Concerns Raised by Proliferation of Violent Toys in Vietnam

The unrestricted availability of dangerous toys through online channels has become a cause for alarm, circumventing regulations designed to restrict their circulation.

An investigation conducted by Lao Dong newspaper unveiled numerous toy shops in Hanoi openly selling a diverse range of toy weapons like guns, knives, and swords, with various designs, colors, and prices.

For instance, a store on To Hieu Street in Cau Giay district directed customers to a secluded area upon inquiring about pellet-shooting toy guns. Here, a collection of pellet guns was on display, ranging from 85,000 to 400,000 VND. The store owner reassured buyers about the harmlessness of foam pellets, deeming them suitable for children.

Similarly, multiple stores in Hoan Kiem district provided a broad array of toy guns. While some store owners claimed not to stock banned items, they subtly suggested that customers could readily find them online.

A simple Google search for “toy guns that shoot pellets” yields numerous results from online retailers and e-commerce platforms. Platforms like B.D.T prominently feature toy pistols, submachine guns, and AK-47 replicas at prices reaching up to 8.8 million VND, touting high-impact shooting capabilities. Customers are advised that these products are exclusively available online, with a replacement guarantee for faulty items.

An additional website, M.B, offers an extensive assortment of toy firearms, including sniper rifles and gel blaster guns. E-commerce sites also promote toy guns firing plastic pellets or foam darts, accompanied by realistic sound effects.

From January to July 2024, the Hanoi Market Management Department conducted 46 inspections, issuing fines amounting to 540 million VND to businesses selling violent toys of uncertain origins. Nearly 1.4 billion VND worth of merchandise was confiscated.

Quach Thanh Luc, a lawyer and Director of Phap Tri Law Firm, clarified that toys detrimental to children’s well-being, morality, or public safety are prohibited.

This encompasses toy guns resembling real firearms, such as spring-loaded or air-powered guns, water guns, and light-up or noise-producing guns.

Furthermore, banned items include toy replicas of grenades, bombs, mines, explosives, knives, swords, and crossbows made from any material, including wood, bamboo, or compressed paper.

Penalties for violation of these regulations range from 1 to 2 million VND for the use or possession of prohibited toys and 5 to 10 million VND for the unauthorized transportation or storage of such items.