At Fiji’s Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS)’s invitation, Data Tech International (DTI) joined a consultative session with POS and E-SDC developers to discuss the VAT Monitoring System (VMS)’s upgrade to version 3 and answer questions related to its implementation. Beyond the technical updates, we reaffirmed a level playing field: equal support for every vendor and a free-of-charge accreditation pathway to help expand the market of technically compliant Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) solutions.
The meeting had two objectives: to explain the upcoming VMS enhancements and the EFD framework, as well as to address the developers’ questions in an open dialogue during the Q&A session.
Meeting details
During the first part of the meeting, Ms. Kelerayani Dawai, Compliance Director at FRCS, addressed the implementation of the new VAT requirements in the VMS system, outlining strategies to manage the ongoing changes while enhancing service delivery.
DTI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Ivan Pavlovic, followed up with a detailed review of the most significant changes and key enhancements resulting from the transition from VMS version 2 to version 3. It is notable to mention that this transition is in alignment with Phase 3 of FRCS’s 2025/2026 National Budget Announcement.
Backward compatibility between v2 and v3 is assured
During this transition period, which FRCS confirmed will last until 31.12.2026, DTI ensures backward compatibility between the previous and the new system. All EFD solutions currently operating under the v2 model will continue to work with the new system until the extended transition deadline.
This measure confirms FRCS’s confidence that all vendors will adapt to the new version of the system within this timeframe and encourages them to begin adaptation and testing as soon as possible to ensure compliance within the extended timeline.
The developers who were both in the room and online openly voiced their questions to the FRCS and DTI representatives
The Q&A session
At the end of the meeting, an interactive Q&A session took place, during which vendors attending both online and in person could discuss changes, voice their concerns, and raise current issues regarding the transition from version 2 to version 3 of the VMS system.
3 key takeaways from the meeting
- Supplier accreditation & conduct. Suppliers must apply for accreditation of POS/E-SDC (reg 8), comply with conduct rules (reg 15). Accreditation can be revoked where requirements aren’t met (reg 10).
- Taxpayer obligations. Taxpayers must use compliant EFDs and issue fiscal invoices (regs 16–18). FRCS may audit and investigate (reg 27) and enforce compliance (reg 28).
- FRCS (CEO) role & protocols. FRCS sets guidelines and protocols for communication/data exchange (regs 20–21) and publishes verification procedures (reg 25).
In conclusion
To ensure a level playing field and a stronger market of technically compliant solutions, DTI is providing equal technical support to every vendor and a free-of-charge accreditation process to verify compliance. We have designed this approach to enhance service quality, promote healthy competition, and provide taxpayers with a broader choice of compliant EFD offerings. Ultimately, it results in better outcomes for taxpayers.
Acknowledging the message the VMS developers conveyed to both FRCS and DTI, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and strengthening effective communication among the three parties: DTI, FRCS, and third-party vendors.
DTI’s equal-support, zero-fee accreditation model is deliberate: it expands the pool of technically compliant solutions and raises the bar on service quality through competition. The result is better outcomes for taxpayers.
Final remarks
As a reminder, our journey in Fiji began in 2017, and since then, we have continuously supported and enhanced DTI’s flagship product, TaxCore®. DTI’s longstanding presence in the country, especially considering the rapid pace at which new technological solutions emerge, stands as a testament to the trust and strong partnership that exists between our company and Fiji’s FRCS.
Given the trust that FRCS has placed in our product, it is only natural for us to continue supporting and investing in this initiative. The recent upgrade to version 3 demonstrates that our product remains fully operational, future-ready, and continuously enhanced to address upcoming challenges. As always, we emphasize our strong commitment to fighting tax evasion.
