Fiji

27 June 2025 — G/TFA/N/FJI/3  

The World Bank Group delivered a National Single Window Visioning Workshop in 2018 to create awareness and develop a single window vision statement, which specified the need to implement an electronic trade single window system. An NTFC-led TFA working group framework was developed, and a specific joint agency and industry single window working group was established to progress work on considerations for the implementation of a single window in Fiji.

The working group identified that there were immediate opportunities for other border agencies and industry to utilize the current capability of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) cargo reporting and clearance modules. For example, the industry provided some manifest and clearance information digitally to FRCS, but in paper format to other agencies. The working group implemented a pilot project to enable the other agencies to access the manifest and clearance information via the FRCS ASYCUDA World system. This has resulted in reduced need for printing and submission of review of paper documents, and more importantly, has developed a cooperative mindset in the agencies and industry to seek further improvements in IT connectivity.

World Bank Group provided technical assistance with the planning for a Single Window Roadmap for Implementation through the provision of a Fiji Digitization Gap Analysis to inform the design and guide the implementation of the Fiji National Single Window (FNSW). The Digitization Gap Analysis Report was delivered to the Government in December 2023, when senior Government and Industry representatives were briefed on the concept and received the green light to go ahead. The report helped identify the critical gaps in preparation for connecting and automating all border agencies to participate and seamlessly integrate into a national single window system. As part of the next step towards the implementation, an integrated NSW solution for border processes and procedures will be developed.

Among border agencies, BAF is currently developing a web-based import permit application module that allows users to search for import regulatory requirements and submit permit applications online, and which will be linked to the Fiji Trade Information Portal (FJTIP). Once logged in, users will be able to track the status of their applications through a dedicated dashboard. The objective is to transition from the existing paper-based process to a fully digital system. The system is expected to be fully operational by early July 2025. While the primary focus has been on automating the permit system, enabling importers and customers to search for import requirements and apply for permits online, no integration with the ASYCUDA system was envisaged due to budget constraints.

The World Bank is also assisting with the identification of connectivity between systems, such as between ASYCUDA World and IPPC GeNS, which is used by Biosecurity Agency Fiji (BAF) to send and receive electronic phytosanitary certificates, and with the evaluation of a maritime single-entry portal for regulatory maritime reporting (International Maritime Organization Maritime Single Window).

Areas of assistance required:

Window Roadmap for Implementation, planning, and coordinating future Single Window implementation. This includes establishing the linkages with other border agency systems and the capacity for the current Fiji IT infrastructure to manage a Single Window.