A Suva-based joinery company has been fined $30,000 by the Magistrates Court for breaching consumer rights after it failed to deliver a custom kitchen despite receiving full payment from a customer.
The conviction follows successful prosecution by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), which charged the company with one count of accepting payment without being able to supply, under Sections 88 and 129(1A) of the FCCC Act 2010.
The court heard that the company accepted $7,000 from a customer for the manufacture and installation of a modern deluxe kitchen but failed to deliver the goods or services within a reasonable timeframe.
The matter went to trial in July 2025, and on 15 August, the Magistrates Court found the company guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Sentencing was handed down on 3 September 2025, with the court ordering the company to pay $30,000 in fines and $500 in prosecution costs.
FCCC Chief Executive Officer Senikavika L. Jiuta welcomed the ruling and said it sends a clear message to businesses that consumer rights must be respected.
“This conviction should act as a deterrent for other traders and reinforces FCCC’s commitment to protecting our consumers,” Ms Jiuta said.
“We urge traders not to engage in conduct that exploits consumers by taking payments without supplying goods or services within a reasonable timeframe. The FCCC will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action against any trader who breaches the trust of Fijian consumers.”
