The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is pushing for the reinstatement of its on-the-spot penalty powers as part of a broader reform initiative aimed at strengthening competition and consumer protection laws in Fiji. Chief Executive Officer Senikavika Jiuta emphasized the urgency of these measures, which are designed to enhance the FCCC’s ability to enforce compliance and ensure fair treatment for both consumers and businesses.
Jiuta stated, “Consumers want immediate deterrence. The on-spot penalty is one of the strongest ways to ensure compliance and accountability in the marketplace.” This authority previously allowed FCCC officers to intervene quickly against traders who violated price controls or engaged in unfair practices. However, these powers were suspended due to outdated legislative restrictions that mandated a uniform maximum penalty of $2,000 for all businesses, regardless of size or revenue.
The call for renewing these enforcement powers comes after three years of public demand for quicker and more effective intervention from the FCCC, particularly in light of rising living costs. Jiuta highlighted the daily financial burdens facing consumers, emphasizing the critical need for timely action to address overcharging and regulatory violations.
Moreover, Jiuta pointed out the necessity of establishing consistent policy definitions, especially regarding the classification of small, micro, or medium enterprises across various government agencies, which has previously hindered reform processes. In maritime regions, she noted that existing food price control measures already account for transport margins to alleviate freight costs for island communities.
These proposed reforms mark a significant transformation in Fiji’s consumer protection landscape, empowering the FCCC with the authority and agility needed to swiftly address unfair trading practices. Notably, the FCCC has also taken proactive measures, inspecting over 700 businesses to ensure compliance with fair trading standards, revealing considerable violations.
The reinstatement of on-the-spot penalties is seen as a promising development in the enforcement framework, fostering hope for a more accountable and transparent trading environment that will benefit all stakeholders in Fiji’s economy. With these changes, the FCCC aims to create a fair marketplace where consumers feel empowered and businesses are held to stringent regulatory standards, paving the way for a brighter economic future.