The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has issued a stern reminder to stakeholders about the necessity of adhering to official information requests under Section 119 of the FCCC Act 2010. This comes after 134 infractions were noted from 515 surveys and 357 inspections, prompting the FCCC to issue Requisition for Information Notices to 131 traders as part of ongoing investigations.
Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta stressed the importance of precise and punctual information from businesses and service providers. Such information is vital for the FCCC to fulfill its duties concerning competition safeguarding, consumer protection, and maintaining fair trading practices. Failure to comply with these Notices is considered an offence, and persistent disregard may result in additional legal repercussions under Section 130 of the FCCC Act.
Jiuta emphasized the importance of cooperation, highlighting that transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a fair marketplace. The FCCC is determined to enforce compliance and will take action whenever necessary. This commitment echoes the FCCC’s zero-tolerance policy toward unethical trading practices, as seen in recent rigorous inspections and enforcement measures.
The Commission has a history of extensive inspection campaigns, particularly during peak shopping periods such as pre-Easter and holiday seasons, where it uncovered numerous violations including failures to display prices and price gouging. These actions are part of the FCCC’s broader mission to uphold consumer rights and ensure a level playing field for ethical business practices.
Ultimately, the FCCC’s proactive stance and ongoing enforcement efforts aim to create a trustworthy marketplace in Fiji, encouraging businesses to comply with legal requirements and thus benefiting both consumers and ethical traders. This vigilant approach not only seeks to prevent unfair trading practices but also helps foster a sense of community within Fiji’s economy, where businesses operate with integrity and consumers shop with confidence.
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