BIZ MADE EASY
■ From January 1, 2020 business licence applicants only need to fill in application form and provide TIN ■ What used to take days and sometimes weeks, will now be processed in 48 hours
From next Wednesday, January 1, 2020, business registration will be made easier. Business licence applicants will only need to fill in a Business Licensing Application Form and provide their Tax Identification Number (TIN).
What used to take days and sometimes weeks, will now be processed in 48 hours.
The move is a risk-based approach where the responsibility to comply with the laws falls on the business operator.
Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar made the announcement yesterday
It is a major shift to encourage entrepreneurship with a focus on home-based businesses and micro enterprises.
Ms Kumar said no other documentation will be required for new or renewal of business licences.
“We are focused on reducing the processes, cost and time it takes for an individual to start a business in Fiji,” Mrs Kumar said.
“Currently if you are planning to obtain a business licence you need to meet a number of requirements.
“You have to get a business registration certificate, foreign investment registration certificate if you are a foreign investor, a tax identification number, occupational health and safety clearance letter, National Fire Authority certificate and besides this one must also get a building completion certificate from the building owner, if your renting you must get a letter from the landlord of the building you are going to rent.
“All these requirements are not making sense in reality, thus the government has made this commitment to provide ease of doing business by rolling out this reform.”
Risk categories
She said the issuance of the licences will be classified into the low-risk category and high-risk category.
“If your business falls within the high-risk category such as food handling, liquor sales, manufacturing, chemical handling, you will be issued a business license with the disclaimer that you cannot commence operations until the respective laws are complied with,” Mrs Kumar said.
“If your business falls within the low-risk category, you can start operations and within six months it is your responsibility to comply with the respective laws,” she said.
Licence renewals
Minister Kumar said with regards to renewals, businesses can now get up to 3 years renewal, provided the requisite fees are paid.
“For renewals, businesses need to notify the relevant agencies if there is a change in the structure within their license period.
“For instance, a change in the legal structure (Registrar of Companies), the physical structure of premises (OHS and NFA) or change in the number of employees (the municipality and OHS).
“There is no need to obtain annual OHS and NFA certification if there are no changes made to the structure, number of employees or legal structure of the business,” she said.
Micro business
The other major change is for start-ups and micro enterprises.
“As of January 1, 2020, all new businesses with up to 3 employees (inclusive of business owner) will be exempted from the business licensing fee for the first year of operation.
“Micro enterprises with one to three employees will be given a 50 per cent discount when renewing their business licences.”
Home based business
A new provision to allow for homebased businesses will also be included in this reform.
“For the first time, recognition is now given to home based business owners giving an opportunity to people to start almost any type of business from home immediately. “Sole traders and companies can now focus on their services and products that deliver the best to the people of Fiji.”
She said there will be further reforms and improvements in the process for obtaining construction permits and starting a business in the New Year.
Application process
Mrs Kumar concluded that the application forms, fees schedule, risk categorisation and all related information on the reform, will be available at the respective municipality office and on the bizFIJI website (www.bizfiji.com).
Businesses can download forms, calculate the fees, collate the relevant documents and only once visit the municipal office to lodge the application.
“Fiji is the trade and business hub of the Pacific and the Business License reforms will ensure doing business in Fiji gets easier and faster turnaround times and less red tape at Municipal Councils.”
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