FCCC Bill to strengthen consumer protection and digital enforcement

A proposed new law governing the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) will strengthen consumer protection, promote greater market competition and expand the commission's powers to investigate online businesses and digital scams.

Speaking during the FCCC consultation at the Nausori Market Hall on Wednesday, FCCC Legal Officer Leanne Prasad said the proposed Bill modernises the current legislation by introducing stronger enforcement measures while creating a more competitive business environment.

Ms Prasad said the Bill shifts the commission's approach from relying mainly on price regulation to conducting competition assessments to determine whether goods and services need to remain price-controlled.

Where there is sufficient competition in the market, some products may no longer require price regulation, allowing businesses to compete freely, which could ultimately benefit consumers through lower prices.

"The proposed bill provides a shift from direct price regulation towards competition assessment," she said.

Ms Prasad said the legislation also strengthens consumer rights by introducing provisions on unfair contract terms, expanded consumer guarantees, and clearer avenues for refunds and other remedies when consumers receive faulty goods or poor services.

The commission would also receive enhanced powers to investigate the growing digital marketplace, including access to digital devices and electronic evidence when investigating scams, online transactions and other consumer complaints.

The proposed legislation also introduces alternative enforcement measures, including compliance orders, infringement notices, civil penalties and trader education programmes, reducing the need to prosecute every offence through the courts.

"The reforms were designed to make the law easier for consumers and businesses to understand while ensuring traders complied with their legal obligations," she said.

Ms Prasad said the Bill strikes a balance between protecting consumers and creating a fair and competitive environment where businesses can invest, grow and compete on equal terms.