Fiji Times Friday 08 September 2017 THE Consumer Council of Fiji has registered 106 complaints after the introduction of the 10 cents per plastic bag levy last month.
The complaints registered were just for the month of August.
In a statement, the council said the increase in complaints made the council to sought clarification from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.
Council CEO Premila Kumar said the council was informed that the 10 cents per plastic bag levy was only applicable in scenarios where the sale of the plastic bag was reflected on the customer’s receipt and also for plastic bags with handles.
“In most of the cases, consumers were charged 10 cents on plastic bags which was not reflected on their receipts. In other cases, consumers were charged for plastic bags without handles,” Ms Kumar said.
She said the council noted that traders particularly restaurants, small retail shops and bakeries misled consumers into paying for the plastic bag used but failed to show the amount charged on the receipt.
“The council collated all the complaints received and referred them to the FRCS for enforcement actions and is hopeful that FRCS will take action against these traders,” she said.
