forum islands (including fiji)
The South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement (SPARTECA) is a nonreciprocal trade agreement under which Australia and New Zealand offer duty free or concessional access to most products originating in Forum Island Countries (FICs).
SPARTECA came into effect for most FICs from 1 January, 1981. However, with the joining of new members, the current FIC signatories to SPARTECA includes Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Western Samoa.
SPARTECA includes provisions for general economic, commercial and technical co-operation, safeguard provisions relating to dumped and subsidised goods, suspension of obligations, and provisions for general exceptions and duties. SPARTECA also provides for special treatment and assistance to be extended to the Smaller Island Countries (SICs) viz Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Tonga, Tuvalu and Western Samoa.
Further information on SPARTECA is available via the following links:
Australian Customs Notices
- ACN 2001/01 - Entry Requirements for SPARTECA (TCF Provisions) Scheme
- ACN 2001/79 - SPARTECA (TCF Provisions) Scheme - Incorrect Entry
- ACN 2009/07 - SPARTECA (TCF Provisions) Scheme - Change in requirement to the Minimum Local Area Content (MLAC)
Legislation
- Customs Act 1901, Division 1A of Part VIII - Rules of origin of preference claim goods
Practice Statement and Associated Documents
- Practice Statement NO.2009/13 - Rules of Origin
- Instructions and Guidelines - Preferential Rules of Origin
Claiming preference under the Integrated Cargo System (ICS)
Other
- Forum Island 'A Reference Handbook for Forum Island Country Exporters' (127KB)
- Australia - Fiji 'Protocol on Customs Procedures for Rules of Origin under SPARTECA' (162KB)
Any enquiries should be directed to the Customs Information and Support Centre by email to information@customs.gov.au or phone 1300 363 263.