Govt providing duty concessions for importing cement following shortage

The Fijian Government is providing duty concession to individuals and companies who would like to import cement from overseas following the recent shortage in the market.

FRCA CEO Visvanath Das says they understand that the demand for cement in Fiji is huge at the moment and the government is working hard to meet the urgent needs of the people.

Das says cement imports currently attract a fiscal duty of 32%, 10% import excise duty and 9% VAT but following the shortage, the import of cement will now be zero‑rated, however, the 9% VAT will still be applicable.

Cement manufactured and originating from any MSG countries will also qualify for duty concessions under the MSG Agreement attracting the same rate of duty, zero fiscal duty and free import excise duty but subject to 9% VAT.

Das says these concessions will remain available to all companies and individuals for 3 months.

However, in order to qualify for concession, orders must be placed and consignments must leave the country of origin before the expiry of the three months that is the 9th of September.

Das has appealed to the businesses to pass on the duty concession to the consumers and any breach of the concession provided will result in hefty fines and penalties.

FRCA will be closely monitoring the concessions provided and will also ensure that the same is passed on to consumers.