The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is encouraging consumers to stay vigilant while shopping during the Christmas season, as the surge in spending, promotions, and online transactions can lead to more opportunities for dishonest traders to mislead shoppers. Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta highlighted that the Commission has implemented extended monitoring operations with rotating shifts to enhance consumer protection throughout the festive period.
This proactive approach enables enforcement officers to conduct inspections in shops, supermarkets, and service providers that operate late at night, effectively curbing unfair business practices. Since last month, FCCC enforcement teams have performed 657 pre-Christmas surveillance inspections nationwide, focusing on various sectors, including shipping services, hardware stores, motor vehicle retailers, hotels, pharmacies, retail outlets, and supermarkets.
Jiuta reported several breaches discovered during these inspections, such as overcharging, failure to display prices, false advertising, selling expired products, and not marking pull dates. The night shift teams are specifically ensuring that shipping service providers do not engage in unfair trade practices, including overcharging on regulated fares and freight charges.
To promote compliance with road safety standards, the FCCC is collaborating with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, the Fiji Police Force, and the Land Transport Authority to monitor regulated vehicle tonnage. Furthermore, through ongoing partnerships with health inspectors, the FCCC has enhanced its capacity to ensure that duty and VAT reductions are passed on to consumers.
Recent joint inspections have revealed significant violations, notably in supermarkets within the Western Division, where 14 breaches were identified, including the sale of expired products and inadequate food handling practices that pose risks of cross-contamination. Jiuta urges consumers to take an active role in safeguarding their rights and to remain informed as they navigate the busy shopping season.
Overall, these initiatives reflect a strong commitment from the FCCC to protect consumers and ensure that the festive season remains a joyful experience without the burden of unethical trading practices.