WHILE COMPLIANCE RATES HAVE BEEN OVER 96 PER CENT RECENTLY, BUSINESSES MUST NOT SEE THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROFITEER. AS SUCH, FCCC WILL BE USING A TARGETED SYSTEM TO ASSESS THE REDUCTION IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS, LOOKING AT:

■ Changes in Landed cost of imported goods that are used by Fijian consumers ■ Changes in the landed cost of materials that contribute to input costs of various goods ■ Confirmation that businesses do not misrepresent not do they pocket benefits from reductions of other taxes like ECAL and STT This exercise will require a thorough assessment of the supply chain to ensure that duty is passed from importer to the wholesaler to the retailer to Fijian consumers. For example, key ingredients in the manufacture of food products such as bread and biscuit will decrease come August 1 and FCCC will need to monitor not only these key ingredients but also other inputs costs to ensure there are no artificial increases. This is a massive investigative exercise. “Because the tax overhaul of this nature is the biggest in Fiji, we will be looking at how price changes in ingredients affect overall prices. We have a dedicated team that has proven to deliver the best outcomes for everyday Fijian while being fair,” Mr Abraham said. “We will need to have a targeted approach to investigate and ensure that reductions from the Government meant for everyday Fijians reaches them.” He said national budget was designed to assist all Fijians, people and businesses alike and exploitation of the Government’s tax overhaul by unethical individuals and businesses would only hamper the real effect of the budget.