The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is advising consumers to exercise caution while shopping this Christmas season. The increase in consumer spending, attractive promotions, and the rise of online shopping presents opportunities for dishonest traders to mislead customers.
FCCC Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta announced that the Commission has enhanced its monitoring operations through staggered shifts to offer greater protection to consumers during this busy period. This initiative enables officers to inspect various establishments, including shops, supermarkets, and service providers that may operate late into the night.
Since the beginning of last month, FCCC enforcement teams have completed 657 inspections nationwide in anticipation of the holiday shopping surge. Their focus has been on a variety of sectors, including shipping service providers, hardware stores, motor vehicle retailers, hotels, pharmacies, white goods vendors, drapery shops, and supermarkets. Violations observed during these inspections include overcharging, the absence of price displays, misleading representations, the sale of expired products, and the lack of clear marking for pull dates.
Jiuta further remarked that the night shift teams are dedicated to ensuring that shipping service providers adhere to fair trading practices and do not impose excessive charges on regulated fares, freight, and cargo fees. Additionally, the FCCC is collaborating with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, the Fiji Police Force, and the Land Transport Authority to enforce compliance with road safety standards by monitoring regulated vehicle tonnage.
Moreover, the FCCC has expanded its reach and effectiveness through ongoing partnerships with health inspectors across various towns and cities. This joint effort is part of the Price Monitoring and Enforcement Taskforce, designed to ensure that any reductions in duty and VAT are passed on to consumers. Recent inspections have uncovered significant violations in several supermarkets within the Western Division, including the sale of expired goods and inadequate food handling practices that pose risks of cross-contamination.
Jiuta is calling on consumers to be proactive, stay alert, and understand their rights and responsibilities while shopping during the festive season. The Commission’s heightened vigilance and consumer awareness initiatives reflect a commitment to fostering a fairer marketplace and protecting the interests of consumers in Fiji during this bustling holiday period.
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