The Consumer Council of Fiji has revealed alarming instances of pricing and regulatory violations following extensive market surveillance conducted throughout the year. Chief Executive Seema Shandil announced that the Council completed over 1,000 inspections spanning supermarkets, retail shops, open markets, restaurants, bakeries, and service providers across the nation.
Shandil expressed particular concern over retailers misrepresenting information to consumers. Among the notable issues identified were violations related to price controls and misleading advertisements. “We have observed misleading advertisements and omissions of VAT receipts. It’s crucial that VAT is clearly declared on receipts, as merchants are legally obligated to inform consumers of the applicable VAT percentage,” noted Shandil. She also pointed out the problematic use of exclusionary clauses in sales promotions.
Further emphasizing the need for transparency, Shandil cautioned that some promotions and special offers may not be entirely genuine. “Certain stocks may be lingering, prompting retailers to launch promotions to clear out old inventory, and consumers should be wary of this tactic,” she remarked.
The Consumer Council is collaborating closely with enforcement agencies to ensure that appropriate measures are taken against these irregularities. Given the recurrence of these issues, maintaining constant market surveillance is deemed necessary to protect consumer rights and foster a fair marketplace. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability within the retail sector, ultimately aiming to build consumer trust in the market.
Leave a comment