Santo Domingo.- The National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) announced that December 1 will be the final deadline for commercial establishments to comply with the regulation requiring water bottles to be protected from sunlight. From this date onward, nationwide operations will be carried out to remove any water bottles displayed in violation of this rule.
Pro Consumidor’s Executive Director, Eddy Alcántara, emphasized that there will be no further extensions for compliance with this resolution, which aims to safeguard consumer health. Exposure to sunlight can cause plastic water bottles to release toxic compounds, posing health risks to consumers. Alcántara also mentioned that he had met with executives from water bottling companies, who have agreed to follow the new requirement.
Alcántara clarified that businesses with indoor shelves, where water bottles are not exposed to sunlight, do not need to make changes. The 30-day extension, granted in addition to the original 90-day period, was given to businesses with bottles exposed to direct sunlight. Starting December 1, Pro Consumidor will begin removing these bottles from shelves.
Studies in various countries have shown that plastic water bottles exposed to the sun can release harmful chemical particles. Following discussions with purified water bottling companies and associations in July, a 90-day compliance period was agreed upon, covering processing plants, transportation, and retail establishments. With the December 1 deadline approaching, Pro Consumidor will ensure that the regulation is enforced nationwide.