The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has issued warnings to 41 traders and placed them under investigation for potential legal violations. This action follows a comprehensive inspection campaign conducted during the Christmas trading period, which saw FCCC carry out a total of 804 inspections across the country. Notably, the enforcement efforts included 137 targeted night-shift operations aimed at high-risk areas.
FCCC Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta stated that the inspections spanned across Central, Western, and Northern divisions, focusing on various sectors, including retail, rental operations, maritime activities, as well as fuel and shipping. The Commission intensified its vigilance during the festive season to ensure compliance with regulations.
Jiuta emphasized the importance of these operations, which are guided by intelligence and targeted to maintain fairness in the market. “Enforcement does not stop when business hours end, and the Commission will take the strongest appropriate enforcement action against offenders,” she noted. From the night-shift inspections alone, four regulatory breaches were identified, alongside health-related issues that were subsequently referred to municipal councils for action.
The most frequently observed violations during these inspections were failure to comply with Price Control Orders, refusal to sell goods at authorized prices, and inadequate price display. In addition to these enforcement activities, FCCC is concluding its stationery price surveys, which are designed to ensure transparency and fairness ahead of the new school year. The outcomes of these surveys will be assessed and shared publicly to support families as they prepare for back-to-school expenses.
These continued efforts by the FCCC highlight its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring that traders adhere to established regulations, ultimately fostering a fair trading environment in Fiji.
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