The Director of Customs, Mr. Harold Tarosa, has announced a two-week extension for 154 businesses that have not yet registered under the Vanuatu Sales Monitoring System (VSMS).

Out of 1,400 businesses required to register last month, 888 have already completed their registration.

The VSMS, managed by the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue, is a new digital system designed to give the Government real-time updates on business transactions across the country.

It aims to improve the collection and management of Value Added Tax (VAT) and strengthen transparency in business reporting.

Mr. Tarosa said the purpose of the registration is to help Customs officers better understand how businesses operate.

“The purpose of registration is to allow our officers to know the businesses they are dealing with. Many shop owners have multiple cashiers or different branches, so it’s important they update their information before we move into the enrollment phase,” he said.

Last month, Customs worked with 1,400 businesses as part of the first rollout of the system , with 85 percent successfully registered.

“The new two-week extension has been granted until October 17, so we can work with the remaining businesses before moving to the next phase,” Mr. Tarosa said.

Businesses can register through the Department of Customs website or collect forms from Customs offices in all provinces.

More than 3,000 VAT-registered individuals and entities are expected to enroll in the new system.

The Department has warned that failure to register under the Vanuatu Sales Monitoring System will be considered a criminal offence, in line with the regulation order signed by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Johnny Koanapo.