Export Market Guide - Fiji

All regulatory information for exporting wine to Fiji, including the regulatory environment, duties and taxes, and permitted additives.

Unless an exemption has been granted by Wine Australia, grape products exported from Australia must comply with the Food Standards Code. Accordingly, the labelling and wine standards information in Wine Australia’s Export Market Guides should be read in conjunction with Wine Australia’s Licensing and Compliance Guide which contains the requirements of the Food Standards Code and applicable exemptions.

Fiji is one of the more developed of the Pacific island economies. It is an independent country lying on the border between the Polynesian and Melanesian regions of the Pacific. After Papua New Guinea, Fiji is the most populous Pacific island country and hosts a number of regional and international organisations.

Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a British colony. Its independence has been marked by a series of military coups, many of them racially motivated against the large Indian population. The most recent military coup in December 2006 was led by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. Following years of political turmoil, long-delayed legislative elections were held in September 2014 that were deemed ‘credible’ by international observers and that resulted in Bainimarama being re-elected.  The Australian government has since lifted its travel restrictions and Fiji has been reinstated as a Commonwealth member. 

As a key Pacific economy and a regional hub, Fiji’s stability is of great importance to the region and Australia. Australia’s support has focused on strengthening Government of Fiji’s national policies and institutions, including the national social protection system, gender equality, education and the Fijian public service. 

Australia is one of Fiji’s largest trade and investment partners. The wine market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, driven by evolving customer preferences due to changing lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes. One of the key trends is the increasing popularity of imported wines. Consumers seeking out wines from renowned wine-producing regions such as France, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand, resulting in a rise in the number of wine importers and distributors. 

Fiji's tourism industry also plays a significant role in the development of the wine market. The country attracts a large number of international tourists, many of whom come from countries with a strong wine culture. These tourists often seek out local wine experiences and are willing to pay a premium for high-quality wines.