Illegal sunscreen removed from shelves at retailer Walgreens in St. Thomas by the V.I. Dept. of Licensing and Consumer Affairs. Photo Credit: DLCA
A significant amount of illegal sunscreen was removed from the shelves of a major retailer in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to a statement by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs. This action was taken during a routine inspection by the DLCA's Enforcement Division under the provisions of Act No. 8185.
DLCA confirmed the offending retailer to be Walgreens in St. Thomas.
Act No. 8185 expressly prohibits the retail sale, distribution, and importation for retail purposes of topical sunscreen products containing harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene, said DLCA. These ingredients have been identified as harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
Despite these regulations, Evangelista noted that "there is still a proliferation of this illegal product throughout the USVI that enters either via the retail market or by our visitors." DLCA said it remains vigilant in its efforts to enforce this law to protect the region's delicate ecosystems.
Violations of this law carry significant penalties. Any person or entity found to have violated the law may receive a $1,000 citation for the first offense, and a $2,000 citation for each subsequent offense. These penalties are imposed by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs after the violator has been given notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
Businesses or individuals with questions or concerns regarding Act No. 8185 are encouraged to contact the Office of the Commissioner at 340.713.3522. Consumers may also reach out to DLCA through email at [email protected]. Updates can be found on their Facebook page @dlcausvi.
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