Current laws governing online import purchases deters businesses to operate profitably – Suva Retailers Association

The Suva Retailers Association says current laws in Fiji governing online import purchases where individuals can buy up to a value of $2,000 tax-free for unlimited transactions is a deterrent for businesses to operate profitably and is also a loss for the Government.

While speaking in the E-Commerce and Consumer Protection Workshop, the Association’s Treasurer and Board member, Vinod Kumar says the Government needs to look at ways as to how E-commerce business can be assisted in Fiji, especially the issue regarding tax-free imports and the laws governing it.

Kumar further says some businesses feel that they cannot compete in this area with the likes of eBay, Amazon, Alibaba and others and once personal goods are imported into Fiji tax-free, E-commerce providers in Fiji tend to lose confidence in online selling.

Kumar says they strongly feel that if the E-commerce digital platform is structured correctly with a strong foundation, it will be the new business platform in time to come and a good revenue stream for the Government and businesses.

He says some retailers developed their own websites to service their customers during this pandemic and are doing well but some fear that once things normalise, it will collapse.