Local authorities in Jordan responded to citizen appeals after an unusual toy was discovered in a store in the Irbid province.
Public reaction to the doll
The children's doll, displayed for sale in several markets, provoked widespread debate and anger among residents. Citizens considered the design of this toy incompatible with the country's values and demanded its removal from trading venues.
Description of the controversial item
Circulating images showed that the doll resembled a 'Barbie' doll, but it was stylized as a man dressed in women's clothing and wearing makeup.
Reaction of Jordanian authorities
According to Wafaa Al-Momani, Deputy General Director for Regulatory Affairs at the Jordanian Standards and Metrology Organization, imported batches of toys include hundreds of different items and are subject to random checks based on risk criteria and sales seasons.
She explained that the appearance of this doll on the local market was limited and unintentional. Al-Momani noted that the importer did not pay due attention to the nature of the design, emphasizing that the primary responsibility lies with importers and traders for sorting goods and ensuring their societal compliance before offering them for sale.