The Interministerial Committee for Dangerous Toys, the Trade Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, and in cooperation with the Israel Police, have begun in recent days - in preparation for the holiday of Purim - an awareness-raising, prevention and enforcement activity to ban the use and trade of dangerous toys.
In a raid conducted yesterday (Tuesday) in the city of Beitar Illit, approximately 6,000 items were seized and confiscated from an importer's store and warehouses in the Haredi city - including explosives and fireworks, laser pointers and smoke grenades, all of which were deemed dangerous toys prohibited for import and sale.
As part of routine activities in the city of Elad, dozens of "rigatons" were found.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
An initial investigation of the store employees in Betar, including the importer's father, revealed that the importer himself flew to China to purchase goods.
The maximum penalties stipulated by law for offenses in the field of trade, production and possession of dangerous toys are one year in prison and/or a fine of over 29,000 shekels, which the court may impose.
At the same time, inspectors from the Standards Administration at the Ministry of Economy have been working in recent weeks to locate and inspect costumes that do not meet the required standard, in order to maintain the safety of those wearing costumes.
The activity is carried out in markets and stores, as well as to locate costumes sold on the Internet and imported into Israel by personal import. The costumes are transferred to the Standards Institute for testing their compliance with the standard.
In order to maintain a pleasant and safe holiday, the Ministry of Economy and Industry would like to remind you of the following recommendations:
• Using costumes and masks made of flammable materials is dangerous.
• Do not buy or use costumes and holiday accessories that do not bear the marking required by the standard: the name and address of the local manufacturer/importer, as well as instructions for use and safety, and additional manufacturer warnings.
• There is a risk of ignition and burns with firecrackers and jump rings! They should only be purchased if they have a warning label and instructions, and they should be used with an appropriate toy gun. Do not blow them up with a rock or an unsuitable device, do not put firecrackers in your pants pocket, do not take them out of their original packaging, or use them contrary to the instructions for use and contrary to the warning that appears on the firecrackers.
• Smoke bombs, firecrackers and explosives of all kinds are prohibited for possession, use and marketing! As are pistols and rifles – which resemble real weapons in shape.
• Aerosol canisters (snow sprays, flake sprays and strings) – intended for adults only and must be marked with the warning "Keep out of reach of children"!
• Avoid using accessories that create unusual noise. An accessory approved for use will have the warning: "Do not use near the ears! Improper use may damage hearing.""
• Accessories and toys must bear a warning: "Not suitable for children under 3 years of age," or the age restriction symbol must be drawn above the costume's packaging.
[gallery]
