On Friday, June 30, 2023, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) Enforcement Division removed a large quantity of illegal sunscreen from the shelves of the Walgreens in St. Thomas during a routine inspection.
The sale, distribution and importation for retail purposes of topical sunscreen products containing oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene is prohibited in the USVI per Act No. 8185. These ingredients have been identified as harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
Commissioner Evangelista noted “Unfortunately, there is still a proliferation of this illegal product throughout the USVI that enters either via the retail market or by our visitors”
A release from the DLCA was issued on Monday to remind the public that any person or entity found to have violated this law, may receive a $1,000 citation for the first offense and a $2,000 one for each subsequent after 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 or
consumerawareness@dlca.vi.gov
