Spanish
Santo Domingo, DR — The National Institute for Consumer Protection (Pro Consumidor) announced the immediate ban on the commercialization of toy pistols and shotguns that use hydrogel pellets, considering them a high risk to the safety and health of the population, especially children and adolescents.
The measure was announced by the executive director of the entity, Eddy Alcántara, who explained that, in light of the alerts issued by health specialists, a national inspection, surveillance, and removal operation of these products was activated in toy stores and other commercial establishments in the country.Read more: Pro Consumidor assures stability in rice price
“The sale of these toy weapons is immediately and strictly prohibited throughout the national territory, due to the risk of causing serious eye injuries, such as retinal detachment, inflammation, and total or partial loss of vision,” Alcántara warned during the presentation of the measure.
According to the authorities, these items, although marketed as recreational products, can cause blunt trauma and irreversible damage, even when used at close range, which has prompted the preventive action of Pro Consumidor and aligns with similar restrictions adopted in other countries. The ban also responds to a growing citizen concern about the indiscriminate use of these toys in public spaces, which, in addition to generating risky situations, has been linked to episodes of simulated violence and disruption of order. The authorities made a special call to fathers, mothers, and guardians to be properly informed before purchasing toys for children and to promote responsible consumption. The measure is framed within the powers that Law 358-05 grants to Pro Consumidor to protect the life, health, and safety of consumers.
