VARANISESE NASILASILA
SUVA
Fiji Commerce Commission has released a Service Regulating Guidelines (SRG) for Sale of Second Hand Motor Vehicle due to several complaints.
Commerce Commission chairman Dr Mahendra Reddy said that they did not want dealers to take advantage of the vulnerable people, hence the guidelines.
“We have received complaints from customers of vehicle purchases with regards to incorrect information disclosure about the history of the vehicle and the kinds of defect the vehicle has had at the time of purchase was not disclosed,” he said.
Dealers who will not take heed of the guideline are likely to be taken to court, he said.
“Breaching the guideline is basically breaking a particular section of the decree, we don’t issue spot fines for them but we will take them to court where prosecution will take place.
“For first offence the fine will be $25,000 and for subsequent offenders will be $50,000, only the court will make the judgment,” he said.
The commission also notes the concern from traders’ that buyers are not honouring financial obligations.
“Buyers are making false allegations and not accepting redress provided or demanding unreasonable redress from traders,” Dr Reddy said.
The guideline is said to be effective on the July 14.
varanisese.nasilasila@fijisun.com.fj