The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, is set to enhance the enforcement of Fiji’s regulations regarding the export and import of tabua. Effective January 1, 2025, individuals wishing to export or import a tabua must first secure an approval letter from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs. Following this, they are required to obtain an export or import permit from the Ministry of Environment.

It is essential to note that without this permit, the exportation or importation of a tabua will not be permitted. Notably, export or import of tabua is prohibited in the United States, and consequently, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs will not issue approval letters for such transactions.

Moreover, the Ministry will enforce a strict monthly quota for tabua exports, limiting it to 16 per month. While there is no specific quota for importing tabua, individuals must fulfill all regulatory prerequisites, including obtaining the necessary permits from their country of origin, in addition to an import permit from Fiji’s Ministry of Environment.

The issuance of approval letters and permits will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. To avoid issues, members of the public are encouraged to plan in advance for their tabua export needs, as last-minute applications often risk running into full quotas.

Individuals are reminded to adhere to the regulatory framework outlined in the Customs Regulation and CITES Act, which emphasizes the importance of national and international conservation initiatives.

This initiative reflects Fiji’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while supporting ecological sustainability and responsible trade practices. It is a positive step forward in safeguarding the tabua, which holds significant cultural value, and ensuring that its trade complies with conservation efforts.