Bid to set business ethics guidelines
THE Fiji Revenue and Customs Service had encountered cases of fraudulent behaviours by some of the Customs agents in the past, says chief executive officer Visvanath Das.
Mr Das said the FRCS launched the Customs, shipping and airline agents code of conduct this week with hopes that it would eliminate such behaviours in future and also avoid Customs fines and penalties for non-compliance.
“The aim of this Code of Conduct is to set ‘business ethics’ guidelines for Customs, shipping and airline agents establishing principles, values and rules of behaviour encouraging them to achieve high standards of professional conduct and to properly perform their duties,” Mr Das said.
“The focus is also on ‘Trust Based self-assessment’ ensuring voluntary compliance by the industry players in order to experiences quick processing of customs documents and clearance of goods from customs control,” he said.
“The series of standards of diligence, professional competence, integrity and self-discipline outlined will promote honesty, transparency and assist government to collect correct duties and taxes with less compliance cost.”
In a statement, Mr Das said the Code of Conduct was a product of FRCS and industry consultation and it would enhance partnership with Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Fiji (CBFCF) and create a level playing field for Customs agents.
According to the statement this year FRCS has granted three-year licences to all licence Customs, shipping and airline agents ensuring partnership approach and better credibility in their dealings with FRCS.
CBFCF board member, Ram Rajend acknowledged the efforts of Customs Division for developing this code.
With his 45 years of experience in Customs arena, he commended Customs administration transformation for the better.
He assured full support from CBFCF members to achieve the aim of this code of conduct and identify loopholes to improve the processes and partnership with FRCS.