Consumer Affairs and Price Control Division (CAPCD) has issued a warning to Hanter Shop for selling consumer goods at prices which exceeded the maximum prices permitted in the Price Control Order dated 20 March 2025.
The Director for Consumer Affairs and Price Control Division, Mr. Geoffrey Dan Hou’ua said “The maximum price of many consumer goods are controlled by a price order in the Solomon Islands to protect consumers from high prices. The maximum prices of goods are set out in the Price Control Order 2025.”
“All traders are required to sell goods at, or below, the maximum prices set out in the Price Control Order”
“CAPCD Officers found Hanter Shop selling Mamei Chicken Luncheon (72x198g) at $9.00 and Kino Washing Powder (20x400g) at $7.00 which exceeded the prices permitted in the Price Control Order 2025. The maximum retail prices in the Price Control Order 2025 are $6.00 per packet for the Kino washing powder and $7.50 per tin for the Mamei Luncheon Meat.
“If anyone has purchased goods which were priced above the maximum permitted retail prices or wholesale prices set out in the Price Control Order 2025, then please contact the CAPC office by Phone 24616, the CAPCD office is located at the Mokolo Building, China Town” said Mr Hou’ua.
The CAPCD conducted a thorough investigation into the prices Hanter Shop was selling goods for after CAPCD investigators noticed that the prices displayed on goods on the shelf appeared to be above the prices in the Price Control Order.
The CAPCD believes that Hanter Shop was likely to be in breach of the Consumer Protection Act and after completing its investigation has issued a formal warning letter to Hanter Shop. Ultimately, only the Court can determine if a breach of the Consumer Protection Act has occurred.
Background
Selling goods at a price above the maximum wholesale or retail prices as set out in the Price Control Order is a breach of Section 20 of the Consumer Protection Act. The maximum penalty for breaching the Act for a first offence is $10,000.00 or imprisonment for period not exceeding one (1) year or to both such fine and imprisonment. In the case of a subsequent offence, the maximum fine is $20,000.00 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
A copy of the Price Control Order 2025 is available from the Ministry’s website
(http://www.commerce.gov.sb) and also can be printed for you at the CAPCD office (Mokolo Building).
For you have further questions or need information, then please contact the CAPCD Office on 28459.
CAPC Contact:
Mr. Geoffrey Dan Hou’ua
Director
CAPCD
28459
Mokolo Building
Honiara
Gaz No. 25 Sup No. 15 Thursday 20th March 2025
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