08/05/2026
To support the successful delivery of your construction projects, we are sharing an update regarding the importation of building materials and prefabricated homes into Fiji.
The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development and FRCS have introduced strengthened compliance measures to ensure all structures meet our national safety standards.
What this means for your investment:
- Approval First: Ensure you have your import licenses and laboratory test reports ready before your goods arrive to avoid extra storage costs.
- Standards Check: Regulated items like roofing, cyclonic screws, and steel reinforcing must meet Fijiโs mandatory standards.
- Prefabricated Homes: If you are importing kit homes, you will need a letter from a qualified engineer confirming they comply with our building codes.
Staying compliant helps protect your assets and keeps your project timelines on track. ๐ซ๐ฏ
For further guidance, please reach out to the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards at 3305 411.
๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐
๐ข๐ฃ๐ข
The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development (Ministry), in collaboration with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), wishes to advise all stakeholders, importers and the general public of the following -
The current regulated building materials are:
1. Sheet roofing and wall cladding, including raw materials such as roofing coils used in the manufacture of sheet roofing, wall cladding, accessories, and purlins.
2. Cyclonic screws.
3. Reinforcing steel materials, including:
(i) Deformed and plain bars โ Grade 300E (Seismic) and Grade 500E (Seismic).
(ii) Welded mesh โ Grade 500E (Seismic) and Grade 500L (Non-Seismic).
The applicable mandatory standards pursuant to the Trade Standards and Quality Control Act 1992 are -
โ FS AS 1562:1998 โ Design and Installation of Sheet Roof and Wall Cladding
โ FS AS 3566:1998 โ Screws โ Self Drilling for the Building and Construction Industries
โ FS AS/NZS 4671 โ Steel Reinforcing Materials Order 2020
As the regulator, the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards under the Ministry issues import licenses to control the entry of these building materials into Fiji. Importers must obtain the necessary import licenses and approvals prior to the clearance of goods. Failure to secure the required licenses may result in delays, penalties or seizure of goods.
In recent months, there has been a significant increase in the importation of prefabricated kit homes. While these structures provide an efficient alternative housing solution, it has been observed that some consignments include regulated building materials that must meet Fijiโs building material standards requirements.
๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ
All importers are reminded that:
โ Building materials stated above must comply with Fijiโs standards.
โ Products must be supported by valid laboratory test reports from ISO 17025 accredited laboratories.
โ Documentation (including packing lists) must be submitted prior to importation for verification and clearance.
Strengthened Enforcement
Authorities will ensure:
โ Enhanced border inspections and clearance controls.
โ Detain, reject, or re-export non-compliant building materials not meeting the standards requirements.
โ Intensify market surveillance nationwide.
๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ
Importers and developers are strongly encouraged to:
โ Source materials from certified and reputable suppliers.
โ Verify compliance prior to shipment.
โ Consult relevant agencies for clarification where necessary.
๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ
The movement of containers does not override licensing obligations. Importers, including shipping agents and freight forwarders, are reminded that logistical clearance and regulatory compliance are separate processes that must both be fulfilled.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service advises all importers and customs brokers to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements prior to the importation of container homes and prefabricated buildings.
This includes obtaining all requisite permits from the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development for items classified as regulated goods.
FRCS will not authorise the release of imported goods requiring permits unless formal approval has been granted by the Ministry.
Importers and brokers are strongly advised to ensure all regulatory requirements are fully met prior to the arrival of goods to avoid unnecessary storage and associated costs.
Furthermore, the importation of container homes and prefabricated buildings under the Customs Prohibited (Imports and Exports) Regulations 1986 requires formal approval supported by certification from qualified engineers confirming compliance with Fijiโs building standards and relevant Australian and New Zealand building standards.
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๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards
๐ 3305 411
๐ง [email protected]
