Importing to Fiji

Import Permit/Procedure and Documentation

For importation of any plant and plant products into Fiji and import permit has to be acquired from Fiji Quarantine & Inspection Division prior to imports. Import application form to be collected from FORMS section of the web. The importation of any plant into Fiji is prohibited unless a phytosanitary certificate is produced and a permit is first obtained from Fiji Quarantine & Inspection Division.

Confiscation Procedures and Requirements

 All prohibited/restricted items imported into Fiji are confiscated at the port of entries and incinerated. A confiscation certificate is issued to the consignee for notification.

 

Forest

Wood products imported for personal use or accompanied by passengers will be inspected on arrival in Fiji Islands for evidence of pest infestation. Pests include insects such as borers or caterpillars, or fungi. Bark, either loose or on wood products, and pinecones are also prohibited unless they are painted or lacquered in a way that would stop pests escaping from within.
Some commercial shipments of wood products must be treated before entering Fiji Islands. A certificate confirming the type and method of treatment used must accompany goods treated overseas. All wood products will be inspected on arrival in Fiji Islands either for evidence of pest infestation or, if treated before arrival, to confirm the treatment was effective.
Goods must also be subject to either a pest and import risk analysis. To avoid problems on arrival in Fiji Islands, people or companies importing wood items should make sure the items are clean and free of any pests before they are sent to Fiji Islands. Any wooden items found to be infested with pests will be treated, reshipped or destroyed.
To import viable seed or nursery stock of forestry species please apply for import permit.

Plant Imports

 All plants and plant products are prohibited entry into Fiji Islands unless an Import Permit has been issued. Import Permit conditions include the phytosanitary measures that must be taken in the exporting country, during transit and during importation and quarantine before Biosecurity clearance can be given.
If you are traveling to Fiji Islands and want to bring edible plant products such as dried seeds, nuts, fruit or honey, please consult the Travel Information section.
Plants and plant products are grouped into commodity classes, such as: 

  • Fresh Cut Flowers & Foliage
  • Fresh or Frozen Fruit & Vegetables
  • Genetically Modified Organisms
  • Micro-organisms, Microbiological and Lab Specimens
  • Nursery Stock
  • Seeds for processing and consumption
  • Seeds for sowing
  • Plant Products
  • High Value Crops

The format of the Import Permit condition depends on the commodity class. Import Permit condition for fresh produce are developed on a commodity/country basis.
Within Fiji Islands, the Fiji Quarantine & Inspection Division Import Permit section Team is responsible for developing import conditions for plants and plant products.

 Endangered Species

 Importing plants and products of some plant species and any other items regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Regulated plant species, where appropriate, must be accompanied by a valid CITES export permit issued by the appropriate Management Authority in the country of export.
A CITES import permit, issued by the Department of Conservation, may also be required by Fiji Islands legislation for specimens of selected species. Importers are advised to contact the Ministry of Environment for further information.

Preparing a phytosanitary certificate

Most imported consignments of plants and plant products must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Such certificates should be prepared in accordance with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures number 12 "Guidelines for phytosanitary certificates". 
While there is no specific language requirement for the certificate, Fiji Quarantine & Inspection Division must be able to ascertain whether it meets Fiji Islands, therefore the preference is for it to be in English.

 Live animals

 Live animals may not enter Fiji Islands without meeting specific conditions. These will depend on the type of animal and country of origin. Entry conditions are described in the appropriate Import Health Condition. 
A Permit to Import, which can be downloaded or printed from within the appropriate Import Health Standards document, may be required and animals may have to undergo Post Entry Quarantine at a MAF Biosecurity Fiji Islands approved facility. Some animals may be prohibited due to their protected status.

 Animal products, including meat, eggs and dairy products.

 We encourage travelers not to bring foodstuffs into Fiji Islands as many of them pose serious quarantine risks.  In general, perishable foodstuffs such as meat are prohibited. In some cases official documentation may be required to allow entry. All animal products - from pet food to heat-and-eat meals to poultry feather meal products - will require Import Permit. Travelers should contact Fiji Quarantine & Inspection Division before importing these types of food.
For information about private consignments of meat products contact FQID for further information. see the following Import Permit Condition for Dairy, Meat and Eggs. An inspection is needed to determine the state of manufacture and country of origin.  This will determine the quarantine status of the product.  Products such as beef jerky, salamis and Chinese sausages are manufactured from dried meat, which have not been through any process to destroy organisms.  Fiji Islands greatest threat is Foot and Mouth Disease and Mad Cow Diseases.  This virus is prevalent in many overseas countries and can survive for long periods in meat products.  An outbreak of the disease would immediately impact on our animal and animal industry.