FIJI Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA) officers are calling on distributors, suppliers and manufacturers of materials to play their part in taking care of the environment.
The request comes after it was revealed that Customs officers are facing challenges from discarded materials that contain harmful gases, exported from overseas.
FRCA official Semesa Buliliobo said there were regulations in place to stop the importing of these harmful materials but this was not stopping companies.
"Companies are aware of these regulations however they still import these materials into the country. We understand it's for business but we need to consider the harm it will contribute to the environment," he said.
The Department of Environment has been working with FRCA to help officers better understand the impacts of harmful gases to the environment and how they can better educate manufacturers on the impacts they have on the environment.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government and Environment's collaboration with stakeholders has resulted in the enacting of the Ozone Depletion Substances (ODS) regulations 2010 to replace ODS regulations 2000.
Acting director for Town and Country Planning Talei Rokotuibau said, "these existing laws will suit the realistic challenges which are hindering the effective implementation of the Montreal Protocol".
The Consumer Council of Fiji also raised concerns on how consumers have been affected by fake distributors.
Council chief executive officer Premila Kumar said they were working with manufacturers to better educate consumers on products being sold locally.
"In most cases consumers have to pay for replacements and the council has also discovered gases that are not allowed globally to be sold, are actually being sold in our local shops," she said.
Mrs Kumar urged distributors and policy advisors to re-look at policies and ensure that consumers are given their fair trading rights when purchasing goods and are better informed.