The Solomon Islands Government’s Consumer Affairs and Price Control Department is seeking to increase penalties on shop owners who continue to sell expired or defective goods.
The Department had already made a review on the existing penalties which was sent to parliament seeking approval for fines ranging between $10,000 - $20,000 for first time offenders.
The current penalty is a $3,000 fine without a jail punishment.
Director of Consumer Affairs, Timothy Watekari warns that shop owners caught for a second offence will face both a fine and prosecution by the law.
“This is a clear warning to shop owners to respect the laws and regulations of the country and shop owners who fail to do so will face the full consequences,” Mr Watekari said
He added that the ongoing selling of expired goods has become common because the penalties are not tough.
Source: Press Release, Government Communications Unit