Yes! VAT (Value Added Tax) is also removed on any “old stock” today, says the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC).

Chief executive officer Joel Abraham said the zero-rated VAT on the 21 items announced by the Government also applied to old stock a trader possesses as of April 1, and all new stock the trader purchases on and after April 1.

“This is certain until there is a change in policy by Government,” Mr Abraham said.

This means, businesses cannot use the excuse of “old stock” not to exempt VAT on the 21 essential items listed in the 2021-2022 Revised Budget, which was passed in Parliament last week.

The 21 items include baby milk, canned fish, cooking gas, cooking oil, dhal, flour, garlic, kerosene, liquid milk, onions and shallots, potatoes, powdered milk, rice, salt, sanitary pads, soap, soap powder, sugar, tea, toilet paper and toothpaste.

From today, monitoring and surveillance teams from FCCC will be out in numbers to ensure that the change in prices come into effect.

“The FCCC has the legislative mandate and a historic track record of protecting consumer interests.”

“We are thorough with enforcement and will promote the interests of all consumers,” Mr Abraham said.

“The 21 categories of items earmarked to have zero-rated VAT from today have several items within each category.”

“We will work closely with FRCS in this exercise and engage in information sharing and solutions-based dialogue, particular for issues that may come up.”

He said the FCCC was consistently highlighting the consequences of breaching the FCCC Act through its social media channels.

“We hope traders and businesses have taken notice, as any breach of the FCCC Act will not be taken lightly.”

“Our routine inspections will continue, and we also rely on members of the public to reach out to us should they notice incorrect prices and pricing,” he said.

“Let this be a clear warning – if you rob the Fijian people of the benefits accorded to them by their government through the budget initiative, we will take you to task, as we have done so too many traders who chose to go down the wrong path.”

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