TRADERs and individuals involved in activities of trade and commerce have been warned yet again not to engage in unfair trade practices.
Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) made the stern warning after a trader was charged for selling controlled items at excessive prices and failing to display prices on certain price controlled items.
The trader – Hot Bread Kitchen – was slapped with a $5000 fine during a sentencing by the Suva Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.
According to FCCC acting chief executive officer Seymour Singh, traders commonly had two major breaches of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010 (FCCC Act 2010).
These were failure to display prices for goods and selling price-controlled items at a price higher than the maximum price declared by the FCCC.
“FCCC is hopeful that the successful conviction will act as a deterrent for traders engaging in unfair trade practices for the sale of goods, including the sale of price-controlled items,” Mr Singh said in a statement.
“Whilst FCCC is promoting voluntary compliance, it shall not hesitate to institute legal actions against individuals and/or traders for breaching provisions of the FCCC Act 2010.”
As per requirements under FCCC Act 2010 traders and/or individuals shall ensure compliance with the requirements of the law.
At the same time, FCCC has urged members of the public to highlight matters for consideration whereby they feel that their rights as a consumer have been compromised.
Traders are also encouraged to contact FCCC for awareness and trainings on the roles and functions of FCCC and the FCCC Act 2010.
