A recent revision to Taiwan’s gun control law has drawn concern from manufacturers, enthusiasts and collectors of toy guns.
In response to a number of recent crimes in which suspects modified readily available toys guns into weapons, the Cabinet passed a revision of the Controlling Guns, Ammunition and Knives Act. The revision expands the definition of illegally modified guns, and raises the fines for the manufacturing, transportation, and sale of such products.
Taiwan has the biggest toy gun industry in the world, accounting for 40% of the sales in the global market. It is estimated that there are between 50,000 to 70,000 active toy gun enthusiasts and collectors on the island. The latest revision has worried many in the toy gun community. Some manufacturers said that they worry the new stricter law could limit their production of toys guns and have a long-term negative impact on the industry.