During the Christmas trading period last year, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) conducted a total of 804 inspections, which included 137 targeted night-shift operations aimed at ensuring compliance among traders. These inspections spanned across the Central, Western, and Northern divisions, focusing on a range of sectors such as retail trading, rental premises, maritime operations, and fuel distribution.
FCCC chief executive officer Senikavika Jiuta reported that as a result of these inspections, 41 traders were either warned of prosecution or placed under investigation for violations of the FCCC Act 2010. The night-shift operations specifically targeted high-risk trading periods, with inspections conducted prior to Christmas and New Year, as well as at ports and wharves.
“These operations are deliberate and intelligence-led,” Jiuta emphasized, highlighting the FCCC’s commitment to enforcement even outside regular business hours. She warned that the Commission would take robust action against any offenders, making it clear that the increased trading activity during the festive season does not justify non-compliance with the law.
From the inspections conducted during the night shifts, four significant breaches were identified, alongside several health-related issues that were forwarded to the appropriate municipal councils for follow-up.
The common breaches reported included failure to comply with Price Control Orders, refusal to sell goods at authorized prices, and inadequate price display. Jiuta reiterated that festive demand does not provide a license for traders to overcharge or neglect legal obligations, and the FCCC will pursue all investigations resulting from these inspections.
In addition to these operations, the FCCC announced the initiation of back-to-school stationery surveys to aid families in managing their school-related expenses. The results of these ongoing surveys will be shared through the FCCC’s social media channels, providing valuable information to assist parents as they prepare for the new school year.
The proactive steps taken by the FCCC highlight the organization’s dedication to consumer protection and fair trading practices, fostering a marketplace where compliance with regulations is expected and enforced effectively.
Leave a comment