• Walmart was fined $16,000 for shipping realistic toy guns to New York in violation of state laws banning imitation firearms that resemble real weapons.
• The violation was linked to third-party sellers on Walmart’s marketplace, with products shipped via Walmart’s fulfillment services, highlighting gaps in oversight.
• Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the public safety risks of realistic-looking toy guns and vowed to hold violators accountable to protect New Yorkers.

Retail giant Walmart has been fined $16,000 for shipping realistic toy guns to New York buyers in violation of state laws, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Tuesday. The case highlights growing concerns over the sale of imitation firearms that resemble real weapons.

New York Law and Toy Gun Ban

Under New York State law, retailers are prohibited from selling or shipping toy guns that are black, dark blue, silver, or aluminum-colored and closely resemble real firearms. The law aims to prevent public safety risks, as such items have led to deaths and shootings across the state, according to James.

“Realistic-looking toy guns can put communities in serious danger. That is why they are banned,” she stated in a news release.

Walmart’s Role and Investigation

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The state investigation revealed that third-party retailers using Walmart’s online marketplace sold and shipped non-compliant toy guns to New York addresses. Investigators were able to purchase a toy gun that violated the ban, demonstrating gaps in the company’s oversight. The products were sent via Walmart’s fulfillment services, leading to the company’s liability under state law.

Walmart has since paid the $16,000 fine to settle the violations. In a statement to UPI, Walmart global communications senior manager Kelly Hellbusch said, “We are committed to complying with all laws, and we have processes in place to ensure products offered for sale by third-party sellers on our marketplace comply with all applicable laws as well.”

Broader Implications and Safety Concerns

Attorney General James emphasized that realistic-looking toy guns can be used in unlawful activities and pose risks to public safety. “The ban on realistic-looking toy guns is meant to keep New Yorkers safe,” she noted, adding that her office would hold violators accountable.

Moving Forward

This case underscores the importance of rigorous compliance measures by online marketplaces. It also raises awareness of the regulatory challenges posed by third-party sellers on digital platforms. New York residents are urged to report non-compliant toy guns through the state’s online complaint form.

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