji. 
4.5  Services 
4.5.1  Main features and GATS commitments 
4.74.  The services sector remains the most important contributor to the Fijian economy, 
accounting for over two-thirds of GDP in 2014. The main services subsectors are: wholesale, retail 
and repair, financial and insurance activities, accommodation and food services, transport and 
storage, and information and communication (Tab le 4.2). During the review period, the most 
dynamic subsector was transport and storage. The se rvices sector, led by the tourism industry, is 
a net foreign exchange earner. Services exports accounted for 51.4% of Fiji's total exports (of 
goods and services) in 2014.  
Table 4.2 Fiji's services indicators, 2009-2014  
  2009  2010  2011  2012 2013  2014a 
Services (% of current GDP) 68.4 68.1 66.8 66.3 66.4 66.2 
    Wholesale and retail and repair of motor vehicles and 
    motor cycles 12.7 12.7 12.3 12.4 12.4 12.2 
    Transport and storage 4.8 5.9 6.3 6.7 7.0 7.0 
    Accommodation and food service activities 5.4 6.4 6.8 7.0 7.2 7.2 
    Information and communication 7.6 6.9 6.4 6.4 6.3 6.4 
    Financial and insurance activities 11.8 11.4 11.1 10.3 10.7 10.7 
    Real estate activities 5.8 5.6 5.3 5.1 4.8 4.7 
    Professional, scientific and technical activities 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.1 2.1 
                                               
37 Fiji Bureau of Statistics online information. Viewed at http://www.stat sfiji.gov.fj/ . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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    2009  2010  2011  2012 2013  2014a 
    Administrative and support services 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.1 
    Public administration and defence; compulsory social 
    security 6.6 5.9 5.7 5.7 5.6 5.6 
    Education 4.8 4.6 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.3 
    Human health and social work activities 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 
    Arts, entertainment and recreation activities 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 
    Other service activities 2.3 2.2 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.8 
Services (% growth rate, constant 2008 GDP) -0.8 2.9 2.0 1.7 4.9 4.3 
    Wholesale and retail and repair of motor vehicles and 
    motor cycles -5.6 1.0 -0.6 1.8 3.2 3.2 
    Transport and storage -18.7 22.2 6.7 7.0 10.1 4.6 
    Accommodation and food service activities -5.8 8.1 7.2 0.2 2.2 5.3 
    Information and communication 32.1 -2.9 1.6 4.0 5.4 6.2 
    Financial and insurance activities -6.0 1.7 3.8 -3.4 11.1 5.5 
    Real estate activities 1.0 1.6 0.6 1.1 0.7 1.7 
    Professional, scientific and technical activities 4.3 4.8 8.4 7.2 1.1 3.9 
    Administrative and support services -1.3 8.8 4.3 7.3 0.4 3.2 
    Public administration and defence; compulsory social 
    security 5.3 -2.8 -5.6 5.6 4.9 4.3 
    Education -3.7 3.4 3.2 0.4 3.8 4.3 
    Human health and social work activities 5.3 5.1 0.8 -2.8 -1.5 4.1 
    Arts, entertainment and recreation activities 10.4 5.3 0.4 3.2 3.3 1.8 
   Other service activities 1.1 -2.9 0.4 -1.7 0.4 1.5 
Services exports/total good s and services exports (%) 56.7 54.6 52.4 50.2 52.1 51.4 
Services imports/total goods and services imports (%) 27.2 22.4 22.0 22.5 20.8 21.4 
a Provisional. 
Source: Fiji Bureau of Statistics online  information; IMF, BOP Statistics on line information; and data provided 
by the authorities. 
4.75.  The scope of Fiji's specific commitments under the GATS is very limited, covering only 
hotels, motels, other tourist accommodation (CPC641) and restaurants (CPC642).38 For these two 
subsectors, Fiji lodged no limitations on market access and national treatment in modes 1, 2 and 3, except for the requirements of normal govern ment approval and registration for all foreign 
investors. Regarding mode 4, in the case of hotels and other accommodation, entry is limited to 
top management and skilled employees where these are unavailable locally. Skilled employees are 
allowed entry for three years and extension is subject to applicable immigration requirements. Fiji 
did not inscribe any MFN exemptions in its schedule. Information about Fiji's applied services 
regime seems to indicate that the sector has undergone important reforms and is considerably more open now than it was at the time Fiji adopted its schedule of commitments.
39    
4.5.2  Financial services  
4.76.  Fiji has a stable financial sector, which is one of the most developed among the Pacific 
Island countries. It accounted, on average, fo r 11% of GDP during the reviewed years. The 
financial system's gross assets expanded from F$ 10.3 billion in 2009 to F$14.4 billion in 2014 
(Table 4.3).40 The banking industry dominates the financial sector with 50.6% of gross assets, 
followed by the Fiji National Provident Fund (33.6%) and the insurance sector (9.3%). 
                                               
38 WTO document GATS/SC/32, 15 April 1994. 
39 WTO online information, I-TIP Services database. Viewed at: 
http://i-tip.wto.org/services/(S(0o1fb4oe40m0n4yhgx2oxmhd))/SearchResult.aspx . 
40 Reserve Bank of Fiji, Annual Report 2013  and Annual Report 2014 . Viewed at: 
http://www.rbf.gov.fj/getattachment/Publications-(1)/Reserve-Bank-Annual-Reports/RBF-Annual-Report-
2013.pdf.aspx , and http://www.rbf.gov.fj/getattachment/ Publications-(1)/Reserve-Bank-Annual-
Reports/2014.pdf.aspx . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Table 4.3 Gross assets of Fiji 's financial system, 2009-14 
(F$ million) 
 2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014a 
Regulated financial entities       
Commercial banks 4,452 4,514 4,954 5,389 6,222 7,281 
Credit institutions 372 418 448 506 546 252 
Insurance companies 921 940 1,044 1,212 1,307 1,344 
Fiji National Providence Fund (FNPF) 3,841 3,928 4,077 4,235 4,521 4,846 
Insurance brokers 31 34 34 41 62 55 
Total 9,617 9,834 10,557 11,383 12,658 13,778 
Non-regulated financial entities       
NBFIsb 690 692 621 635 648 622 
Total 690 692 621 635 648 622 
Total financial systemc 10,307 10,526 11,178 12,018 13,306 14,400 
a Preliminary. 
b Non-banking financial institutions: includes Fiji Development Bank, Housing Authority, Asset 
Management Bank (from 2010), and microfinance institutions governed under different legislation. 
c Excludes Reserve Bank of Fiji. 
Source: Reserve Bank of Fiji, Annual Report 2014 . Viewed at: 
http://www.rbf.gov.fj/getattachment/Publications-(1)/Reserve-Bank-Annual-Reports/2014.pdf.aspx . 
4.77.  The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), under  the RBF Act (1983) and the RBF (Amendment) 
Decree 2009 is responsible for promoting a safe and sound financial system by regulating and 
supervising financial institutions and market players. Regulated financial institutions comprise banks, credit institutions, insurance companies and intermediaries, foreign exchange dealers and 
money changers, the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPSE) 
and capital market intermediaries (Table 4.4). Under sector-specific legislation
41, the RBF is 
empowered to issue licences, regulations, prudential guidelines and directives as well as to conduct on- and off-site examinations of all regulated institutions.  
4.78.  Since 2009, the RBF has reviewed and issu ed a number of supervision policy statements, 
prudential standards and guidelines aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework of the 
financial sector, and aligning it with international best practices.
42 The central bank is currently 
working on the review of the Reserve Bank of  Fiji Act (1983) and the RBF (Amendment) Decree 
2009, the Insurance Act (1998) and the Capital Markets Decree (2009). In addition, the RBF is currently drafting a Financial Sector Development Plan for 2015-2025 in consultation with relevant 
stakeholders.  
Table 4.4 Licensed financial entities (i ncluding branches and agencies), 2009-14 
 2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Commercial banksa 5 5 4 5 5 6 
- Branches 63 63 63 60 64 71 
- Agencies and agent banking 57 51 43 38 110 104 
- ATMs 164 202 212 226 259 280 
- EFTPOS (Electronic Transfer at Point of 
Sale) 1,785 1,896 2,937 3,639 4,907 5,340 
Credit institutions 3 3 3 3 3 3 
- Branches 12 13 14 15 17 13 
- Agencies 0 0 0 2 1 0 
Life insurance companies 2 2 2 2 2 2 
General insurance companiesb 8 8 8 8 7 7 
Insurance brokers 4 4 4 4 4 4 
Insurance agentsc 320 329 357 312 334 356 
Foreign exchange dealers 7 8 8 8 8 9 
Money changers 3 3 3 2 2 2 
Securities exchange 1 1 1 1 1 1 
Unit trusts 2 2 2 2 2 2 
Property trusts 1 1 1 0 0 0 
Investment advisors 11 10 11 11 11 11 
                                               
41 Banking Act (1995), Insurance Act (1998), Insuranc e (Amendment) Act (2003), Exchange Control Act 
(Rev. 1985), Capital Markets Decree (2009), FNPF Decree (2011), and Companies Act (2015). 
42 Policies and guidelines can be found at http://www.rbf.gov.fj/Regulat ory-Framework/Prudential-
Standards-and-Guidelines . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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   2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Stock brokers 3 3 3 3 3 3 
Dealers 2 3 3 3 3 3 
Managed fund representatives 7 7 9 11 12 12 
Stock broker representatives 10 16 18 16 14 15 
Investment advisor representatives 15 20 22 21 19 19 
a Assets Management Bank (AMB) is excluded from 2010, when it was under the controllership of the 
RBF. It is currently being wound up. 
b Includes FAI Insurance (Fiji) Limited until 2012. 
c An agent may hold more than one licence to sell  various classes of insura nce in a calendar year. 
Source: Reserve Bank of Fiji. 
4.5.2.1  Banking 
4.79.  There are six commercial banks operating in Fiji (five in 2009); four of them operate as 
foreign branches of their parent companies (two from Australia, and one each from India and 
Papua New Guinea), one is a subsidiary of a Fr ench bank, and the other is Fijian-owned. The 
Government withdrew from the commercial banking sector after it sold its 49% stake in Colonial National Bank to an Australian financial serv ices group in 2006. In 2014, Cabinet approved the 
winding up of the National Bank of Fiji's Asset Management Bank (AMB) and the conclusion of its 
controllership by the RBF via an Executive Order.
43 
4.80.  Total assets of the banking system expa nded during the review period, amounting to 
F$7.3 billion in 2014 (up from F$4.4 billion in 2009); two banks account for some 65% of total 
bank assets. The banking industry is sound and profitable, and liquidity levels remain high. The 
capital adequacy ratio of the industry was 13. 9% in 2014. The quality of banks' assets is 
satisfactory, with classified exposures representing  1.6% of the industry's gross loans in 2014 and 
provisions covering 65.4% of classified exposures.44 
4.81.  Bank credit experienced broad-based growth ov er the review period, in particular in the last 
two years. Gross loans increased by 15.8% in 2013 and 27% in 2014, amounting to F$5.1 billion. 
Total deposits also saw an important increase (13. 9%), reaching a record high of F$6 billion in 
2014. Interest rate margins on savings and deposits have shown a declining trend since 2010, 
supported by high liquidity as well as competition and improvements in efficiency in the banking industry. The interest spread for banks was 4% in 2014 (compared to 5.4% in 2009). Since 
March 2012, commercial banks have been required to hold 4% of their deposits and similar 
liabilities in loans to agricultural, forestry and fisheries activities and 2% in loans to the renewable energy sector. 
4.82.  Under the current legislation, foreign banks may operate in Fiji as branches or subsidiaries 
or by acquiring a domestic bank. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of equity shares. The RBF's bank licensing requirements do not di fferentiate between domestic and foreign banks.
45 
All banks, including foreign branches, must have  a minimum capital of F$2 million and a minimum 
risk weighted capital (Tier I and Tier II) adequacy ratio of 12% (increased from 8% in 
May 2010).46 Banks are also subject to minimum information disclosure requirements. 
4.83.  Only commercial banks and credit institut ions are allowed to accept deposits from the 
public. There are no restrictions on the type of products offered by commercial banks incorporated 
in Fiji to residents in Fiji. Lending offshore is prohibited unless RBF approval is obtained.47 The 
provision of cross-border banking services to reside nts in Fiji also requires approval from the RBF. 
                                               
43 The state-owned National Bank of Fiji was bailed out by the Government in 1998. 
44 Reserve Bank of Fiji (2015), Annual Report 2014 . Viewed at: 
http://www.rbf.gov.fj/getattachment/Publications-(1)/Reserve-Bank-Annual-Reports/2014.pdf.aspx . 
45 Requirements for a banking licence are available at: http://www.rbf.gov.fj/getattachment/Left-
Menu/Regulatory-Framework/Prudential-Standards-a nd-Guidelines/Licensing- Checklists/Checklist-of-
Requirements-for-Application-for-a-Licence-to-Conduct-Banking-Business-in-Fiji.pdf.aspx . 
46 Credit institutions are required to maintain a mi nimum capital adequacy rati o of 15% (up from 12%).   
47 Exchange Control Guidelines, section on Offsho re Investment online in formation. Viewed at: 
http://www.rbf.gov.fj /.  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  4.84.  During the review period, the RBF conti nued strengthening the prudential framework for 
banks and credit institutions. It reviewed and developed several policy statements and guidelines, including some intended to increase transparency and accountability of licensed financial institutions (LFI). The main banking policies issued since 2009 were: Policy Guideline on 
Complaints Management (2009); Minimum Requirements for the Management of Operational Risk 
for LFIs (2010); Interest Spread Disclosure Requirements for Banks (2010); Minimum Requirements for Appointing Heads of LFIs (2010); Accountability and Disclosure Guidelines on 
Interest Rates and Fees and Charges for Lice nsed Banks (Revised 2011); Accountability and 
Disclosure Guidelines on Interest Rates and Fees and Charges for Licensed Credit Institutions (Revised 2012); Agent Banking Guidelines (2013 ); Minimum Requirements for the Management of 
Market Risk (2014); and Minimum Requirements for the Management of Money Laundering and 
Terrorist Financing Risk (Revised 2014).   
4.85.  In addition to the above regulatory develo pments, as part of its supervisory functions, the 
RBF conducted a number of on- and off-site examin ations of LFIs during the review period to 
check compliance with regulatory and prudential requirements.     
4.5.2.2  Insurance 4.86.  The insurance sector includes life and general insurance companies, brokers and agents. 
There are seven general insurers: two are Fijian-owned
48, four are locally incorporated subsidiaries 
of foreign parent companies (two from Australia, one from New Zealand and one from Papua New Guinea), and one is a branch from an Indian insurance company.
49 Only two life insurers operate: 
one is a Fijian-incorporated subsidiary of a Papu a New Guinea company, and the other is a branch 
of an Indian insurer. There are four insurance br okers, of which only one is fully Fijian-owned. 
4.87.  Fiji's insurance industry is sound, with so lvency surpluses and adequate capital and liquidity 
levels. In 2013, total assets of the insurance industry amounted to F$1.3 billion (of which 73.3% 
were held by the life insurance companies). The industry's combined gross premium income was 
F$288.7 million, equivalent to 3.9% of GDP (201 3). General insurance accounts for 55.5% of gross 
premiums.50 
4.88.  The RBF regulates and supervises the insu rance industry under the Insurance Act 1998, the 
Insurance Regulations 1998, and the RBF (Amendment) Decree 2009, with the aim of ensuring the financial soundness of the industry and indivi dual entities, and protecting policyholders. 
4.89.  The Insurance Act 1998 requires all industry participants (i.e. insurers, insurance brokers 
and agents) to be licensed by the RBF. Licences are valid for 12 months and subject to yearly 
renewals upon payment of fees. In 2013, new, higher fees were approved; the current fee for an insurance company licence is F$15,000 (up from F$3,000). Licensing requirements do not 
distinguish between local and foreign companies. New applicants must provide economic 
justification for their entrance into the market and meet other prescribed criteria.  
4.90.  A licensed insurance company may only conduct the type of insurance business (life or 
general) for which it has obtained a licence. An insurer can however provide life and general 
insurance if it obtains separate licences for each of these services through two separate companies. Insurance companies licensed to carry out any class of insurance business are not allowed to also engage in banking and other financial services.  
4.91.  Under the Insurance Act 1998, the RBF may issue a licence to conduct insurance business to 
a company incorporated in Fiji or a company incorp orated abroad that is registered under Fiji's 
Companies Act, provided that it satisfies all the prescribed criteria.
51 There are no limits on foreign 
ownership of equity shares. An applicant must meet the solvency requirements established in 
                                               
48 FAI Insurance Ltd. was wound up in 2012 under a special scheme approved by the RBF in 2001.  
49 See list of licensed institutions, including insurers at http://www.rbf.gov.fj/Left-Menu/Regulatory-
Framework/Licensed-Institutions.aspx . 
50 Reserve Bank of Fiji (2014), Insurance Annual Report 2013 . Viewed at: 
http://www.rbf.gov.fj/getattachment/Publications-(1 )/Insurance-Annual-Reports/RBF-Insurance-AR-2013-
compressed.pdf.aspx . 
51 Licensing requirements can be found at: http://www.rbf.gov.fj/getattachment/Left-Menu/Regulatory-
Framework/Prudential-Standards-and-Guidelines/Licensing-Checklists/2014Insurance-Companies.pdf.aspx . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Section 31 of the Insurance Act 1998 (Table 4.5).52 At the end of 2013, the insurance industry 
solvency surplus over the minimum required solvency margin was F$224.3 million (up from F$125.1 million in 2009).
53  
4.92.  General and life insurance companies incorporated in Fiji must also have at all times paid-up 
capital of at least F$1 million. In order to protect policyholders against unforeseen circumstances, 
licensed insurance companies must maintain a statutory deposit with a market value of not less than the surplus of their assets over liabilities or net adjustable assets required under Section 31 
of the Insurance Act 1998. 
Table 4.5 Minimum solvency requiremen ts for insurance companies, 2015 
 Paid-up capital Surplus of assets over liabilities 
  Whichever is the greater of: 
Life insurer F$1 million  F$1 million; or  
 The sum of 5% of the amount of ne t liabilities under life policies 
(in Fiji if the life insurer is incorporated outside Fiji) up to net 
liabilities of F$100 million plus 2.5% of the amount of net 
liabilities under life policies (in Fiji if the life insurer is 
incorporated outside Fiji) that exceed F$100 million. 
  Whichever is the greater of: 
General insurer F$1 million  F$1 million; or 
 20% of net premium income derived in Fiji in the last 12 months; 
or 
 15% of net claims outstanding provision. 
Source: Reserve Bank of Fiji. 
4.93.  Insurers are free to set insurance premiums and do not need regulatory approval to do so. 
4.94.  Offshore placement of insurance is in pr inciple prohibited, unless approved by the RBF and 
subject to certain minimum requirements. These are established in Section 17 of the Insurance Act 1998 and further guidelines are provided in the In surance Supervision Policy Statement No. 2, as 
revised in 2009.
54 Essentially, to obtain approval an applicant must demonstrate that no locally 
licensed insurer provides the service or, if so, that it is in the "public interest" that the application be allowed, or that the local premium is more than 15% of the offshore premium (excluding 
overseas insurance tax). Applicable taxes on offshore insurance placements include a non-resident 
withholding tax (NRWT) at a rate of 15%
55 and a stamp duty (depending on the class of insurance 
rates vary between 5% and 15%). A fire service levy of 0.06% on the sum insured also applies to specific insurance classes. In 2014, the RBF appr oved a total of 1,139 applications valued at 
F$32.5 million for offshore placements.
56 
4.95.  Insurers are required to have in place at all times reinsurance arrangements for risks 
insured in conducting their business in Fiji. There are no reinsurance companies established in Fiji, 
therefore all locally registered insurance compan ies must obtain reinsurance from overseas. No 
restrictions apply on contracting reinsurance policies abroad, provided the requirements of the RBF are met. Parent companies incorporated overseas normally make sure that the reinsurance policies 
of their subsidiaries in Fiji comply with RBF's requirements. 
4.96.  The RBF has developed a body of insurance supervision policy statements and guidelines to 
regulate the industry.
57 During the review period, it developed new policies concerning: minimum 
requirements for risk management frameworks for licensed insurers (2010); guidelines on 
                                               
52 Further guidance on the calculation of solvency requirements is provided in the Insurance Supervision 
Policy Statements No. 3A (for life insurance) and No. 3B (for general insurance). Viewed at: http://www.rbf.gov.fj/docs/insurance_sup3a.pdf  and http://www.rbf.gov.fj/d ocs/insurance_sup3b.pdf . 
53 Reserve Bank of Fiji (2014).  
54 Insurance Supervision Policy Statement No. 2, Offs hore Placement of Insurance Business. Viewed at: 
http://www.rbf.gov.fj/docs2/RBF%20Insurance% 20Policy%20No%202%20Revised%20Policy%20on%20Offsh
ore%20Placement%20of%20Insur ance%20Business%20%282%29.pdf . 
55 Offshore insurance placements made through a li censed broker attract a NRWT of 3%, which is 
derived by calculating 15% (t he normal NRWT rate) of 20% (the company tax rate). 
56 Reserve Bank of Fiji (2015). 
57 These can be found at: http://www.rbf.gov.fj/Regulatory-F ramework/Prudentia l-Standards-and-
Guidelines/Insurance-Policy-and-Supervision.aspx . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 73 - 
 
  complaints management (2010); the role of actuaries (2011), disclosure requirements (2011); and 
requirements for the appointment and supe rvision of insurance agents (2013).   
4.97.  In 2013, the Reserve Bank completed the review of the Insurance Act 1998 and submitted 
the proposed amendments to the Solicitor General's Office for approval. The RBF has also revised 
the Minimum Solvency Requirements for Life an d General Insurers, which are currently under 
consultation with the industry. In addition, the Reserve Bank continued its compliance monitoring 
functions through off-site supervision and on-site examinations.  
4.5.2.3  Capital market 
4.98.  The domestic capital market remains small and underdeveloped. It consists mainly of the 
stock exchange, two unit trusts, eleven invest ment advisors, three stockbrokers and three 
dealers.58 Fijian Government debt instruments account for more than 80% of the value of bonds 
issued.  
4.99.  The South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPSE) is th e only licensed securities exchange in Fiji. At 
the end of 2014, there were 17 companies listed on the SPSE, with a market capitalization of 
F$907.2 million, exceeding the 2009 level. The top fi ve listed securities made up 81% of the stock 
market, with Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited (ATH) alone accounting for 45%.59 Overseas 
companies wanting to be listed on the SPSE must be listed on a recognized foreign stock 
exchange60; establish a Fiji share register and maintain a percentage of shares ascertained by the 
SPSE in the register; meet all the requirements under the listing rules61; and obtain approval from 
the RBF. Trading in securities is regulated by the SPSE Business Rules 2000. Securities traded 
include listed company shares; government bonds; statutory authority bonds; treasury bills; 
statutory authority promissory notes; Reserve Bank notes; and tradable term deposits. There are 
no derivatives or futures markets.   
4.100.  During the period under review, the sector was governed by the Capital Markets Decree 
2009, which put an end to the operations of the Capital Markets Development Authority and 
transferred the responsibility for regulating the dome stic capital market to the Reserve Bank of Fiji 
(repealing thereby the Capital Markets Developm ent Authority Act 1996 and the Capital Markets 
Development Authority Rules 1997). Under the Capital Markets Decree 2009, licences were 
renewed for five categories of market particip ants: the SPSE, unit trusts, investment advisors, 
brokers, dealers and their representatives. The Capital Markets Decree 2009, as well as the Unit 
Trust Act 1997, was subsequently repealed by the new Companies Act 2015, which contains 
provisions regulating the securities industries.  
4.101.  Since its was entrusted with the responsib ility for overseeing the capital markets industry, 
the Reserve Bank has developed a number of su pervision policy statements and guidelines 
including on the role of external auditors in the supervision of licensed persons (2010); complaints 
management (2010); requirements for capital raising through issue of debt securities (2011); requirements for capital raising through issue of equity securities (2011); fit and proper 
requirements for market participants (2011); preparation of a managed investment schemes 
prospectus (2011); trustee requirements for managed investment schemes (2011); and an asset investment management policy (2011).  
4.102.  The Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) is the country's public pension fund, operating 
under the supervision of the Reserve Bank. Th e FNPF has systemic importance due to the 
magnitude of its holdings and its capacity to mobilize domestic savings. By end-2014, the Fund's assets were valued at F$4.8 billion, accounting for a third of the entire financial sector's assets. 
Investments represent almost 90% of the Fund's assets base, and government securities account 
for nearly 77% of its portfolio of investments.
62  
                                               
58 Information provided by the Fijian authorities. 
59 Reserve Bank of Fiji (2015). 
60 An application from a foreign company not listed in any exchange may be considered if it meets all 
the requirements and its admission is approved by the RBF and any other relevant authorities. 
61 Listing rules are available at: http://www.spse.com.fj/Listing-On-The-SPSE/SPSE-Listing-Rules.aspx . 
62 Reserve Bank of Fiji (2015). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 74 - 
 
  4.103.  In past years, the FNPF experienced a sizable actuarial imbalance because its annuity 
pay-out rates had been fixed too high. In April 2010, a reform plan was put in place to address this imbalance and put the FNPF on a financiall y sustainable path. Proposed reforms included 
reducing the pension rate (from 15% to 10% pe r annum), rehabilitating some non-performing 
assets, diversifying the Fund's investments, and updating legislation. As a result, a new 
aged-based pension rate was put in place in March 2012; the Fiji National Provident Fund Decree was issued in 2011 ; and portfolio investments were made in the real estate and tourism sectors. 
Having received authorization from the RBF to in vest F$150 million in foreign markets, the Fund 
has started to make overseas investments and is advocating for approval to invest up to 20% of its assets abroad in the long term.
63 The Reserve Bank monitors closely the implementation of the 
FNPF reform plan and has undertaken consultations on the draft of a new Pensions Savings Act, 
which would grant it more specific powers to supervise the superannuation industry.   
4.5.3  Telecommunications 4.104.  Among the Pacific Island countries, Fiji has a relatively more developed and reliable 
telecommunication system with access to the Southern Cross submarine cable, which links it to 
Australia, New Zealand and North America and positions it as a potential regional telecom hub. During the review period, mobile telephony and mobile broadband services showed substantial 
expansion with penetration rates reaching 101.1 and 53.5 per 100 inhabitants respectively in 
2013, while the fixed-line telephone and broadband market saw important reductions in line with 
global trends (Table 4.6). Legislative and policy changes introduced by the Government, including 
the launching of a National Broadband Plan (2011 ), as well as technology upgrades, have made 
mobile telecommunications more affordable and available to a larger portion of the population. 
Moreover, as a result of increased mobile broadband availability and the introduction of tele-centres providing free access, internet penetration rose threefold during the review period. 
According to the ICT Development Index (IDI) pub lished by the ITU, Fiji was one of the most 
dynamic countries in 2013, increasing its position in the IDI by 12 ranks to 91, due to the significant increase in wireless broadband penetration.
64 Nonetheless, some remote islands and 
inland rural areas still lack broadband connection. 
Table 4.6 Fiji telecommunication indicators, 2008 and 2013 
 2008 2013 
Fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants 15.3 8.5 
Mobile-cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants 71.1 101.1 
Fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions per 100 1.5 1.2 
Mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants 0.9 53.5 
Households with a computer (%) n.a. 34.2 
Households with Internet access at home (%) n.a. 26.7 
Individuals using the Internet (%) 13.0 37.1 
n.a. Not available. 
Source: ITU ICT-Eye. Viewed at: http://www.itu.int/icteye. 
4.105.  The structure of the domestic telecommunications market has seen some changes during 
the review period, with the state increasing and consolidating its presence through the group 
Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Ltd (ATH).65 Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL), a fully owned subsidiary 
of ATH, is the sole provider of domestic fixed-line telephone services and owns the entire fixed-line 
network. Fiji International Telecommunications (FINTEL) is the sole supplier of international voice 
and data transmission services and, until 2010, had exclusive access to the Southern Cross Cable; FINTEL is 100% owned by ATH.
66 There are two operators offering mobile telephony and internet 
services: Vodafone Fiji (100% owned by ATH)67, which holds about 75% of the mobile market; 
and Digicel, a private international telecom company which entered the Fijian market in 2008. In 
addition, there are three Internet service provider s (ISP) offering fixed Internet access: Connect, a 
                                               
63 ADB (2013), Re-invigorating Private Sector Investment. A Private Sector Assessment for Fiji . Viewed 
at: http://www.adb.org/documents/re-inv igorating-private-sector-investment-private-sector-assessment-fiji . 
64 ITU (2014), Measuring the Information Society Report  2014. Viewed at:  http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-
D/Statistics/Documents/publications/mis2014/MIS2014_without_Annex_4.pdf . 
65 ATH is itself a subsidiary of the Fiji National Pension Fund. 
66 ATH owned 51% of FINTEL and acquired the remaining 49% from Cable and Wireless in March 2012.  
67 Recently, the international Vodafone group sold its share in Vodafone Fiji.   WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  fully-owned subsidiary of TFL; Unwired, a priv ate locally-registered company; and Kidanet, a 
subsidiary of FINTEL.68 
4.106.  Since the deregulation of Fiji's telecom sector in 2008 (see below), prices for mobile and 
internet services have decreased. In fact, Fiji has one of the most affordable prices in the Pacific 
Island countries for both types of services. A 2013 study showed that Fiji was among the PICs with 
the cheapest deals for low-level mobile use and mobile data usage.69 The least expensive fixed 
broadband plan price was US$16.6 monthly (2013) and for mobile broadband F$0.004 per MB.70  
4.107.  Fiji's telecommunication sector was deregulated and opened to competition with the 
adoption of the Telecommunications Promulgation 2008 and the conclusion of the Radisson Accord, a settlement deed which ended (after a two-year transition period) the exclusivity arrangements enjoyed until then by three telecom operators, with different levels of state ownership.
71 The 
Telecommunications Promulgation 2008 established a separate regulator, the Telecommunications 
Authority of Fiji (TAF), tasked with, inter alia , issuing licences and technical standards, allocating 
radio spectrum and frequencies, providing poli cy advice and representing the Government 
internationally. TAF also issues permits for imports of telecommunications equipment.72 
4.108.  The Telecommunications (Licensing) Regulations 2012 replaced the previous licensing 
regime (2008). The WTO Secretariat could not obtain information about the requirements for 
obtaining telecommunications licences under the new regime. Residents of Fiji, firms incorporated 
under the Companies Act and Fijian government agencies or statutory bodies may apply for a telecommunications licence. Licences have a validity of between 12 and 15 years and can be renewed.  
4.109.  The Minister for Communications
73 is responsible for policy formulation and 
implementation, including in relation to legislation, fiscal incentives, investment promotion, rural 
development and other areas affected by teleco mmunications policy, and for the management of 
the national spectrum.74 The Minister is also in charge of promoting Fiji as a regional telecom hub, 
and discharges these responsibilities through the Department of Communications.75 In 
October 2011, the Government launched the National Broadband Policy establishing a roadmap for 
the further development and uptake of broadb and. Among the policy goals are providing all 
primary and secondary schools with broadband access by 2016, and eventually covering 95% of the population, and providing affordable broadband  service to users with a basic download speed 
of 256 kbps.
76 The Government is also working on a draft national ICT policy.  
4.110.  A universal service scheme, established by the Telecommunications Promulgation 2008, 
seeks to  provide all Fijians with access to telecommunication services on an equitable and 
affordable basis. Geographic areas where costs prevent the provision of services on a commercially 
viable basis must be declared as eligible for universal service benefits. The provision of universal 
services is tendered. Such services are funded fr om the Universal Service Fund to which licensed 
operators contribute by paying a licence fee of 1.5% of their annual gross revenue net of 
settlement charges paid to other licensees. 
                                               
68 In April 2013, FINTEL acquired the as sets and liabilities of its subsidiary Kidanet, and kept the brand.  
69 Hansen, S. (2013), "Mobile connectivity and afford ability in the Pacific: the 2013 update", Network 
Strategies, Telecommunication Stra tegies, April (presentation). Viewed at: https://www.itu.int/ITU-
D/asp/CMS/Events/2013/PacificForum/ITU-APT-S1_Suell a_Hansen.pdf (no longer available online). 
70 Fife, E., ed. (2013), Broadband in Fiji: A Micromarket Case Study, Pacific Telecommunications Council 
Broadband Reports , No. 1. Viewed at: https://www.ptc.org/imag es/pdf/Broadband_in_Fiji-PTC-Broadband-
Report_No-1.pdf . 
71 The companies with exclusive righ ts were: TFL for domestic voice (local and long-distance) and data 
services, FINTEL for international voic e and data transmission services, and Vodafone Fiji for mobile services. 
72 TAF was separated from the Ministry of Public Enterprises in 2010. 
73 Currently the Minister of Finance,  Public Enterprises, Public Se rvice, Communications, Trade and 
Tourism.  
74 Relevant legislation includes the National Spectrum Decree 2009 and Regulation of National Spectrum 
(Amendment) Decree 2011. 
75 Department of Communications. Viewed at http://www.communications.gov.fj . 
76 For further details on the implementation  of the plan see Fife, E., ed. (2013). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  4.111.  In January 2011, the Government introduced a levy of F$0.03 per minute on all incoming 
international calls. In 2015, the levy was charged at F$0.09 per minute. The purpose of the levy is to contribute to the funding of universal service so as to increase penetration of ICT services. 
4.112.  The Fiji Commerce Commission regulates wholesale prices for fixed broadband access 
services with the ultimate objective of making th e prices affordable to the final consumer. Indeed, 
in November 2013, the Commission determined maximum wholesale bandwidth charges for 2014 and 2015, which show significant decreases.
77 Retail prices are not regulated. Under the 
Commerce Act, the Commission regulates other competition aspects of the telecommunication 
market such as authorizations of acquisitions of shares; restrictive trade practices and agreements; misuse of market power; interconnect ion agreements (including rates) and resolution 
of disputes; and consumer protection.
78 The Commission must monitor regularly the situation of 
competition in the market, and when it identifies operators with substantial market power, it is 
authorized to request them to provide a reference interconnection offer, subject to its approval, and to have any interconnection agreement published on the Commission's website.  
4.113.  Under ministerial orders (2009 and 2012), the Commerce Commission has been 
specifically empowered to control the prices or rates of interconnection services of different classes, quantities and qualities; at the time of writing this report, the latest price control order 
was due to expire on 24 October 2015.
79 During the review period, the Commission issued several 
authorizations of interconnection rates that operators charge to each other.80  
4.114.  Also, in a significant move to increase competition in the market, in 2010 the Commerce 
Commission determined to open up FINTEL's landing station thus allowing any operator to procure 
data transmission capacity directly from the Southern Cross Cable. This was further confirmed in 
the Commission's Final Determination on Prices and Access for Southern Cross Capacity and Network in November 2013, whereby it classified FINTEL as having significant market power with 
respect to wholesale bandwidth access.
81  
4.115.  The deregulation of the telecommunications sector and the actions of the Commerce 
Commission have led to some competition in the mobile and internet markets, and helped reduce 
prices. Nevertheless, as noted above, state participation in the market remains substantial; 
fixed-line telephony services and infrastructure are still in the hands of one operator (this may constrain further Internet uptake through dial-up and ADSL services which rely on fixed telephone 
lines); one of the two mobile operators holds aro und 75% of the market, and FINTEL is deemed to 
have significant market power in the international gateway. Hence, continuous regulatory 
oversight is critical for ensuring competitive market conditions, so that the benefits of the telecom liberalization are, in fact, realized.
82 
4.5.4  Transport 
4.116.  The Ministry of Infrastructure and Tran sport is in charge of policy formulation and 
implementation as well as regulatory oversight of all modes of transport in Fiji. Transport is 
considered a key element in facilitating trade in goods and services and thus enhancing Fiji's 
economic prosperity. The Ministry's ultimate goal is to "provide an integrated transport system that is safe, efficient, affordable, accessible to all and environmentally sustainable".
83 The 
Transport Planning Unit (TPU), within the Ministry, is responsible for coordinating transport 
planning, monitoring policy and providing strategic advice to the Government in all transport 
matters. TPU consults with industry stakeholders, mainly through the National Transport Coordinating Committee and the National Transport Consultative Forum.  
                                               
77 Commerce Commission Final Determination. Viewed at http://www.commcomm.gov.fj/wp-
content/uploads/2012/07/Final-determination_Access-to-Capacity-and-Network_Nov-2013.pdf . 
78 Commerce (Amendment) Act 2007. 
79 Commerce (Control of Prices for Inte rconnection Services Rates) Order 2012. 
80 These can be found at: http://www.commcomm.gov.fj/press-release/telecom . 
81 Commerce Commission Final Determination. Viewed at: http://www.commcomm.gov.fj/wp-
content/uploads/2012/07/Final-determination_Access-to-Capacity-and-Network_Nov-2013.pdf . 
82 Reddy, M. (undated), "Telecommunications Market in Fiji: Is there Competition?", Powerpoint 
presentation. Viewed at: http://www.picisoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Tel-Pap-USP-ICT-221112_Dr-
Mahendra-Reddy.pdf . 
83 Ministry of Infrastructure and Transp ort online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.transport.gov.fj/bground.htm . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  4.5.4.1  Road transport 
4.117.  Road transport is the main form of transport in Fiji. The national road network (about 
5,000 km) connects all major cities and towns, but 70% of it remains unpaved and outer islands lack adequate road infrastructure. Poor road conditions and insufficient maintenance results in high 
transport costs, representing an impediment to competitiveness and integration to local and 
regional markets. In order to help fund road maintenance, the Government introduced a road levy in 2009, and in 2010 it issued the Land Transpor t (Road Levy Amendment) Decree, which set up 
the Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Development Fund, requiring the road levies to be used 
exclusively for road maintenance and development. 
4.118.  The Land Transport Unit is responsible fo r the implementation of the Land Transport Act 
1998 and the National Road Safety Act, and for de veloping regulations. Until the end of 2012, the 
Department of National Roads (DNR) was in charge of road maintenance and carried out a number 
of infrastructure projects, including road and bridge upgrades in the Suva-Nausori corridor. The DNR lacked, however, the capacity to properly manage the road network and it was corporatized 
in 2013. Since then, the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) took over responsibility for all roads, bridges 
and public jetties. Further improving road maintenance, monitoring road quality standards, and increasing accountability in contracting out road repairs remain key challenges.
84 The authorities 
have indicated that foreign contractors that have been authorized to operate in Fiji may participate 
in tenders for work with the FRA. 
4.5.4.2  Maritime transport and ports 4.119.  International maritime transport is of key importance not only to Fiji's own connectivity, 
but also to the country's role as a cargo transhipment hub for other Pacific Island countries (PICs). 
Cargo imports and exports are carried through Fiji in containers along the major shipping routes connecting PICs and countries in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe. On the 
other hand, domestic shipping services are less developed, and the most remote islands, where 
shipping routes are often non-profitable, are not adequately connected. Ensuring reliable and 
efficient shipping services to Fiji's outer islands remains a priority of the Government's maritime 
transport policy. 
4.120.  Fiji's maritime transport sector underwent important reforms during the review period. A 
key change was the establishment of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), through a decree published in November 2011, replacing the former Fiji Islands Maritime Safety 
Administration (FIMSA).
85 The new MSAF is a commercial statutory authority that acts as the 
sector's regulator and has a broad set of responsibilities covering maritime transport and safety, protection of the marine environment, search and rescue, and hydrographical services. Its specific 
functions include registration and certification of vessels, certification of maritime services 
providers, licensing and certification of seafarers, and vessel traffic management. MSAF is also responsible for Fiji's compliance with international maritime conventions. 
4.121.  The legal framework for the maritime sector was also reviewed and updated. The Marine 
Act of 1986 and its subsidiary regulations were repealed. The Maritime Transport Decree and the 
Ship Registration Decree were gazetted in June 2013. The Maritime Transport Decree 2013 governs all aspects of maritime activity, including safety, shipping, salvaging, protection of the 
marine environment and management of marine pollution. The Ship Registration Decree prescribes 
the requirements for registration of ships in Fiji. In addition, 30 new maritime regulations and four marine regulations were developed and came into force on 1 January 2015.
86 
4.122.  All ships involved in a commercial activity must be registered in Fiji. Under the Ship 
Registration Decree 2013, a ship can be registered under Fiji's Register only if it is a Fiji-owned ship
87 and not registered in any other country. Nevertheless, a ship that is not Fiji-owned may be 
registered if it is a pleasure craft (i.e. not commercial), or if it calls at ports in Fiji and is normally 
                                               
84 ADB (2012). 
85 Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji Decree 2009 (Decree No. 2 of 2010), gazetted on 
11 November 2011. 
86 These regulations can be found at: http://www.msaf.com.fj/ . 
87 "Fiji-owned ship" includes, inter alia , a ship owned by a Fiji citizen or  a body corporate established by 
or under the laws of Fiji.  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  engaged on a qualifying route with its operations managed by a ship agent on behalf of its owners 
from a place of business located in Fiji.88 A chartered vessel with crew may only be registered by 
the appointed agent, who must be a Fiji resident and 70% of the crew must be Fijian if the vessel 
trades overseas, or 90% if the vessel trades locally. 
4.123.  Coastal and inter-island shipping services are usually operated by the Government or by 
small shipping companies. However, because of remoteness and low levels of traffic, such services are often commercially unviable for private operators. In order to address this situation, in 2003 
the Government introduced the Fiji Shipping Franchise Scheme, under which it provides subsidies 
to shipping operators servicing uneconomical routes. The government-owned Fiji Shipping Corporation Ltd. administers the scheme by contracting out the services to commercial operators who submit tenders on the basis of the amount needed to run the service. In 2013, subsidies 
provided under the scheme amounted to F$1.7 mi llion. The Department of Government Shipping 
Services provides marine navigation aid services and runs a small government fleet of specialized vessels, which transport government officials and cargo at non-commercial rates. Both the 
franchise scheme and the shipping freight rate s have been reviewed  in recent years. 
4.124.  The Maritime Transport Decree 2013 and the Maritime (Coasting-trade) Regulations 2014 
prescribe the licensing system for commercial shipping services within Fiji's waters. Under the 
system, administered by the MSAF, a coasting-trade licence (CTL) may be granted to local 
operators to engage in inter-island shipping for the transport of passengers and cargo, provided the operator is a Fiji citizen or a corporate body established under the laws of Fiji in which at least 50% of the shares are owned by Fiji citizens, an d the ship is registered in Fiji. Ship owners 
applying for a CTL are to be given priority over charter operators. Licences are valid for 
12 months, and they are granted on a "one licence per owner/operator/per route" basis. 
4.125.  Cabotage is in principle not permitted. However, a foreign registered ship may apply for a 
coasting-trade permit (CTP) to engage in coastal shipping for carrying passengers or cargo, or 
both, in a specified area, provided that no domestic equivalent services are available. An applicant for a CTP must provide evidence as to why the proposed services cannot be carried out by a Fiji 
ship. Permits are only valid for the service, voyage and specific ship for which they have been 
issued. Foreign ships must also obtain a permit to provide pushing and towing services. 
4.126.  The Foreign Investment Regulations 2009 stipulate that a foreign investor engaging in 
inter-island shipping and passenger services (except for tourism support services) must have at 
least F$500,000 in owner's contribution or paid-up capital for companies in the form of cash from 
the operational date, to be fully brought into Fiji wi thin the implementation period (section 2.3.3).   
4.127.  Given that most domestic shipping routes are operated by a monopoly, passenger fares 
and freight rates are regulated through orders by the Commerce Commission; the last order was 
issued in 2014. 
4.128.  Fiji has six ports of entry: Suva, Lautoka, Levuka, Malau, Rotuma and Wairiki. Suva and 
Lautoka are the main and busiest ports and operate as cargo transhipment hubs for other Pacific 
Island countries.
89 Upgrades to their infrastructure an d equipment (new container and cargo 
handling and storage facilities) in 2006 have led to efficiency gains and improved intra-regional trade.  
4.129.  The Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) – set up in 2004 as a government-owned 
commercial enterprise – owns, operates and has jurisdiction over all declared ports in Fiji in accordance with the Sea Ports Management Act 2005 (SPMA 2005) and the Sea Ports Management 
Regulations 2008.
90 Ports Terminal Ltd., which used to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of FPCL until 
                                               
88 Ship Registration Decree 2013, Section 4 (2) and (3). 
89 In 2012, 1,530 foreign-going vessels, including over 700 cargo carrying vessels, called at the ports of 
Suva and Lautoka, representing a total gross tonnage of 12,149,831 tonnes. FPCL online information. Viewed 
at: http://www.fijiports.com.fj /wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ Ports-2012-Annual-Report.pdf . 
90 Levuka is a fishing port; Malau is operated by the Fiji Sugar Corporation to ship bulk sugar and 
molasses; Wairiki is managed by Tropik Woods;  and Rotuma handles exports of root crops. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  mid-2013, is in charge of the cargo operations of the two main ports. Around 95% of Fiji's imports 
and exports are traded through FPCL's ports.91 
4.130.  As part of its efforts to modernize port administration and management, in May 2013 the 
Government put in place a private-public partne rship arrangement, through which Aitken Spence 
PLC, a Sri Lankan conglomerate, acquired 51% of Ports Terminal Ltd., while FPCL retained the 
remaining 49%. In 2015, Ports Terminal Ltd. was rebranded and named as Fiji Ports Terminal Ltd. 
(FPTL). Following the concession arrangement (w hich will last 15 years), FPCL has become a 
landlord port, i.e. it owns the infrastructure, performs the harbourmaster function and provides 
services such as pilotage, vessel traffic services  and anchorage, safety and security; while FPTL 
manages the cargo operations of the ports of Suva and Lautoka, including the provision of 
stevedoring, cargo handling machinery and storage services. As a result of these reforms, port 
efficiency has improved, with the number of contai ners handled per hour increasing from seven in 
2014 to 15 in 2015.92 
4.131.  Port rates are set by the FPCL in consultation with shipping companies. The proposed rates 
are reviewed by the Commerce Commission and ultima tely approved by the Cabinet. The last rates 
review took place in August 2015 resulting in increases. The Commerce Commission is considering a shift in policy from direct control of rates to a voluntary compliance framework, whereby ports 
would set their own fares following self-regulating guidelines based on competition and 
transparency principles. A pilot framework is ex pected to be implemented in March 2016, and 
could be extended to other price regulated sectors.   
4.132.  According to the World Bank Doing Business Report 2015, Fiji's cost to import a 20-foot 
container is US$753, higher than the cost in some other Pacific Islands (Palau, Seychelles, Samoa, 
Tonga, and Marshall Islands), although lower than in others (Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Comoros, Kiribati and Solomon Islands). The Report also indicates that port and terminal handling 
for importing a 20-foot container at Fiji's ports takes on average 22 days; this is more than the 
time required in Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Seychelles, but less than in Papua New Guinea, Palau and Samoa.
93 
4.133.  A factor contributing to Fiji's relatively high freight rates are the surcharges – the port 
services charge (2012) and the port congesti on surcharge (2013) – collected by shipping 
companies on all containers coming in and out of Fiji, reportedly to make up for costs due to delays and congestion at the ports. The charges had been increasing in recent years
94, until the 
Commerce Commission ordered their removal in 2014. Increased competition due to the 
privatization of port cargo operations could also contribute to reducing shipping freight rates. 
4.134.  Fiji Ships and Heavy Industries Limited, a subsidiary of FPCL, provides slipway, ship repair 
and maintenance services as well as heavy industrial and engineering works. The ship 
maintenance and repair industry is open to both local and foreign services suppliers, and some foreign firms are already operating in Fiji. 
4.5.4.3  Air transport and airports 
4.135.  Air transport services are crucial to Fiji's  international connectivity, in particular to the 
tourism industry which relies heavily on air travellers (more than 90% of visitors to Fiji arrive by plane). The air transport sector is poised to gr ow driven by the current expansion of tourism. 
Government measures to reform and modernize the aviation industry include investments to 
upgrade and expand airport infrastructure, divestment of shares in the state enterprise that manages airports, and revamping the national carrier.
95 
                                               
91 FPCL's online information. Viewed at: http://www.fijiports.com.fj/fiji-ports-corporation-limited/ . 
92 Information provided by the authorities. 
93 World Bank Group (2015), 2015 Doing Business . Viewed at: 
http://www.doingbusiness.org/~/media/GIAWB/Doing %20Business/Documents/Profiles/Regional/DB2015/DB1
5-Small-Island-States.pdf .  
94 ADB (2013). 
95 Ministerial statement by the Attorney-General, also  Minister for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, 
12 February 2015. Viewed at: http://fijisun.com.fj/2015/02/14/how-our-aviation-sector-is-taking-off-strongly/ . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  4.136.  Fiji Airways, formerly Air Pacific96, is the national airline. It is based in Nadi and operates 
international and domestic services, together with its subsidiary Fiji Link, serving 48 destinations in 12 countries (including code-share) around the Pacific Ocean basin.
97 Fiji Airways transports 
64% of all visitors who fly to Fiji every year and employs over 1,000 staff. The Government owns 
52% of the airline, Qantas 46%, and the remainder is held by Air New Zealand and the 
governments of several Pacific Island nations. Over the past few years, the national airline has undergone significant restructuring, comprising a change of name, increased frequencies and 
destinations, and investments in new aircraft, all of which have allowed it to return to profitability. 
4.137.  Internationally, the Fiji Islands are serviced  regularly by some 10 foreign airlines including 
Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Korean Airlin es, Air Vanuatu, Solomon Airlines, Air Niugini, Air 
Nauru, Air Kiribati, Air Marshall Islands and Air Caledonia International. The Australian budget 
airline Jetstar commenced operations to Fiji in March 2010. Domestically, there are regular and 
charter services between Nadi and Suva, and between these and other Fiji Islands. Fiji Link (called 
Pacific Sun until June 2014) is the main domestic operator.
98  
4.138.  In order to provide more and affordable connections to the outer islands, the Government 
implements a subsidy scheme for air services to eight routes deemed uneconomical via a tender process open to all domestic airlines. The airlines bid the cost of operating such services and the 
government subsidises any shortfalls in the total revenue generated on a trip.  The award of 
tenders takes into account factors such as the  cost of operations, including the airline's profit 
margin, the aircraft capacity, airfares and the ability of the airline to generate revenue on the tendered route.  The 2015 budget provided F$1.69 million to pay for these subsidies.  
4.139.   International air cargo services for all ty pes of commodities are available on all aircraft 
operating out of Nadi International Airport. Minimum air cargo rates are prescribed after 
consultation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Reduced commodity rates are 
negotiable with the transporters on the basis of bulk and frequency, and certain transporters offer 
special cheaper consolidated rates based on a grouping system.  
4.140.  The Department of Civil Aviation is responsible for policy formulation and economic 
regulation of air transport, including licensing of international air services operators. The 
Department also handles relations with foreign aviation authorities, negotiates air services agreements, and oversees Fiji's compliance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation 
Organization (ICAO) and other international conventions relating to civil aviation to which Fiji is a 
party. Fiji is also a member of the Pacific Aviation Safety and Security Organization.  
4.141.  The Air Transport Licensing Board (ATLB) of the Department of Civil Aviation is in charge of 
licensing domestic air services pursuant to the criteria stipulated in the Civil Aviation (Licensing of 
Air Services) Regulations Rev. 1985. In considering a licence application, the ATLB conducts an 
economic needs test to determine whether the routes proposed are adequately serviced and whether there is any demand for additional air se rvices. The route that the applicant intends to 
service must not be adequately serviced by an existing airline. The duration of the licence is 
determined by the Board. The ATLB also determin es the airfares to be charged on the domestic 
routes, taking into account factors such as the cost of operating the service, the cost of aircraft spare parts, the cost of fuel and the financial status of the airline.  
4.142.  International carriers operate in Fiji on the basis of bilateral air services agreements 
(ASAs). Currently, Fiji has 28 ASAs
99 and is negotiating some others (i.e. with Russia and with the 
United Arab Emirates). However, only a few of these agreements are actually used by the 
designated airlines of partner countries. The Minister of Civil Aviation issues licences for 
international airlines providing services into and out of Fiji in accordance with the respective ASAs. A total of 10 foreign airlines have been issued licences allowing them to operate air services. Fiji is 
                                               
96 In June 2013, the airline was rebranded Fiji Airways to  reinforce its role as the national airline of Fiji. 
97 Destinations include Australia; New Zealand; the United States; Hong Kong, China; Samoa; Tonga; 
Tuvalu; Kiribati; Vanuatu; and Solomon Islands. 
98 Other domestic airlines are Northe rn Air, Pacific Islands Air Ltd., Coral Airways, Turtle Airways, Air 
Wakaya and Laucala Air. Some of these airlines offer non-scheduled  flights to tourist resorts.  
99 With Australia; Canada; Chile; China; Cooks Is land; France; Germany; Hong Kong, China; India; 
Japan; Kiribati; Malaysia; Marshall Islands; Nauru; New Zealand; Niue; Papua New Guinea; Samoa; Singapore; 
Solomon Islands; Republic of Korea; Thailand; Tonga; Turkey; Tuvalu; United Kingdom; United States; and Vanuatu. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  not a party to the plurilateral Pacific Islands Air Services Agreement. The Fijian Government 
considers that Fiji is not yet prepared to enter into open skies agreements. It does not favour granting fifth and sixth freedom rights because "…they can have deleterious effects on Fiji Airways and Fijian interests."
100 
4.143.  In 2012, Fiji passed a new decree concerning the ownership and control of national 
airlines.101 Pursuant to it, no air carrier may operate under the laws of Fiji unless it is a citizen of 
Fiji. For this purpose, "citizen of Fiji" means: (a ) the Government of Fiji or any institution of the 
State; (b) an individual who is a citizen of Fiji; (c) a partnership each of whose partners is an 
individual who is a citizen of Fiji; or (d) a corporation or association of which at least 51% of the voting interest is owned and controlled by persons who are citizens of Fiji, at least two-thirds of the board of directors are citizens of Fiji, and such corporation or association is under actual and 
effective control of citizens of Fiji. 
4.144.  The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) is responsible for the technical regulation of the 
air transport sector in order to ensure compliance with national and international aviation safety 
standards. Under the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji Act 1979 and other relevant legislation
102, 
CAAF's functions include registration and certification of aircraft and operators; licensing of aircrew; certification of airports and aerodromes; and control of air traffic, among others. CAAF 
underwent important re-organization and reforms before 2008, which entailed the gradual 
separation of its regulatory functions from its business activities. It now operates as a statutory body directly accountable to the Minister of Civil Aviation, who appoints its board of directors.    
4.145.   Airports Fiji Limited (AFL) took over the management of airports from CAAF in 1999. AFL 
is a state-owned enterprise that owns and operates Fiji's two international airports at Nadi and 
Nausori (Suva) and administers 13 other government airports in the outer islands. The company has plans to invest some $250 million over the next five years to improve the infrastructure of the 
15 airports. The project focuses on the modernization of the international airports at Nadi (works 
are scheduled to be completed by mid-2016) and Nausori. Over the past few years, AFL has increased its profitability thanks to revenue restructuring and reductions in operational costs. The 
Government plans to divest some of its shares in AFL. It is hoped that the divestment and AFL's 
increased profits will enable the company to ta ke over the capital costs of the outer islands 
airports, which up to now have been funded by the Government.
103 An airport departure levy of 
F$200 per passenger applies. 
4.146.  Air Terminal Services Fiji Ltd. (ATSFL ) is the only company providing ground-handling 
services to international carriers at the Nadi Airport. Its services include aircraft maintenance, catering and cabin services, baggage handling, passenger check-in, ramp services, and freight 
sales and handling. The company is owned by th e Government (51%) and the employees (49%). 
Fiji Airways provides ground-handling services at the Nausori Airport. More competition in terminal services could help improve efficiency. 
4.5.5  Tourism 
4.147.  The tourism industry is a vital pillar of  the Fijian economy. It remains the largest 
contributor to economic output and foreign exchan ge earnings, and a major source of job creation. 
According to the World Travel and Tourism Coun cil, the travel and tourism sector directly 
contributed 13.7% to GDP in 2014, with the sector's total contribution estimated at 37% of GDP. 
The sector also accounted directly and indirectly for about a third of total employment in 2014. Notwithstanding some disruptions due to natural disasters and stiff regional competition, the 
number of tourist arrivals in Fiji increased over the review period to reach 692,630 visitors in 
2014, boosted in part by more frequent air services and investments. Room occupancy rates and 
                                               
100 Ministerial statement by the Attorney-General, also  Minister for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, 
12 February 2015. Viewed at: http://fijisun.com.fj/2015/02/14/how-our-aviation-sector-is-taking-off-strongly/ . 
101 Civil Aviation (Ownership and Control of National Airlines) Decree No. 26 of 2012. 
102 The Civil Aviation Act 1976, the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, and the Civil Aviation Reform Act 
1999 (as amended). 
103 Ministerial statement by the Attorney-General, also  Minister for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, 
12 February 2015. Viewed at: http://fijisun.com.fj/2015/02/14/how-our-aviation-sector-is-taking-off-strongly/ . WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 82 - 
 
  hotel receipts were also on the rise. In 2014,  total foreign earnings from tourism were 
F$1,404.6 million (about US$775 million104) or 18% of GDP (Table 4.7).  
4.148.  The main source markets are Australia (50% of visitor arrivals in 2014) and New Zealand 
(18%), given their geographical proximity and greater responsiveness to short term getaway 
vacations.105 The United States and Canada make up 10.7% of the market, Europe (including the 
United Kingdom) 6.8%, Asia 7.6%, and the Pacific Islands 5.7%. China is an emerging market; benefitting from better flight connections, it has seen its share increase from less than 1% in 2009 
to 4% in 2014.
106 Most visitors to Fiji enter the country for holidays and recreational purposes. 
4.149.  The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tour ism is responsible for overseeing the tourism 
sector. Within the Ministry, the Department of Tourism is in charge of formulation and administration of tourism policies, plans and initiatives. It also undertakes research, data 
collection, product development and strategies to encourage investment in the tourism industry. 
The Department monitors the performance of Tourism Fiji, a government corporation which is tasked with promoting Fiji as a tourist destination, mainly through marketing campaigns.
107 
Table 4.7 Fiji's tourism indicators, 2009-2014 
 2009  2010  2011  2012 2013b 2014b 
Visitor arrivals (numbers)a 542,186 631,868 675,050 660,590 657,706 692,630 
Visitor departures (numbers) 536,889 625,779 667,729 652,502 647,234 680,289 
Average length of stay (days) 9.8 9.6 9.4 9.4 9.5 9.5 
Room occupancy rate (%) 42.2 45.8 47.4 47.2 48.1 50.1 
Hotel receipts (F$ millions) 517.6 648.6 756.2 792.7 835.3 875.2 
Earnings from tourism (F$ millions) 848.9 976.7 1,286.5 1,300.0 1,318.2 1,404.6 
a Visitor arrivals and departure numbers are sour ced from the Immigration Department. Cruise ship 
passengers are not included in the total arrivals and departures since they are only transiting. 
b Preliminary. 
Source: Fiji Bureau of Statistics online information. Viewed at: 
 http://www.statsfiji.gov.fj/index.php/migration-a-tourism/10-migration-statistics/migration-a- tourism/118-tourismearningsfjd-million; and information provided by the authorities.    
4.150.  Legislation governing the tourism sector includes the Hotels and Guest House Act 1973, 
the Hotels and Guest House (Amendment) Act 2006, the Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau Act 2004, the 
Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau (Amendment) Promulgation 2009, the Foreign Investment 
Regulations 2009 (as amended in 2013) as well as other activity or project specific decrees.108 
Under the GATS, Fiji adopted specific commitments for hotels, motels, other tourist 
accommodation and restaurants with no limitations on market access and national treatment in 
modes 1, 2 and 3, except for the requirements of normal government approval and registration for 
all foreign investors. In mode 4, entry is limited to managers and skilled employees, who are 
required to train locals on the job. 
4.151.  The Hotels and Guest House Act prohibits the use of any premises as hotel accommodation 
unless the manager has obtained a licence in respect of those premises from the Hotels Licensing Board under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Attorney General, as well as many other 
authorizations by other government departments. Reportedly, more than 60 licences are required 
for hotel businesses to start operations, making approval for new tourism projects a slow and cumbersome procedure.
109   
                                               
104 Calculated using the average exchange rate for 2014: US$1=F$1.89 (see Table 1.1 in section 1). 
105 Fiji Bureau of Statistics online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.statsfiji.gov.fj/index.php/migration-a-tourism/10-migration-statistics/migration-a-tourism/115-
visitor-arrivals-statistics . 
106 Fiji Airways has direct flights to Hong Kong, China, and in February 2015 it operated the first ever 
direct charter flight to mainland China (Shanghai). 
107 The former Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau was rename d as Tourism Fiji in 2009 through the Fiji Islands 
Visitors Bureau (Amendment) Promulgation 2009. 
108 These include: Regulation of Surfing Areas Decree 2010, Superyacht Charter Decree 2010, and 
Denarau (Nadi River) Development Decree 2011.  
109 ADB (2012). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 83 - 
 
  4.152.  Under the Foreign Investment Regulations 2009, home-stay lodging services, backpacker 
operators, taxi businesses and handicraft businesses are activities reserved for Fijians. Access to other tourism-related activities is the same for local and foreign investors. The latter are required to get a Foreign Investment Certificate. In addition, a foreign investor wishing to engage in an 
activity related to the cultural heritage of Fiji must have at least F$500,000 in owner's 
contribution, or paid-up capital in the case of a company, in the form of cash from the operational date, to be fully brought into Fiji within the implementation period of the investment project.  
4.153.  The Government considers tourism as a priority sector to help boost the economy and has 
implemented a number of strategies and plans to encourage its growth. During the review period, 
the Fijian Tourism Development Plan 2007-20 16 set the framework for the sustainable 
development of the tourism sector. Fiji is seeking to diversify its source markets (especially to 
emerging countries in Asia), to further differentia te tourism services (e.g. ecotourism, spa tourism, 
specialized and boutique resorts) and to cater for the high-end tourism market with the aim of increasing visitors' spending and the average length  of stay. Further integrating local producers of 
food and handicrafts into the main tourist areas would also help increase value added. Overall, 
improving transport infrastructure and connectivity at national and international levels is crucial to attract more tourism.  
4.154.  At the time of writing this report, a new Fijian Tourism Development Plan 2016-2021 was 
being developed and expected to be finalized in late 2015. The Plan will provide an integral approach to address the issues in the tourism sector so as to enable its continued and sustainable growth. The vision is to turn tourism into an F$2 billion industry by 2021, by focusing on 
marketing, investments, infrastructure developm ent, and capacity building, among other issues. 
The Government has also invested in new initiatives such as the Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE) and "Fiji International", in a bid to stimulate growth and develop niche markets. The FTE was especially 
designed to showcase Fijian products.    
4.155.  Over the years, the tourism industry and related activities have benefited from a range of 
investment incentives and tax concessions, which have had a significant cost in terms of revenue 
forgone, but somewhat limited results in attracting investment. Most of these incentives continue 
to apply (Table 4.8). A cost-benefit study and a rationalization of incentives might help better target desired investment and yield more effect ive results. On the other hand, new taxes have 
been introduced or their scope has been extended: a 5% turnover tax applied only to hotels until 
2012, now applies to all tourism-related services
110, and more tourism services are now subjected 
to the value added tax. In addition, the airport departure tax has been steadily increased from 
F$75 in 2009 to F$200 in 2015.111  
Table 4.8 Tourism incentives, 2015 
Programme Beneficiaries Benefits 
Standard Allowance Hotels and international 
retiree facilities Deduction of 55% of total capital expenditure (in 
addition to ordinary depreciation) against 
business income provided there is no shift of tax 
revenue to other countries. Applies to building of 
new facilities, including renovations, refurbishment or extensions  of existing hotel and 
international retiree facilities and buying and selling of residential units in hotel and integrated tourism developments. 
Short Life Investment 
Package (SLIP) Hotels, international 
retiree facilities and 
hospital resorts Ten-year tax holiday for capital investments of 
not less than F$7 million. Import duty exemption 
on all capital goods (equipment, plant and 
machinery) not available in  Fiji. It does not apply 
to furniture or motor vehi cles. SLIP incentives are 
also available for retiree facilities, hospital resorts 
and new apartments provided the length of stay 
is not more than six months.  
Backpacker operators Backpacker hotels Inco me tax exemptions for operators with an 
annual sales turnover of up  to F$1 million. Duty 
exemption on importation of raw materials and equipment used for the establishment of a 
                                               
110 Service Turnover Tax Decree 2012, gazetted on 10 January 2012. 
111 Airport Departure Tax (Amendment) Decree 2013, gazetted on 22 November 2013. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Programme Beneficiaries Benefits 
backpacker hotel. 
Maritime Vessel Allowance Vessels transferring 
tourists from ports to 
resorts Duty concessions on imported materials used in 
the construction of vessels. 
Small and Micro 
Enterprises Sea cruise and river tour 
operators  Income tax exemptions applicable to tourism sea 
cruise and river tour op erators with a maximum 
turnover of F$500,000. 
Source: Investment Fiji online  information. Viewed at: ht tp://www.investment fiji.org.fj/. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 85 - 
 
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July. Viewed at: 
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PTC-Broadband-Report_No-1.pdf . 
 
Fiji Commerce Commission (2012), Final Determination on Electricity Tariffs , FEA, December. 
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FEA.pdf . 
 
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enhancing the role of the Fisheries  Department , August. Viewed at: 
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Hansen, S. (2013), "Mobile connectivity and affordability in the Pacific: the 2013 update", Network 
Strategies, Telecommunication Strategies, April (presentation). Viewed at: 
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longer available online).  
IMF (2014), Article IV Consultation, Country Report No. 14/321. Viewed at: 
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IMF (2015), Economic Outlook , October 2015, Washington DC. 
 ITU (2014), Measuring the Information Society Report  2014. Viewed at: 
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Ministry of Agriculture (2014), Fiji 2020 Agriculture Sector Policy Agenda: Modernizing Agriculture , 
August. Viewed at: http://www.agriculture.gov.fj/ . 
 
Ministry of Agriculture (2015), Annual Corporate Plan 2015 . Viewed at: 
http://www.agriculture.gov.fj/ . 
 
Ministry of Finance (2014), Economic and Fiscal Update: Supplement to the 2015 Budget Address, 
Suva. 
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  Ministry of National Planning (2009), Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-economic 
Development 2010-2014 , December. Viewed at: http://www.fiji.gov.fj/getattachment/Govt--
Publications/Peoples-Charter/RSSED.pdf.aspx . 
 
MITT (2015), Fijian Trade Policy Framework (2015-2025): A vibrant, dynamic and internationally 
competitive economy serving as the hub of the Pacific , Suva. 
 
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Office of the Chief Trade Adviser (2014), Regulatory Audit of Services and Investment Regimes: 
Fiji, 3-7 November 2014, Suva. 
 Reddy, M. (undated), "Telecommunications Market in Fiji: Is there Competition?", Powerpoint 
presentation. Viewed at: http://www.picisoc.org/wp-content/u ploads/2012/05/Tel-Pap-USP-ICT-
221112_Dr-Mahendra-Reddy.pdf . 
 
Reserve Bank of Fiji (2010), Import Substitution and Export Finance Facility Guidelines , Suva. 
 Reserve Bank of Fiji, Annual Report 2013 . Viewed at: 
http://www.rbf.gov.fj/getattach ment/Publications-(1)/Reserve-B ank-Annual-Reports/RBF-Annual-
Report-2013.pdf.aspx . 
 
Reserve Bank of Fiji (2015), Annual Report 2014 . Viewed at: 
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Reports/2014.pdf.aspx . 
 
Reserve Bank of Fiji (2014), Insurance Annual Report 2013 . Viewed at: 
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AR-2013-compressed.pdf.aspx . 
 
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New Guinea Comparative Report, 2015 , Geneva. 
 
WWF online article, "Fiji's Path to A Sustainable Fishery", posted on 27 May 2013. Viewed at: 
http://wwf.panda.org/?208824/Fijis-Path-To-A-Sustainable-Fishery . 
 
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http://www.doingbusiness.org/~/media/GIAWB/Doin g%20Business/Document s/Profiles/Regional/
DB2015/DB15-Small-Island-States.pdf . 
 
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 WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 87 - 
 
  5  APPENDIX TABLES 
Table A1.1 Merchandise export s by product group, 2009-14 
 2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Total exports (US$ million) 628.7  841.4 1,069.5  1,220.6  1,108.0  1,373.3  
 (% of total) 
Total primary products 75.5 71.6  74.1  74.5  73.5  72.3  
  Agriculture 54.6  45.2  43.3  45.2  42.5  44.8  
    Food 51.1  40.2  39.9  42.0  39.1  40.5  
      0342 Fish, frozen (excl. fillets and minced 
fish) 9.7  10.2  5.4  9.9  8.1  9.2  
      1110 Non-alcoholic beverage, n.e.s. 7.0  7.8  7.0  7.8  8.2  8.7  
      0611 Sugars, beet/cane, raw 15.2  4.4  6.7  8.0  5.8  8.1  
      0484 Bread, baked goods 4.1  3.2  3.4  2.5  2.5  2.1  
      0341 Fish, fresh, chilled, whole 2.1  2.2  5.6  3.0  1.6  1.6  
      0461 Flour of wheat or of meslin 1.5  1.5  1.2  1.1  1.4  1.2  
      0363 Molluscs, and aquatic invertebrates 1.0  1.9  1.9  0.7  0.5  1.1  
      0548 Vegetable products, roots, etc., n.e.s. 2.3  2.0  1.7  1.5  1.4  1.1  
      0371 Fish, prepared, preserved, n.e.s. 0.5  0.1  0.1  0.4  1.1  0.9  
    Agricultural raw material 3.4  5.0  3.4  3.3  3.5  4.2  
      2461 Wood in chips or particles 0.9  2.4  1.3  1.2  0.6  1.9  
      2484 Wood of non-coniferous, sawn thick  
      >6 mm 1.5  2.0  1.5  1.4  1.8  1.6  
  Mining 20.9  26.4  30.8  29.2  30.9  27.6  
    Ores and other minerals 0.6  0.9  1.3  1.8  1.7  1.7  
    Non-ferrous metals 0.1  0.2  0.7  0.5  0.6  0.8  
    Fuels 20.2  25.3  28.8  26.9  28.7  25.1  
      3340  Petroleum oils, other than crude 20.2  25.3  28.7  26.8  28.6  25.0  
Manufactures 20.6  18.9  18.2  18.5  21.2  23.2  
  Iron and steel 0.4  0.3  0.3  0.2  0.3  0.3  
  Chemicals 3.1  3.0  3.1  2.6  3.0  2.7  
  Other semi -manufactures 3.9  4.0  3.7  3.4  3.7  3.9  
    6924 Reservoirs, tanks, vats of iron, steel or 
    aluminium, <= 300 litres 0.6  1.2  1.4  1.3  1.4  1.2  
  Machinery and transport equipment 3.4  2.8  3.6  5.6  6.4  9.6  
  Power generating machines 0.0  0.1  0.0  0.2  0.4  0.2  
  Other non-electrical machinery 0.5  0.3  0.3  0.3  0.5  0.4  
  Office machines & telecommunication 
equipment 0.8  0.4  1.0  0.9  0.9  4.4  
    7763 Diodes, transistors, etc. 0.1  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  2.6  
7638 Sound/video recording/reproducing 
apparatus 0.0  0.0  0.6  0.6  0.3  1.3  
  Other electrical machines 0.7  0.6  1.1  0.9  1.2  1.5  
    7731 Insulated wire, cable; optical fibre 
cables 0.4  0.3  0.7  0.5  0.7  0.9  
  Automotive products 0.2  0.1  0.1  0.2  0.2  1.7  
7812 Motor vehicles for the transport of 
persons, n.e.s. 0.1  0.0  0.1  0.0  0.0  1.5  
  Other transport equipment 1.1  1.2  1.1  3.1  3.4  1.5  
  Textiles 0.9  0.8  0.7  0.6  0.6  0.7  
  Clothing 7.1  6.5  4.8  4.4  5.4  4.5  
      8452 Garments of fabrics of 657.1, 657.2, 
      657.32 to 657.34 2.3  2.2  1.2  1.0  1.2  1.0  
8414 Trousers, bib and brace overalls, 
breeches and shorts 1.4  1.7  1.2  1.0  1.3  0.9  
  Other consumer goods 1.6  1.4  2.0  1.8  1.8  1.5  
Other 3.9  9.5  7.7  7.0  5.3  4.4  
      9710 Gold, non-monetary (excl. gold ores 
      and concentrates) 3.5  9.3  7.5  6.3  4.1  3.5  
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Table A1.2 Merchandise re-exports by product group, 2009-14  
 2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Total re-exports (US$ million) 170.5  286.5  506.6  640.3  579.0  722.0  
 (% of total) 
Total primary products 83.1  87.4  86.0  82.0  78.0  72.7  
   Agriculture 9.0  12.8  23.3  28.2  21.1  22.1  
      Food 8.6  12.5  23.1  28.1  21.0  22.0  
         0342 Fish, frozen (excluding fillets and minced 
         fish) 3.7  5.2  10.1  17.5  13.5  16.8  
         0341 Fish, fresh, chilled, whole 0.5  1.5  8.0  4.4  1.4  1.3  
         0481 Cereal grains, prepared n.e.s. 0.2  0.0  0.0  0.6  0.7  0.9  
      Agricultural raw material 0.4  0.3  0.1  0.1  0.1  0.1  
   Mining 74.1  74.6  62.8  53.9  57.0  50.6  
      Ores and other minerals 0.1  0.1  1.1  1.8  1.0  1.4  
         2789 Minerals, crude, n.e.s. 0.1  0.1  1.1  1.9  1.0  1.3  
      Non-ferrous metals 0.1  0.5  1.1  0.8  1.0  1.5  
         6823 Copper bars, rods, profiles 0.0  0.3  0.7  0.4  0.8  1.1  
      Fuels 74.0  74.1  60.6  51.3  54.9  47.7  
         3340  Petroleum oils other than crude 74.0  74.1  60.6  51.1  54.7  47.6  
Manufactures 16.1 12.5 13.9 17.2 20.8 26.3 
   Iron and steel 0.1  0.1  0.2  0.1  0.1  0.1  
   Chemicals 3.4  2.5  2.8  2.3  3.3  3.2  
         5334 Paints and varnishes; plastics in solution; 
         etc. 0.1  0.3  0.7  0.7  0.8  0.7  
   Other semi-m anufactures 3.2  2.7  3.6  3.0  3.7  3.4  
         6924 Reservoirs, tanks, vats of iron, steel  
         or aluminium, <= 300 litres 1.8  2.0  2.8  2.4  2.7  2.4  
   Machinery and transport equipment 6.1  4.4  4.7  9.5  10.8  17.2  
      Power generating machines 0.1  0.3  0.0  0.4  0.7  0.4  
      Other non-electrical machinery 1.0  0.4  0.4  0.4  0.8  0.7  
      Office machines & telecommunication equipment 1.7  0.3  1.5  1.5  1.4  8.2  
         7763 Diodes, transistors, etc. 0.2  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  5.0  
7638 Sound/video recording/reproducing 
apparatus; video recording/reproducing 
apparatus 0.0  0.0  1.2  1.1  0.6  2.6  
      Other electrical machines 0.4  1.0  1.7  1.2  1.7  2.0  
         7731 Insulated wire, cable etc.; optical fibre 
         cables 0.1  0.8  1.5  1.0  1.3  1.6  
      Automotive products 0.6  0.4  0.2  0.4  0.3  3.2  
         7812 Motor vehicles for the transport of persons, 
         n.e.s. 0.5  0.0  0.1  0.0  0.0  2.9  
      Other transport equipment 2.4  2.0  0.9  5.6  5.9  2.7  
         7929 Parts, n.e.s., (excl. tyres, engines, 
         Electrical parts) of 792 1.7  0.8  0.0  0.6  1.3  1.4  
         7922 Aeroplanes, etc. (excl. helicopters), 
         ≤2,000 kg unladen 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.7  
   Textiles 1.0  0.8  0.4  0.3  0.5  0.5  
   Clothing 1.1  0.9  0.1  0.2  0.3  0.3  
   Other consumer goods 1.2  1.1  2.1  1.9  2.0  1.5  
Other 0.8  0.1  0.0  0.7  1.2  1.1  
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3).  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Table A1.3 Merchandise domestic exports by product group, 2009-14  
  2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Total domestic exports (US$ million) 458.1  554.8  562.8  580.3  529.0  651.3  
 (% of total) 
Total primary products 72.6  63.5  63.3  6.1  68.5  72.0  
   Agriculture 71.6  61.9  61.3  64.1  66.1  69.9  
      Food 67.0  54.5  55.0  57.3  58.9  61.1  
         1110 Non-alcoholic beverage, n.e.s. 9.6  11.8  13.4  16.4  17.2  18.3  
         0611 Sugars, beet/cane, raw, solid, no added 
         flavour/colour 20.9  6.6  12.6  16.8  12.1  17.1  
         0484 Bread, baked goods 5.4  3.9  5.0  5.2  5.2  4.3  
         0461 Flour of wheat or of meslin 2.0  2.2  2.3  2.3  2.9  2.5  
         0363 Molluscs, and aquatic invertebrates 1.3  2.8  3.5  1.5  1.0  2.3  
         0548 Vegetable products, roots, etc., n.e.s. 3.1  3.0  3.2  3.1  2.9  2.3  
         0341 Fish, fresh, chilled, whole 2.6  2.6  3.5  1.5  1.9  1.9  
         0371 Fish, prepared, preserved, n.e.s. 0.7  0.1  0.2  0.3  2.0  1.9  
         0352 Fish salted or in brine 0.8  0.8  0.3  0.0  0.5  1.3  
         0752 Spices (except pepper and pimento) 0.8  0.7  0.8  1.0  0.4  1.2  
      Agricultural raw material 4.6  7.5  6.3  6.8  7.2  8.8  
         2461 Wood in chips or particles 1.2  3.7  2.5  2.5  1.4  4.1  
         2484 Wood of non-coniferous, sawn of a thickness  
         > 6 mm 1.9  3.0  2.8  3.0  3.8  3.2  
   Mining 1.1  1.5  2.0  2.0  2.4  2.1  
      Ores and other minerals 0.8  1.3  1.6  1.9  2.3  2.0  
         2851 Aluminium ores and concentrates 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.7  1.6  1.3  
      Non-ferrous metals 0.1  0.1  0.3  0.1  0.1  0.1  
      Fuels 0.2  0.1  0.1  0.0  0.0  0.0  
Manufactures 22.3  22.2  22.1  20.0  21.6  19.9  
   Iron and steel 0.6  0.5  0.5  0.4  0.5  0.5  
   Chemicals 3.0  3.2  3.5  3.0  2.7  2.1  
   Other semi-m anufactures 4.2  4.7  3.8  3.8  3.6  4.5  
         6421 Packing containers, of paper, paperboard, 
         cellulose wadding etc. 1.4  1.1  1.2  1.2  1.3  1.5  
         6612 Portland cement and similar hydraulic 
        cements 0.9  0.7  0.6  0.8  0.9  1.2  
   Machinery and transport equipment 2.4  1.9  2.7  1.4  1.6  1.2  
      Power generating machines 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.1  0.0  0.0  
      Other non-electrical machinery 0.4  0.2  0.2  0.1  0.1  0.1  
      Office machines & telecommunication equipment 0.5  0.4  0.5  0.2  0.3  0.2  
      Other electrical machines 0.8  0.4  0.5  0.6  0.6  0.8  
      Automotive products 0.1  0.0  0.0  0.1  0.0  0.0  
      Other transport equipment 0.6  0.7  1.3  0.4  0.6  0.2  
   Textiles 0.9  0.8  0.9  0.8  0.7  0.9  
   Clothing 9.4  9.4  8.9  9.0  10.9  9.1  
         8452 Garments of fabrics of 657.1, 657.2, 657.32 
         to 657.34 3.1  3.4  2.4  2.0  2.5  2.1  
         8414 Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches 
         and shorts 1.9  2.4  2.2  1.9  2.7  1.9  
         8438 Underwear, nightwear, bathrobes, etc. 1.4  1.1  1.4  1.3  1.3  1.0  
         8453 Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, etc., 
         knitted/crocheted 0.3  0.2  0.1  0.3  0.7  0.9  
   Other cons umer goods 1.7  1.6  1.9  1.6  1.6  1.6  
Other 5.1  14.4  14.6  13.9  9.9  8.1  
   Gold, non-monetary (excl. gold ores and concentrates) 4.6  14.0  14.2  13.2  8.5  7.5 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 90 - 
 
  Table A1.4 Merchandise expo rts by destination, 2009-14 
  2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Total exports (US$ million) 628.7  841.4  1,069.5  1,220.6  1,108.0  1,373.3  
 (% of total) 
  America 12.4  14.6  12.6  15.6  14.5  13.7  
    United States 11.1  11.4  9.7  12.3  13.3  12.4  
    Other America 1.3  3.1  2.9  3.3  1.2  1.3  
  Europe 16.4  5.8  7.9  8.9  8.4  8.5  
    EU-28 16.4  5.6  7.9  8.9  8.0  8.5  
      United Kingdom 15.0  5.0  7.4  8.3  5.3  7.7  
    EFTA 0.0  0.2  0.0  0.0  0.4  0.0  
    Other Europe 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  
  Commonwealth of Independent States 
(CIS) 0.1  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  
  Africa 0.3  0.7  0.4  0.3  0.1  0.2  
  Middle East 0.2  0.2  0.3  0.1  0.2  0.5  
  Asia/Oceania 65.9  58.3  58.5  55.7  56.9  61.6  
    China 1.1  0.8  0.7  1.3  2.6  5.9  
    Japan 5.1  7.2  5.9  5.9  2.8  4.3  
    Hong Kong, China 1.4  1.6  1.8  1.4  1.4  2.2  
    Chinese Taipei 1.1  1.0  1.3  1.4  1.2  1.5  
    Thailand 0.5  1.2  0.9  0.8  0.6  1.1  
    Singapore 16.4  0.7  0.7  0.9  1.0  1.1  
    Other Asia/Oceania 40.0  45.2  46.8  43.3  46.9  44.9  
      Australia 15.9  21.1  18.2  14.8  13.6  11.6  
      New Zealand 6.7  5.8  5.8  4.5  5.3  4.7  
      Tonga 2.1  3.0  5.5  4.5  5.1  4.0  
      Tuvalu 0.9  0.9  0.9  0.7  0.9  3.5  
      Kiribati 1.3  1.6  2.0  2.2  4.0  3.4  
      Samoa 2.6  1.9  2.1  1.7  2.1  2.6  
      Nauru 0.1  0.2  0.7  0.7  1.3  2.5  
      Vanuatu 2.5  2.2  2.0  2.0  2.5  2.4  
      American Samoa 3.8  2.7  1.7  2.4  2.6  1.8  
      Papua New Guinea 1.0  1.2  1.9  3.4  3.1  1.7  
      Wallis and Futuna Islands 0.4  0.8  1.2  1.1  1.4  1.5  
      Solomon Islands 0.8  0.7  0.8  1.1  1.2  1.4  
      Cook Islands 0.2  0.8  1.6  1.5  0.6  1.2  
      New Caledonia 0.5  0.5  0.5  0.8  1.3  0.8  
  Other 4.8  20.4  20.3  19.3  19.8  15.4  
      Bunkers 0.0  9.9  19.5  17.7  0.0  14.8  
Note: Bunkers are ship stores and aircraft supp lies, which consist mostly of fuels and food. 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database.  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 91 - 
 
  Table A1.5 Merchandise re-exports by destination, 2009-14  
 2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Total re-exports (US$ million) 170.5  286.5  506.6  640.3  579.0  722.0  
 (% of total) 
  America 3.8  6.5  5.4  10.5  6.2  3.7  
    United States 1.8  1.4  1.9  7.3  5.6  3.0  
    Other America 2.0  5.1  3.5  3.2  0.6  0.8  
      Haiti 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.4  
  Europe 0.3  0.4  0.1  0.6  0.4  0.2  
    EU-28 0.3  0.4  0.1  0.6  0.4  0.2  
    EFTA 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  
  Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  
  Africa 0.2  0.8  0.4  0.1  0.0  0.1  
  Middle East 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.7  
     Iran, Islamic Rep. of 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.7  
  Asia/Oceania 81.3  32.7  51.1  51.9  55.6  66.0  
    China 3.0  1.4  1.1  1.1  2.2  8.2  
    Japan 0.9  2.5  7.6  8.1  3.8  5.2  
    Thailand 0.1  0.3  0.6  1.0  0.7  2.0  
    Chinese Taipei 0.5  0.8  2.3  2.7  1.7  1.8  
    Singapore 57.8  0.5  0.2  1.0  1.3  1.5  
    Korea, Rep. of 0.0  0.3  0.2  0.4  0.2  0.5  
    Hong Kong, China 0.2  0.1  0.1  0.2  0.5  0.4  
    Malaysia 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.1  0.2  
    Other Asia/Oceania 18.8  26.8  39.0  37.3  45.1  46.1  
      Tonga 2.1  5.6  9.2  7.2  8.1  6.1  
      Tuvalu 1.2  1.2  1.1  0.8  1.2  5.9  
      Kiribati 1.2  2.2  2.7  2.6  5.9  4.6  
      Australia 3.8  4.6  5.8  3.6  4.6  4.4  
      Nauru 0.1  0.2  1.2  0.8  2.0  4.2  
      New Zealand 3.2  3.1  3.4  2.5  3.7  3.7  
      Samoa 1.8  1.6  1.8  1.6  2.1  3.2  
      American Samoa 0.9  0.7  2.4  3.7  3.6  2.4  
      Wallis and Futuna Islands 0.2  1.1  1.8  1.5  1.9  2.1  
      Cook Islands 0.2  1.9  3.2  2.8  0.9  2.1  
      Papua New Guinea 1.2  1.4  2.3  4.8  4.0  1.9  
      Vanuatu 1.2  1.7  1.5  1.3  1.7  1.4  
      Solomon Islands 0.3  0.4  0.7  1.0  1.3  1.3  
      New Caledonia 0.6  0.5  0.6  1.2  2.0  1.1  
      Viet Nam 0.0  0.1  0.2  0.4  0.7  0.8  
      Norfolk Islands 0.1  0.1  0.3  0.3  0.7  0.5  
  Other 14.4  59.6  42.9  36.8  37.8  29.2  
      Bunkers 0.0  29.0  41.2  33.7  0.0  28.1  
Note: Bunkers are ship stores and aircraft supp lies, which consist mostly of fuels and food. 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 92 - 
 
  Table A1.6 Merchandise domestic exports by destination, 2009-14 
 2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Total domestic exports (US$ million) 458.1  554.8  562.8  580.3  529.0  651.3  
 (% of total) 
  America 15.7  18.7  19.0  21.2  23.7  24.8  
    United States 14.6  16.6  16.8  17.8  21.8  22.9  
    Other America 1.1  2.1  2.2  3.4  1.9  1.9  
      Dominican Rep. 0.4  0.4  0.5  0.8  1.1  1.1  
      Canada 0.2  0.3  0.7  0.6  0.6  0.8  
  Europe 22.4  8.6  14.9  18.0  17.2  17.6  
    EU-28 22.4  8.3  14.8  18.0  16.3  17.6  
      United Kingdom 20.6  7.6  14.0  17.3  11.0  16.1  
      The Netherlands 0.7  0.2  0.3  0.2  0.6  0.6  
    EFTA 0.0  0.3  0.1  0.0  0.9  0.0  
    Other Europe 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  
  Commonwealth of Independent States 
(CIS) 0.1  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.1  0.1  
  Africa 0.3  0.6  0.3  0.5  0.3  0.3  
  Middle East 0.2  0.3  0.5  0.2  0.3  0.4  
  Asia/Oceania 60.1  71.6  65.3  59.9  58.4  56.8  
    China 0.4  0.5  0.3  1.6  3.0  3.3  
    Japan 6.7  9.6  4.4  3.5  1.7  3.4  
    Hong Kong, China 1.8  2.3  3.3  2.6  2.4  4.1  
    Chinese Taipei 1.2  1.1  0.3  0.1  0.6  1.1  
    Singapore 1.0  0.8  1.1  0.7  0.7  0.6  
    Other Asia/Oceania 47.8  54.7  53.8  49.9  48.9  43.5  
      Australia 20.4  29.5  29.3  27.3  23.4  19.5  
      New Zealand 7.9  7.2  7.9  6.8  7.1  5.9  
      Vanuatu 2.9  2.4  2.6  2.7  3.5  3.7  
      Kiribati 1.3  1.2  1.5  1.7  1.9  2.1  
      Samoa 2.9  2.1  2.3  1.8  2.1  1.9  
      Tonga 2.2  1.6  2.0  1.7  1.9  1.7  
      Papua New Guinea 1.0  1.1  1.5  1.8  2.1  1.6  
      Solomon Islands 1.0  0.9  1.0  1.2  1.1  1.6  
      American Samoa 4.9  3.8  1.0  1.0  1.4  1.2  
      Tuvalu 0.8  0.8  0.8  0.6  0.7  0.8  
      Wallis and Futuna Islands 0.4  0.7  0.7  0.7  0.9  0.8  
      French Polynesia 0.7  0.8  0.8  0.8  0.7  0.7  
      Nauru 0.1  0.2  0.4  0.5  0.5  0.6  
  Other 1.2  0.1  0.0  0.1  0.0  0.1  
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 93 - 
 
  Table A1.7 Merchandise imports by product group, 2009-14 
 2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Total imports (US$ million) 1,437.0  1,808.5  2,181.9  2,252.6  2,825.7  3,250.5  
 (% of total) 
Total primary products 47.7  51.6  52.0  52.6  40.7  43.3  
   Agriculture 20.9  18.7  21.1  21.4  16.4  18.2  
      Food 20.6  18.4  20.9  21.1  15.9  17.7  
        0342 Fish, frozen (excl. fillets and minced 
fish) 1.1  1.7  4.6  5.5  3.3  5.4  
      0412 Other wheat and meslin, unmilled 2.7  2.8  2.8  2.4  2.4  1.9  
      0222 Milk concentrated or sweetened 0.8  1.0  1.1  0.9  0.7  1.2  
      0423 Rice, milled, semi-milled 1.0  1.1  0.9  0.9  0.8  0.7  
      0121 Meat of sheep or goats 1.0  0.7  0.7  0.6  0.6  0.6  
      Agricultural raw material 0.3  0.3  0.2  0.3  0.5  0.5  
   Mining 26.7  32.8  30.8  31.2  24.4  25.1  
      Ores and other minerals 0.4  0.5  0.4  0.5  0.5  0.4  
      Non-ferrous metals 0.6  0.6  0.6  0.6  0.5  0.5  
      Fuels 25.7  31.8  29.8  30.1  23.4  24.2  
         3340 Petroleum oils, other than crude 24.7  30.6  28.8  28.9  22.4  23.2  
         3425 Butanes, liquefied 0.9  1.2  1.0  1.1  0.9  0.9  
Manufactures 51.9  47.9  47.5  46.5  58.6  55.6  
   Iron and steel 2.2  2.1  1.7  1.7  1.5  1.9  
   Chemicals 8.2  8.3  7.5  7.9  6.4  6.6  
         5429 Medicaments, n.e.s. 0.7  0.7  0.6  0.9  0.5  0.7  
   Other semi -manufactures 8.0  7.3  6.4  7.1  6.0  7.0  
6612 Portland cement/similar hydraulic 
cements 0.4  0.4  0.2  0.4  0.3  0.6  
   Machinery and transport equipment 21.6  18.1  21.3  18.9  35.0  30.5  
      Power generating machines 0.8  0.6  1.3  0.6  1.5  1.8  
         7165 Generating sets 0.3  0.2  0.3  0.2  0.3  1.1  
      Other non-electrical machinery 6.1  5.1  5.5  5.2  4.6  6.4  
7232 Mechanical shovels, etc., self-
propelled 0.2  0.3  0.5  0.4  0.4  0.6  
         Agricultural machinery and tractors 0.2  0.2  0.1  0.2  0.2  0.3  
Office machines & telecommunication 
equipment 4.9  4.1  4.0  4.6  4.0  6.0  
         7763 Diodes, transistors, etc. 0.1  0.0  0.1  0.1  0.0  1.3  
         7643 Radio or television transmission 
         apparatus 0.6  0.6  0.5  0.5  0.6  0.7  
         7638 Sound/video 
recording/reproducing          apparatus; video recording/reproducing          apparatus 0.2 
 0.2  0.5  0.5  0.2  0.7  
      Other electrical machines 2.8  2.3  2.4  2.1  2.1  2.3  
      Automotive products 3.3  2.7  3.0  3.7  4.8  5.4  
         7812 Motor vehicles for the transport of 
         persons, n.e.s. 1.6  1.3  1.1  1.4  1.8  2.2  
         7821 Goods vehicles 0.6  0.5  0.8  1.2  1.9  1.9  
      Other transport equipment 3.8  3.2  5.1  2.7  18.1  8.6  
         7923 Aeroplanes, etc. (excl. 
         helicopters), >2t and ≤15t unladen 0.0  0.2  1.9  0.2  0.1  3.7  
         7924 Aeroplanes, etc. (excl. 
         helicopters), >15,000 kg unladen 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  15.6  1.7  
7932 Ships, boats, etc. (excl. pleasure 
craft, tugs, etc.) 0.2  0.3  0.7  0.4  0.3  1.0  
         7929 Parts, n.e.s., (excl. tyres, 
         engines, electrical parts) of 792 2.1  1.4  1.3  1.0  1.2  0.9  
   Textiles 3.5  3.6  3.3  3.4  2.9  2.5  
   Clothing 1.1  1.2  1.0  1.0  1.1  0.9  
   Other cons umer goods 7.2  7.2  6.3  6.6  5.8  6.1  
Other 0.4  0.6  0.5  0.9  0.6  1.1  
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3). WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 94 - 
 
  Table A1.8 Merchandise imports by origin, 2009-14  
  2009  2010  2011  2012 2013 2014  
Total imports (US$ million) 1,437.0  1,808.5  2,181.9  2,252.6  2,825.7  3,250.5  
 (% of total) 
  America 5.6  4.2  5.6  3.7  5.1  4.3  
    United States 4.4  3.6  5.1  3.0  4.5  3.7  
    Other America 1.1  0.5  0.5  0.6  0.6  0.7  
      Canada 0.8  0.3  0.2  0.4  0.3  0.5  
  Europe 2.4  2.7  2.5  2.7  17.4  7.9  
    EU-28 2.2  2.2  1.9  2.2  16.8  7.4  
      France 0.4  0.8  0.3  0.4  14.6  4.2  
      Spain 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  1.1  
      Germany 0.3  0.1  0.4  0.4  0.4  0.5  
      United Kingdom 0.5  0.5  0.6  0.5  1.2  0.5  
      Italy 0.6  0.2  0.1  0.2  0.2  0.4  
    EFTA 0.2  0.5  0.5  0.4  0.6  0.6  
      Switzerland 0.2  0.5  0.5  0.4  0.6  0.6  
    Other Europe 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  
  Commonwealth of Independent States 
(CIS) 0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0  0.1  
  Africa 0.4  0.5  0.4  0.3  0.7  0.7  
      Swaziland 0.0  0.0  0.1  0.1  0.6  0.6  
  Middle East 0.2  0.3  0.3  0.3  0.2  0.2  
  Asia/Oceania 90.6  91.2  87.3  88.4  75.0  85.9  
    China 5.5  6.1  8.3  8.8  10.0  13.6  
    Japan 2.6  2.5  1.9  2.2  2.4  3.8  
    Singapore 27.7  33.1  30.8  31.8  21.0  25.6  
    Malaysia 2.0  1.9  2.0  2.2  5.1  3.4  
    Hong Kong, China 2.1  1.6  1.7  2.1  1.8  2.3  
    Korea, Rep. of 3.1  1.1  1.2  1.2  1.5  2.1  
    Thailand 3.4  2.5  2.7  2.2  2.1  1.7  
    Chinese Taipei 1.1  1.3  1.3  1.4  1.2  1.4  
    Other Asia/Oceania 43.1  41.0  37.4  36.5  29.8  31.9  
      Australia 22.1  20.3  19.6  18.3  13.6  14.0  
      New Zealand 15.9  15.9  13.8  13.9  12.2  14.0  
      India 2.0  1.9  1.6  1.7  1.7  1.8  
      Indonesia 1.3  0.9  0.8  0.9  0.8  0.9  
      Viet Nam 0.8  1.0  0.8  0.8  0.6  0.5  
  Other 0.8  1.2  4.0  4.6  1.5  0.8  
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 95 - 
 
  Table A3.1 Fiji's MFN applied tariff summary, 2015 
 Number 
of lines Average 
(%) Range (%) Standard 
deviation Duty 
free 
(%) Share of 
bound 
rates 
Total 5,968 11.2 (12.3) 0-32 (0-1,251.7) 10.5 (27.1) 4.3 49.5 
HS 01-24 986 13.9 (19.2) 0-32 (0-1,251.7) 10.4 (60.5) 4.3 77.4 
HS 25-97 4,982 10.6 (10.9) 0-32 (0-317.2) 10.5 (12.6) 4.4 43.9 
By WTO category       
WTO agricultural products 829 12.5 (18. 9) 0-32 (0-1,251.7) 11.3 (66.2) 5.1 95.8 
   Animals and products thereof 114 17.7 0-32 11.8 5.3 100.0 
   Dairy products 39 26.7 0-32 10.7 5.1 100.0 
   Fruit, vegetables, and plants 211 8.4 0-32 (0-39.4) 7.4 (7.5) 1.9 100.0 
   Coffee and tea 28 15.1 5-32 9.9 0.0 100.0 
   Cereals and preparations 102 15.5 0-32 12.6 4.9 100.0 
   Oils seeds, fats, oil and their 
   products 90 7.2 0-32 5.9 16.7 98.9 
   Sugars and confectionary 17 32.0 32-32 0 0.0 100.0 
   Beverages, spirits and tobacco 84 31.1 (100.9) 5-32 (2.5-1,251.7) 4.8 (213.9) 0.0 100.0 
   Cotton 5 5.0 5-5 0 0.0 100.0 
   Other agricultural products, 
   n.e.s. 139 4.9 0-15 2 7.2 100.0 
WTO non-agricultural products  5,139 11.0 (11.2) 0-32 (0-317.2) 10.4 (12.4) 4.2 41.3 
   Fish & fishery products 225 16.0 5-32 4.6 0.0 1.3 
   Minerals & metals 1,012 8.5 0-32 (0-79) 8.7 (8.9) 3.2 45.7 
   Chemicals & photographic 
   supplies 900 8.2 0-32 8.6 4.0 6.1 
   Wood, pulp, paper & furniture 312 13.7 0-32 12.2 2.9 0.0 
   Textiles 618 8.4 (8.5) 0-32 (0-37.5) 8.5 1.1 79.0 
   Clothing 235 30.6 5-32 5.9 0.0 100.0 
   Leather, rubber, footwear & 
   travel goods 181 14.5 (14.7) 5-32 (5-60.5) 12.1 (12.6) 0.0 0.0 
   Non-electric machinery 587 6.3 0-32 4.4 8.3 99.3 
   Electric machinery 277 8.8 0-32 7.3 2.2 99.3 
   Transport equipment 323 20.1 (22.7) 0-32 (0-152.3) 12.2 (19.6) 1.9 0.0 
   Non-agricultural products, 
   n.e.s. 436 10.3 (11.6) 0-32 (-317.2) 10.3 (20.6) 16.5 5.3 
   Petroleum 33 5.0 (7.8) 5-5 (0-30.9) 0.0 (6.0) 0.0 0.0 
By ISIC sector       
   ISIC 1 - Agriculture, hunting & 
   fishing 381 8.4 (11.5) 0-32 (0-1,194.9) 7.5 (61.3) 6.3 75.3 
   ISIC 2 - Mining 103 5.5 5-15 (0-15) 2.2 0.0 90.0 
   ISIC 3 - Manufacturing 5,483 11.5 (12.5) 0-32 (0-1,251.7) 10.8 (23.2) 4.3 48.6 
        Manuf. excluding food 
        processing 4,839 10.8 (11.1) 0-32 (0-317.2) 10.6 (12.7) 4.5 45.0 
   ISIC 4 - Electrical energy 1 5.0 5-5 0.0 0.0 0.0 
By stage of processing       
   First stage of processing 756 8.2 (9.8) 0-32 (0-1,194.9) 6.4 (43.9) 3.3 53.0 
   Semi-processed products 1,877 7.5 0-32 7.6 (7.5) 1.2 37.5 
   Fully processed products 3,355 13.9 (15.5) 0-32 (0-1,251.7) 11.9 (28.8) 6.3 55.7 
By HS Section       
01  Live animals & products 355 16.7 0-32 8.7 2.3 46.8 
02  Vegetable products 311 5.9 0-32 4.8 5.8 100.0 
03  Fats & oils 55 8.7 0-32 7.2 27.3 94.5 
04  Prepared food, beverages & 
      tobacco 265 22.2 (42.1) 0-32 (0-1,251.7) 10.9 (116.3) 0.4 88.3 
05  Mineral products 183 5.4 (5.8) 5-32 (0-32) 2.6 (3.6) 0.0 0.0 
06  Chemicals & products thereof 825 7.4 (7.3) 0-32 8.0 (7.9) 7.4 13.3 
07  Plastics, rubber, & articles 
      thereof 249 12.4 (12.5) 5-32 (5-60.5) 11.3 (11.7) 0.0 0.0 
08  Raw hides & skins, leather 77 9.4 5-32 7.8 0.0 18.2 
09  Wood & articles of wood 125 12.2 5-32 11.7 0.0 0.0 
10  Pulp of wood, paper & 
      paperboard 167 13.6 0-32 12.3 5.4 0.0 
11  Textiles & textile articles 840 14.2 0-32 (0-37.5) 12.6 0.6 88.7 
12  Footwear, headgear, etc. 48 23.6 5-32 10.8 0.0 0.0 WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 96 - 
 
   Number 
of lines Average 
(%) Range (%) Standard 
deviation Duty 
free 
(%) Share of 
bound 
rates 
13  Articles of stone, plaster, 
      cement 160 7.1 5-32 6.1 0.0 0.0 
14  Precious stones & metals, 
      pearls 57 18.6 5-32 7.9 0.0 0.0 
15  Base metals & articles thereof 644 8.9 (9.0) 0-32 (0-79) 9.4 (9.8) 1.4 70.8 
16  Machinery, electrical 
      equipment, etc. 866 7.1 0-32 5.6 6.4 99.8 
17  Transport equipment 334 19.9 (22.4) 0-32 (0-152.3) 12.2 (19.5) 1.8 0.0 
18  Precision equipment 242 8.1 0-32 8.8 19.8 0.0 
19  Arms & ammunition 20 29.3 5-32 8.1 0.0 0.0 
20  Miscellaneous manufactured 
     articles 137 12.9 (17.0) 0-32 (0-317.2) 11.4 (33.1) 17.5 0.0 
21  Works of art, etc. 8 6.3 5-15 3.3 0.0 0.0 
Note Excluding specific rates and including the ad va lorem part of alternate ra tes. Figures in brackets 
include AVEs, as available. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the Fijian authorities. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Table A3.2 Tax and customs incentives 
TAX AND CUSTOMS INCENTIVES 
1.  2009-2015 INVESTMENT PACKAGE 
Corporate tax rate reduction 
Year Resident companies Non-resident companies 
2009 From 31% to 29% From 31% to 29% 
2010 From 29% to 28% From 29% to 28% 
2011 28% 28% 
2012 From 28% to 20% From 28% to 20% 
2013 20% 20% 
2014 20% 20% 
2015 20% 20% 
A foreign company that establishes/relocates its headquarters  to Fiji will be subject to a low corporate tax rate of 
17%.  
A listed company on the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPSE) will be subject to a low corporate tax rate of 10%.  
Income earned from trading of shares in SPSE will  be exempted from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. 	
Resident taxpayers: 2015 PAYE and SRT structure 
Chargeable income (F$) PAYE tax payable (F$) Social responsibility tax (SRT) 
payable 
0-16,000 Nil   
16,001-22,000 7% of excess over 16,000  
22,001-50,000 420 + 18% of excess over 22,000  
50,001-270,000 5,460 + 20% of excess over 
50,000  
270,001-300,000 49,460 + 20% of excess over 
270,000 23% of excess over F$270,000  
300,001-350,000 55,460 + 20% of excess over 
300,000  6,900 + 24% of excess over F$300,000 
350,001-400,000 65,460 + 20% of excess over 
350,000 18,900 + 25% of excess over F$350,000 
400,001-450,000 75,460 + 20% of excess over 
400,000 31,400 + 26% of excess over F$400,000 
450,001-500,000 85,460 + 20% of excess over 
450,000 44,400 + 27% of excess over F$450,000 
500, 001-1,000,000 95,460 + 20% of excess over 
500,000  57,900 + 28% of excess over F$500,000 
1,000,001 + 195,460 + 20% of excess over 
1,000,000 197,900 + 29% of excess over F$1,000,000 
Non-resident taxpayers: 2015 PAYE and SRT structure 
Chargeable income (F$) PAYE tax payable (F$) Social responsibility tax (SRT) payable 
0-16,000  20% of excess over 0   
16,001-22,000 3,200 + 20% of excess over 
16,000  
22,001-50,000 4,400 + 20% of excess over 
22,000  
50,001-270,000 10,000 + 20% of excess over 
50,000  
270,001-300,000 54,000 + 20% of excess over 
270,000 23% of excess over F$270,000  
300,001-350,000 60,000 + 20% of excess over 
300,000  6,900 + 24% of excess over F$300,000 
350,001-400,000 70,000 + 20% of excess over 
350,000 18,900 + 25% of excess over F$350,000 
400,001-450,000 80,000 + 20% of excess over 
400,000 31,400 + 26% of excess over F$400,000 
450,001-500,000 90,000 + 20% of excess over 
450,000 44,400 + 27% of excess over F$450,000 
500,001-1,000,000 100,000 + 20% of excess over 
500,000 57,900 + 28% of excess over F$500,000 
1,000,001 + 200,000 + 20% of excess over 
1,000,000 197,900 + 29% of excess over F$1,000,000 
Investment allowance 
Investment allowance (excluding cost of labour) of 40% for extension and renovation expenses with a minimum 
qualifying capital expenditure of F$50,000. This is only available to existing businesses in Vanua Levu. 
Accelerated depreciation 
Accelerated depreciation for building s erected before 2001 has been extended to 2015. 20% depreciation for 
buildings used for agricultural, commercial or industrial purposes can be written off within any 5 of 8 years.  
100% write-off will be available in the year the expenditure was incurred on water storage facilities and renewable 
energy plant and machineries.  
This will also be available to new plant and machinery used for manufacturing purposes. 
Export income deduction 
"Export income" means net profits deri ved by a taxpayer from the business of exporting goods and services but 
excludes re-exports. Deduction shown below: WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 98 - 
 
  TAX AND CUSTOMS INCENTIVES 
Year of assessment Percentage of  export income to be deducted 
2011 50% 
2012 40% 
2013 40% 
2014 40% 
2015 40% 
Export income deduction will only be allowed if the Commissioner of Inland Revenue is satisfied that the export 
earnings will be remitted to Fiji. 
Loss carried forward 
Loss carried forward can be claimed up to 4 years. Loss ca rried forward by a company is allowed if that entity 
satisfies the continuity of ownership test or the same business test. 
Duty concessions 
Production inputs 
All goods used as raw materials in the manufacture of ap proved goods not available locally will attract 3% fiscal 
duty + 15% VAT, and all raw material used for manufacturing by companies outside of Viti Levu will attract 0% 
fiscal duty + 15% VAT. 
Capital items 
Duty rates on capital items (which refer to machinery used for converting / processing raw materials) will attract 
0% fiscal duty + 15% VAT.  
Duty suspension scheme 
Enables exporters to have access to inputs without having to pay for duties upfront.  
Imported goods are conditionally relieved from payment of fiscal duty and VAT on the basis that such goods will be 
substantially transformed through manufacturing or processing and subsequent exportation.  
The Scheme would entitle exporters to import duty free an  amount equal to the proportion of approved imported 
inputs required to produce exports. This is called entitled proportion (EP).  
Administered by the Fiji Export Council, wh ich is a private sector led organization.  
Zero fiscal duty on new machinery and equipment that are directly related to the production process. 
2.  HOTEL INDUSTRY INCENTIVES 
Standard allowance 
Investment allowance (in addition to ordinary depreciation) of 55% of total capital expenditure is allowed as a 
deduction provided there is no shift of tax revenue to other countries.  Applicable to building of new hotels including renovations or refurbishments or extensions of existing hotels and international retiree facilities.  Investment allowance can only be written-off against the income of the hotel business or income from the hotel 
premises. Losses carried forward extended to 8 years. Recipients of the provisional approval for standard allo wance to commence implementation of project within one 
year. Investors would only need to provide a sketch plan to obtain provisional approval for the investment allowance, and 
not necessarily a cert ified approved plan.  
New short life investment package 
10-year tax holiday for capital investments not less than F$7 million.  
Import duty exemption on all capital goods (including capital equipment, plant & machinery) not available in Fiji but this does not include furniture or motor vehicles that are used in carrying out the investment.  Short life investment package (SLIP) incentives are also available for retirement facilities and hospital resorts.  
Recipients of the provisional approval for Standard Allo wance to commence implementation of project within one 
year.  Investors would only need to provide a sketch plan to obtain provisional approval for the investment allowance, and not necessarily a certified approved plan. 
Backpacker operations 
Income tax exemptions for locally owned backpacker operators with annual sales turnover of F$1m or less.  
Duty exemption on the importation of raw materials and equipment used for the establishment of a backpacker 
hotel. (This incentive will only be available to backpacker businesses that are granted the income tax holiday). 
3.  AUDIOVISUAL INCENTIVES 
Income tax deductions 
150% deduction for capital expenditure on an F1 audiovisual production.  
125% deduction for capital expenditure on an F2 audiovisual production. 
Levels of expenditure in Fiji for an audiovisual production for F1 and F2 status should not be less than: 
- 40% for a large format film, a feature film  or broadcast television programmes;  
- 50% for a direct to video programme  or video disk programme; and  
- 55% for an audio recording. 
Income tax exemption 
Net income from an F1 production is exempt until the taxpayer has received a 60% return on capital expended. 
Thereafter, net income will be fully taxed at the marginal rate.  
Net income from an F2 production is exempt until the taxpayer has received a 50% return on capital expended. 
Thereafter, net income will be fully taxed at the marginal rate. 
Studio city zone concessions WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  TAX AND CUSTOMS INCENTIVES 
Any sole proprietor, partnership or company that carries on a production activity (the pr oduction of, distribution of 
or supply of services to audiovisual productions) may qualif y for an operating licence in the Studio City Zone and be 
entitled to an exemption from tax on the income from  the production activity carried on in the Zone.  
Tax free status for "permanent residents" of the Studio Ci ty Zone on income derived as earnings from audiovisual 
productions.  
For residence in the Zone to be approved, in the case of citizens, the individual must be: 
resident in the Zone for at least 183 days;  
have pre-tax audiovisual earnings in excess of F$100,000;  
have fixed assets in the Zone in excess of F$250,000; and  
maintain a primary place of residence in the Studio City Zone. 
For residence in the Zone to be approved, in the case of non-citizens (or a citizen who derives a 
minimum of 80% of audiovisual earnings from outside Fiji), the individual must be: 
resident in the Zone for at least 60 days;  
have pre-tax audiovisual earnings in excess of F$100,000;  
have fixed assets in the Zone in excess of F$250,000; and  
maintain a permanent place of residence in the Studio City Zone. 
Film tax rebate 
Summary Part IV, 6th Schedule – Income Tax Act 
Fiji Film Tax Rebate Bill 
Rebate amount 47% tax rebate or credit on production costs spent in Fiji: paragraph 68(1)  
Eligibility Films and television productions, as per existing Sixth Schedule: paragraph 69 
Minimum spend 
in country Minimum spend in Fiji F$250,000 for feature fi lms and broadcast television; and F$50,000 for 
production intended as an advertising programme or commercial in at least one significant 
international market: paragraph 69(e) 
Maximum rebate F$11.75 million, so even if more than F$25 million spent in Fiji the maximum rebate is still 
F$11.75 million: paragraph 68(2). 
Exclusions Where a producer has chosen to access the film tax rebate, the producer will not be able to 
obtain any other tax concessions under Part 3 of Sixth Schedule: paragraph 67(2). 
Additional incentives (allowable expenditures): 
Allowable expenditure incurred for services rendered by  the producers (producer's fees) – provided that such 
expenditure shall not exceed 10% of the total Fiji expend iture. Producers are not restricted to remain in Fiji 
throughout the production of the film.  
75% of the expenditure incurred to purchase costumes, make-up and set design properties not available in Fiji that 
will be used in relation to the film production in Fiji provided that any such costumes, make-up and set design 
properties shall be left in Fiji at the end of the production.  
Expenditure incurred to purchase the writer's story and ri ghts for the production of the film provided that the 
producer submits the following documentary evidence: 
  
- Notarized legal contract with the writer which is registered in Fiji with the Registrar of Deeds upon payment 
of the appropriate stamp duty;  
- Evidence of payment made directly into the writer 's bank account from the Fiji bank account; and  
- Receipt of acknowledgement of payment received. 
  
Approved post-production expenditure on the film paid from a Fiji bank account to the extent that it is incurred or 
reasonably attributable to approved post-production services in relation to the completing of the film made in Fiji. 
The maximum payable in rebate shall be granted upon the production of documentary evidence of the expenditure. 
Rebate is around 2%-2.5% of production budget.  
Expenditures incurred on hiring of cameras and filming equipment from outside Fiji, where such cameras and 
filming equipment are not available in Fiji. 
Additional requirements 
Companies should engage audio visual agents.  
Fiji as a location needs to be accredited and acknowledged in the film's credits and other accreditation as stipulated 
by Film Fiji in their approval letter. 
4.  AGRICULTURAL INCENTIVES 
Commercial agriculture and agro-processing 
The importation of all agricultural items will be subject to zero duty. 
New business from 2009 onwards 
The income of any new activity in commercial agricultural farming and agro-processing approved and established 
from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 shall be exempt from tax for 10 consecutive fiscal years with a capital investment of F$2,000,000 or more. 
Biofuel production 
10 year tax holiday is available to a taxpayer undertaking a new activity in processing agricultural commodities into biofuels as approved by the Commissioner from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2014. To qualify, the taxpayer 
must have: 
 -  Minimum level of investment of F$1,000,000; and  -  Employ 20 local employees or  more for every income year. 
  
Duty free importation of plant, machinery and equipment for initial establishment of the factory.  Duty free importation of chemical required for biofuel production. 
5.  SMALL AND MICRO ENTERPRISES 
Income tax exemption to be applicable to selected se ctors with maximum turnover threshold of F$500,000. The 
sectors include:  WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 100 - 
 
  TAX AND CUSTOMS INCENTIVES 
- Agriculture and fishing (sugar cane farmers; coconuts;  rice; ginger; yaqona; fishing; raising livestock; 
vegetables; dalo, cassava and other root cr ops production; farming and bee keeping.  
- Tourism (sea cruise and river tour operators).  
- Community and social services (amusement, recreation services; traditional handicraft producers (not 
"middleman" or agents)).  
- Supportive projects to tourism industry (flora, fauna and other natural characteristics of Fiji; and history, 
traditions, cultures and ways of life of its peoples). 
6.  TAX FREE REGION (TFR) INCENTIVES 
TFR incentives 
Who will qualify for this incentive? 
This incentive is available to a newly incorporated entity engaged in a new trade, business or manufacture established in the following areas:  - Vanua Levu – included Taveuni, Rabi, Kioa and othe r islands generally included for the government's 
administrative purposes as being in the Northern Division.  
- Rotuma  
- Kadavu  
- Levuka  
- Lomaiviti  
- Lau; and  
- East of Viti Levu (K orovou-Tavua region) 
  
Any company may apply to the Minister for Finance using a prescribed form (Form 6)  for an operating licence.  
Criteria for grant of licence  
The company is a newly incorporated entity enga ged in a new trade, business or manufacture.  
The minimum initial level of investment should be F$250,000 from 1 January 2010.  
Tax exemptions available 
The income of any new activity approved and established between 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2018 shall be 
exempt from tax as follows:  - capital investment from F$250,000 to F$1,000,000, for a period of 5 consecutive fiscal years; or  
- capital investment from F$1,000,000 to F$2,000,000, for a period of 7 consecutive fiscal years; or  
- capital investment above F$2,000,000 for a period of 13 consecutive fiscal years. 
Duty exemption  
Import duty exemption on the importation of raw mate rials, machinery and equipment (including parts and 
materials) insofar as they are required for the establishment of the business in the Tax Free Region.  
Other benefits under the TFR  
Additional 5 years of income tax exemption is available to any company granted a licence and having indigenous 
Fijian landowner equity of at least 25%.  
Additional 7 years of income tax exemption is available to any hotel developer granted a licence and having 
indigenous Fijian landowner equity of at least 25%.  
7.  INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) INCENTIVES 
The income of any new operator who is granted a licence from 1 January 2009 to be exempt from tax for a period 
of 13 years.  Any new operator may apply and pay a licence fee of F$1,000 per annum to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue. The tax exemption is granted from the date of the initial license.  Income tax exemption is available to investors under the following criteria: 
 
- the business employs 50 employees or more for any 6 months within the income year; and  
- 60 percent of its total services is exported. 
 Duty free importation of computer, computer parts & accessories, plant, equipment & fittings, and specialized furniture for initial establishment and during its ongoing operations to approved ICT/BOP business operators from 1 January 2009. 
8.  MANUFACTURERS INCENTIVES 
Food processing & forestry 
100% of the amount of investment as a deduction for investing in food processing as well as forestry. Re-
investment will also be allowed for expansion purposes. In order to qualify, the investor should utilize 50% of local 
produce in its production process. 
Renewable energy projects and power co-generation 
5-year tax holiday is available to a taxpayer undertaking a new activity in renewable energy projects and power co-
generation as approved by the Commissioner.  
Duty free importation of renewable energy goods is also available. 
9.  OTHER INCENTIVES 
Shipping companies – maritime shipping 
100% of the amount of investment as a deduction for investing in food processing as well as forestry. Re-
investment will also be allowed for expansion purposes. In order to qualify, the investor should utilize 50% of local produce in its production process.  
Unit trust companies – withholding tax and capital gains tax waiver 
Withholding taxes and capital gains taxes on interest income distribution to investors of the unit trusts will be 
waived. 
Fiji My Second Home Programme WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 101 - 
 
  TAX AND CUSTOMS INCENTIVES 
This Programme is open to citizens of other countries reco gnized by Fiji in the "Fiji My Second Home Programme" as 
administered by the Reserve Bank of Fiji.  Interest income is exempt from tax under the following criteria:  
-  Age below 50 years old: Minimum deposit of F$150,000 and maintain the deposit in Fiji for a minimum of 
two years. 
  - Age 50 years and above: Minimum deposit of F$100,000 and maintain the deposit in Fiji for a minimum of 
two years. 
  
To qualify the applicant must maintain a minimum balance of F$50,000 from the third year onwards and throughout the entire stay in Fiji.  
Foreign Currency Account Scheme 
Interest income is exempt from tax which accrues to or in favour of non-residents (including former Fiji residents) 
who hold funds in Fiji commercial bank accounts under the following criteria: 
 
-  For foreign currency accounts, interest income for deposit above the equivalent of F$150,000;  
-  For Fiji Dollar accounts, any amount of interest income. 
Other incentives 
Employment Taxation Scheme – 150% of the salary and wages paid by an employer within 1 January 1997 and 
31 December 2018 are tax deductible. The deduction is restricted to salary and wages paid in respect of a 12-month period commencing from the date of the appointment of the employee provided he or she has not previously been in full-time paid employment. This is extended to trainees and apprentices. 
Donation of new computers, laptops & tablets - 150% and 200% tax deductions for donation of computers to 
schools registered with the Ministry of Education, will be available with the following features: 
 
- 200% tax deduction relates to donation to schools in rural areas.  
- 150% tax deduction relates to donation to schools in urban areas  
- Donations to be between F$10,000 to F$100,000.  
Voluntary contribution for disaster relief - 150% tax deduction for voluntary contribution of cash donation by 
businesses towards a Disaster Relief Fund. The threshold w ill range from a minimum contribution of F$10,000 to a 
maximum contribution of F$100,000.  
Sports sponsorship - 150% tax deduction for sports sponsorship with a minimum cash sponsorship of $50,000.  
Sponsorship of hiring of international coaches – 150% tax deduction for sponsorship between F$100,000 and 
F$200,000 towards the hiring of international sporting coaches.  
Cash contribution towards housing projects - 150% tax deduction for cash contributions up to $50,000 
towards any government sanctioned housing project for squatters and informal settlements.  
Incentives for senior citizens - All senior citizens (over 55 years) and pensioners will be exempted from paying 
resident interest withholding tax on interest income of up to F$16,000 from bank deposits, provided this is their 
only source of income.  
10.  OTHER CUSTOMS CONCESSIONS 
Newly introduced concessions 
Items Descriptions Fiscal duty VAT (%) 
Food supplements  Reduce fiscal duty  on food supplements from 32% to 
0%.  Food supplements include essential vitamins and fortifications which are predominantly used by pregnant mothers, senior citizens and chronically ill patients.  0% 15% 
Baby feeding bottles  Reduce fiscal duty on baby feeding bottles from 32% 
to 0%.  
To reduce importation of cheap low quality baby 
bottles that may cause health risks.  0% 15% 
Shipping incentives  Duty on the importation of all spare parts for 
maritime vessels is reduced to 0%.  0% 15% 
Promote domestic 
fishing industry  Exemption of bunker fee of 2 cents/litre for local 
fishing vessels;  
Duty concession on specialized fishing 
items/equipment which are currently not covered 
under the existing concession for the fishing 
industry.  - - 
Agriculture Duty on the importation of all agricultural items will 
be reduced to 0%. 0% 15% 
Adult sanitary diapers Duty on the importation of all sanitary diapers will be 
reduced to 0%. 0% 15% 
Prefabricated homes 
(kit homes) Duty on prefabricated ho mes will be reduced from 
32% to 3% and duty on prefabricated concrete products and iron panels for commercial use will be reduced from 32% to 5%. Prefab homes (3%) 
Prefab concrete & 
iron panels (5%) 15% WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 102 - 
 
  TAX AND CUSTOMS INCENTIVES 
Duty concession for 
returning residents Duty concession under code 220 (0% fiscal duty, 0% 
import excise, 0% VAT) on importation of household 
effects and vehicles by returning residents. This 
concession is subject to certain conditions under 
Code 220. 0% Free 
OTHER EXISTING CONCESSIONS 
Industry Items Fiscal duty VAT (%) 
Agriculture & dairy  Specialized agriculture, livestock and dairy 
machinery, equipment and agricultural inputs excluding those that attract duty rates of 0% fiscal duty and 0% import excise in the tariff. The importation under concession is subject to the condition that a letter of approval is issued by the Ministry of Agriculture in relation to goods under concession.  Free  15%  
Bus operators Bus operators holding a Road Service Licence 
operating under scheduled trips approved by Land 
Transport Authority. 
Refund of duty on gas oil (diesel) having sulphur 
content not exceeding 500 ppm purchased ex-duty 
paid stock. 2 cents per litre 
refund  
Fisheries & forestry  Specialized machinery directly used for fishery and 
forestry purposes. The importation under concession is subject to the condition that a letter of approval is issued by Department of Fisheries & Department of Forests in relation to goods under concession.  Free  15%  
Maritime Safety 
Authority of Fiji 
(MSAF) Life jackets procured from local manufacturers 
operating under TFF or DSS.  
The imported raw materials incorporated in the 
manufacture of life jackets.  Free  15%  
Sports supplements Protein shakes and sporting tablets/capsules that will 
enhance athletic performance by supplying nutrients to the body which are lost in the process of strenuous training and fitness programmes. This concession does not extend to the products Powerade, Gadtorade, Red Bull, V-Drink and Mother, etc.  Free  15%  
Source: FRCA (2914), 2014 Fiji Tax and Customs Incentiv es, Suva; and information provided by the Fijian 
Authorities. WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
- 103 - 
 
  Table A3.3 Goods and services under price control 
Description Specifications 
Basic food items  
Rice – imported Specific quantities of 1 kg, 2 kg, 10 kg  
Wholesale quantities: 1 kg, 2 kg, 10 kg, 40 kg, 45 kg and 50 kg  
Premium product is not subject to price control. 
Sugar – imported Regulate the allowable mark up at wholesale and retail level (percentage 
level) 
Sugar – local Regulate the allowable mark up at wholesale and retail level (percentage 
level) 
Salt – imported 500 g, 907 g, 1 kg only.  
Dried leguminous vegetables shelled, 
whether or not skinned or split – 
imported Only spilt peas and blue peas are controlled in 500 g, 1 kg, and 2 kg 
quantity.  
Wholesale quantity: 10 kg, 25 kg, 45.36 kg and 50 kg  
Potatoes – imported Wholesale and retail prices are subject to control. 
Onions – imported Wholesale and retail prices are subject to control. 
Garlic – imported Wholesale and retail prices are subject to control. 
Baby milk of all types – imported/locally 
packed  Specific quantity of 350 g, 400 g, 900 g 
Canned fish – imported Tuna: 142 g, 170 g, 185 g 
Sardines: 106 g, 155 g, 425 g 
Tin fish: 155 g, 425 g 
In natural oil, water and tomato sauce only.  Brine and other premium types are excluded. 
Tea of all types – local/imported 
(excepting Masala tea)  Specific quantity 100 g, 200 g tea leaves.  
Tea bags are excluded 
Powdered milk – imported Specific quan tity of 250 g, 300 g, 450 g and 500 g 
Liquid milk blue packet (12 x 1 L) Regulate the retail prices.  
Liquid milk white packet (12 x 1 L) Regulate the retail prices. 
Corned beef and corned mutton (canned) 
(with or without other ingredients) – 
imported/local  Specific quantity 200 g, 326 g, and 340 g 
Edible oil – imported Only soya bean and canola oil are now controlled 
Specific quantity: 250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 2 L, 3 L, 4 L and 5 L. 
Margarine all types – imported  250 g, 500 g 
Butter Only retail prices are controlled: 125 g, 250 g, 500 g 
Bread Only 3 types and quantity are controlled – long loaf (white), slice white 
medium and wholemeal 
Wheat products  Ex-factory wholesale, wholesale and retail prices are subject to control – 
1 kg, 2 kg, 4 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg & 50 kg 
Biscuits – breakfast crackers Wholesale and retail prices are subject to control. 
Stationery Stationery and related commodities (imported) describ ed hereunder: 
  exercise books 
 chalks 
 crayons 
 colour pencils 
 pencil sharpener 
 rubbers 
 erasers 
 pencils 
 ring binders 
 book keeping cash books 
 journal ledger 
 ball pens 
 compass 
 protectors 
 rulers 
 ruled foolscaps  stencils 
 mathematical sets 
 set squares 
 dividers 
 drawing books 
 note books 
 brown paper 
 vanguard sheets 
 sellotape 
 duplicating paper 
 duplicating ink 
 correcting fluid 
 maps 
 gum 
 water colours 
 Text books used by educational institutions in Fiji (imported) 
Agricultural pesticides and fertilizers Agricultural pesticides of all type imported 
 Fertilizers imported falling within chapters 81 of tariff act. 
Spare parts Tyre and tubes (imported 
 Storage batteries (imported) 
  Spark plugs 
 Contact points 
 Condenses 
 Seal beams 
 Oil filters 
 Air filters  
 Fuel filters 
 Shock absorbers 
 Blubs 
 Exhaust pipes and silencers 
 Wiper motors and linkages  Wiper blades 
 Wiper refills 
 Brake and clutch washers 
 Master cylinder kits 
 Brake kits 
 Clutch and slave 
 Carburettor kits 
 Coils  
 Fuse 
 Clutch plates 
 Pressure plates WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Description Specifications 
 Wiper arms  Tie rod ends 
LPG Domestic cylinder 4.5kg and 12kg 
 Autogas 
 Bulk 
Petroleum products Unleaded motor spirit 
 Diesel 
 Premix 
 Kerosene 
Inter-island shipping Passenger and freight rates 
Ports Marine / navigation charges (overseas vessels) 
Wharfage charges Dockage charges Security charges Local vessels tariff Ancillary charges 
Stevedoring charges 
Vehicle discharge/ loading charges Container handling & machine hiring charges 
Storage/ demurrage charges 
Electricity Electricity rates; 
Ancillary services: 
Installation licence fee 
Electrical contractors licence 
Wireman’s licence 
Re-inspection and test of work on consumer's installation 
New connection fees/installation of metering system 
Metering system costs 
Reconnection of supply to consumer's installation – broken mains  
Reconnection following disconnection for non-payment of electricity 
account 
Disconnection/reconnection of supply at consumers request 
Minimum electricity charge 
Meter testing & adjustments of accounts 
Administration charges 
Aeronautical services Air navigation charges 
Terminal navigation fee Airfield charges – domestic & international landing fee Incinerator fees International and domestic parking fees 
Airport development charge and airport security charge 
Marina Marina management services on:  
Passenger levies on commercial ships; 
Levies on cargo transportation;  
Services to local commercial operators and users in Fiji. 
Cement Ex-factory bag & bulk cement 
Steel Ex-factory grade 300 & 500 reinforcement steel rods 
Postal services Domestic letters 
Sea/surface parcel Air parcel International mail Private mail box 
Telecommunication Access to capacity and network charges,  
Interconnection rates: international inbound call minute, ICT levy, special 
handling levy, mobile termination rate, fixed termination rate 
Wholesale bandwidth rates 
Interoperability fees for e-ticketing services 
Water & sewerage Water rates 
Domestic sewage Liquid trade waste 
Pharmaceutical items 75 product categories: 
Allopurinol 100 mg Tablets 
Amoxycillin 250 mg, 
500 mg Capsules 
Amoxycillin 125 mg/5 ml Suspension/powder 
Aspirin 300 mg Tablets 
Atenolol 50 mg Tablets 
Cough mixture  Syrup 
Benzyl benzoate 25% Lotion 
Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets/suppository 
Bisacodyl 10 mg Suppository 
Carbamazapine 200 mg Tablets 
Carbimazole 5 mg Tablets 
Chloramphenicol 250 mg Capsules 
Chloramphenicol 125 mg/5 ml Suspension WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Description Specifications 
Colchicine 0.5 mg Tablets 
Co-trimoxazole 240 mg/5 ml Suspension 
Co-trimoxazole 480 mg Tablets 
Diazepam 5 mg Tablets 
Digoxin 250 mcg, 
62.5 mcg Tablets 
Econazole 1% Cream 
Econazole 150 mg Pessary 
Enalapril 5 mg Tablets 
Erythromycin 250 mg Tablets 
Erythropoietin injection N/A Injection 
Erythromycin (estolate base)  125 mg/5 ml Suspension 
Ferrous sulphate 200 mg Tablets 
Flucloxacillin 250 mg, 
500 mg Capsules 
Frusemide 40 mg Tablets 
Glibenclamide 5 mg Tablets 
Glipizide 5 mg Tablets 
Glyceryl trinitrate 600 mcg Tablets 
Griseofulvin 125 mg, 
500 mg Tablets 
Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg Tablets 
Hydrocortisone 1% Cream 
Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablets 
Insulin neutral 1000 u/10 ml Injection 
Insulin isophane 1000 u/10 ml Injection 
Mixed (biphasic 70/30) 1000 u/10 ml Injection 
Indomethacin 25 mg Capsules 
Isosorbide dinitrate 10 mg Tablets 
Mebendazole 100 mg Tablets 
Metformin 500 mg Tablets 
Methyldopa 250 mg Tablets 
Metronidazole 200 mg Tablets 
Antacid +/- simethicone N/A Suspension/tablets 
Neomycin 1%/0.5% Ointment 
Nifedipine 20 mg Tablets 
Oral rehydration salt For 1L prep Crystal 
Paracetamol 500mg / 
Codine 8mg 500 mg/8 mg Tablets/caplets 
Paracetamol 120 mg/5 ml Suspension 
Paracetamol 500 mg Tablets/caplets 
Tylenol 500 mg Tablets 
Penicillin 250 mg Tablets 
Penicillin 125 mg/5 ml Syrup 
Potassium chloride 600 mg Tablets 
Prednisolone 5 mg Tablets 
Prochlorperazine 5 mg Tablets 
Promethazine 1 mg/1 ml Elixir 
Promethazine 10 mg Tablets 
Propranolol 10 mg, 
40 mg Tablets 
Ranitidine 300 mg Tablets 
Salbutamol 2 mg/5 ml Elixir 
Salbutamol 100 mcg Inhaler 
Salbutamol 4 mg Tablets 
Sodium valproate (enteric 
coated) 200 mg Tablets  
Tetracycline 250 mg Capsules 
Warfarin 1 mg,  3 mg, 
5 mg Tablets 
Loperamide 2 mg   Capsule/tablets 
    
Hardware products Cladding & boards 
Masonite board 2450 X 1225 X 4.5 mm/ 3 mm/ 4 mm 
S/Flex cement board 2400 X 1200 X 4.5 mm/ 6 mm 
Concrete blocks 
Bond beam 400 mm x 200 mm x (100/150/200)mm 
Standard whole 400 mm x 200 mm x (100/150/200)mm 
Cementstik 4 Ltr/ 750 ml 
Electrical products 
2' w/proof tubelight frame 
Tube light fitting 2FT and 4FT 
Zelmite boards 14"x12" 
Meter box galv 14x12 single/galv 18x20 double WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Description Specifications 
Neutral link 5 hole 
Gang  switch  w/light 10 A and 15 A 
One/two/three gang switch 10 A, 15 A and 20 A 
GPO with light switch 
Junction box 
Main entry box 2 terminal 
35 amps single pole main switch 
Main switch 40 amps S/P LEGEND 
10 amps and 16 amps  ELCB with base 
Earth rod 4'6"X16 mm RMS casco/ earth Clip 16 mm 
Fuse wire HPM card R1202 
35 amps HPM main switch S/P 
65a single pole main switch 
Batten holder 
Plain to screwed adaptor 25 mm with lock 
Plain coupling 20 mm and 25 mm 
Conduit bends 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm 
M/C breaker 10 amps and 16 amps 
DC141 2.5 mm/6 mm PVC single black coil 
1 mm TPS light wire/switch wire coil 
2.5 mm TPS festoon wire coil 
2.5 mm twin + earth – STD 
0.75 mm 3 core grey flex coil 
6 mm twin H/D main wire coil 
PVC conduit pipe grey/orange (16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm and 
32 mm)(MD/HD) 
Cable pin clip no.1, no. 2 and no. 3 (100's) 
Fasteners 
Barrel bolt brass (50 mm/ 75 mm) w/screws 
L/duty  z/c plated butt hinges (4")/ tee hinges (150 mm/100 mm) 
Tylok plate 4T10 72X115 L/Lok/ 8T15 110X235L/LOK 
Strapping 10 Mtr x 1.2 mm L/Lok 
Thru bolt M6.5 X 35/ M6 X 58/ M10 X (48/75/98)mm/ Thru bolt M12 X 
(58/75/98/129) mm 
Wire nails 40 mm / 75 mm/ 100 mm/ 150 mm J/H or F/H 
Galvanised nails 25 mm/ 40 mm/ 50 mm/ 75 mm/ 100 mm/ 150 mm J/H 
Galv clout nail 20 mm/ 25 mm x 2.8 
Panel pin J/H or F/H 20 mm/ 25 mm 
Concrete nail 25 mm/ 40 mm/ 75 mm/ 100 mm 
Twisted/ plain shank roofing nails 
Roof screw 14x65 type 17 unassembled/ (R/D) 
Night latch/ mortise lock 
Black/ galv binding wire 20G/ 16G 
Silock PVC glue  100 grms 
Louver Frames 
Louvre frame 3 blade s/c / 8 blade d/c 
3/ 8 blade alumn.l/frame w/screws 
Louvre blade (24/30/36)mm x 6 x 5 mm clear 
Paint 
Paint brush maroon handle 25 mm/ 75 mm/ 100 mm  
Paint roller sleeve 9" GP 
Roller handle 9" L/Duty 
Paint tray 230 mm (light type) 
Paint roller kit 9" standard 
APCO no frill high/semi-gloss white 10 Ltr/ 4 Ltr 
No frill HG 4L assorted colours 
Taubmans prokote high/semi-gloss white 4 Ltr/ 10 Ltr 
Prokote HG 4L assorted colours 
Thrift high/ semi-gloss  white – 4 LT/ 10 LT 
Thrift flat plastic ( block sealer) – 4 LT/ 10 LT 
Thrift high gloss 4 LT assorted colours 
Thrift pink primer/ white undercoat- 4 LT 
Thrift anti rust (chassis) black/ grey/ red – 1 LT/ 4 LT 
Colourshop HG 4LT assorted colours 
Plumbing 
PVC pressure pipe 15 mm/ 20 mm/ 25 mm/ 40 mm/ 50 mm  
PVC vent cowl 50 mm/ 100 mm waste 
PVC gully trap 100 mm wst 
PVC boss on trap 100x50 mm wst 
PVC p trap 40 mm waste 
PVC s & p trap 40x32/ 50 mm/ 40 mm waste 
PVC waste pipe 32 mm/ 40 mm/ 50 mm/ 100 mm/ 150 mm 
PVC  gutter 2.9 mtr 
PVC gutter bracket/ joiner, PVC gutter stop end lh / rh WT/TPR/S/330/Rev.1 • Fiji 
 
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  Description Specifications 
PVC plain rain head 
PVC gutter external angle/ internal angle 
PVC downpipe junction/ clip/ socket/ bend 95 deg/ 112 deg 
PVC down pipe 80 mm white 
Brass bib/ stop/ hose cock 15 mm 
Brass bib tap/ hose tap 15 mm 
Brass gate valve 15 mm 
Caroma toilet seat black/white 
Caroma toilet pan white p-trap 
Zagros s/s s/bowl 4' sink + grati/ d/bowl 6' sink + grati 
Toilet cistern 
Plywood 
Interior plywood  2100 x 900 x 3 mm/4 mm 
Interior plywood 2400 x 1200 x 3 mm/ 4 mm/ 6 mm/ 9 mm/ 12 mm 
Exterior plywood 2100 x 900 x 3 mm/ 4 mm 
Exterior plywood 2400 x 1200 x 3 mm/ 4 mm/ 6 mm/ 9 mm/ 12 mm 
Roofing 
Ridge cap galvanised/ Zincalume 26G x 6ft 
Flashing galvanised/ Zincalume 6'x 26G 
Roofing iron galvanised/ Zincalume (26 gauge) per feet 
Single sided sesalation 1.250x60m 
Double sided FR aluminium foil insulation 
Timber 
H3 dressed/ rough pine timber of assorted sizes 
Treated pine post of assorted sizes (max 4 m x 125 mm) 
Rough boxing timber of assorted sizes (max 300 mm x 50 mm) 
Treated pine decking/ flooring 100 mm/ 75 mm x 25 mm 
Treated pine weather board 150 mmx 25 mm 
Treated pine lining 100 mm/ 150 mm x 25 mm 
Pine shiplap 100 mm x 25 mm 
Skirting 75 mm x 25 mm 
1/4 and 1/2 round 
Tools 
Firmer chisel 12mm plastic handle 
Brick laying trowel type 200 mm 
Plastering trowel flat 250 x 100 mm 
Tape measure 3m 
Tubuler handle hacksaw frame 300 mm/ hacksaw blade 
Claw hammer wooden handle 27 mm 
Alumn (yellow) level 24" 
Trowel plasterer w/h 280 x 115 mm 
Hacksaw tubular 300 mm aluminium frame 
Handsaw cushion grip tri cut 22"x 10p 
300mm comb square 
Hand saw 650 mm  
Source: Information provided by the Fijian authorities. 
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