AN agreement between the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA) and the Custom Brokers and Forwarders Council of Fiji should see greater efficiency at ports of entry.
The parties signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday, which will see them working in partnership and improve compliance at our borders.
The agreement should also see the quick release of goods as well as the correct determination of duty.
FRCA chief executive Jitoko Tikolevu said the MOU would mean that even with customs officers present at the borders, council members would also ensure compliance.
Council members will be trained on the various legislations, which should allow them to correctly value goods as well as determine the rules of origin.
Mr Tikolevu said valuation was important and the MOU would allow the parties to discuss issues.
Council representative Ronald Dass said this was the first time in the region or in the world that such an agreement had been reached.
"We are the eyes and ears ... and it is our moral obligation to work with Customs and point out if there is anything that is not in line," he said.
He added that while trade facilitation was important, it was equally important that there was a balancing act with compliance.
Mr Tikolevu said improving compliance led to better revenue compliance.
Source: The Fiji Times