Rise in Counterfeit Toy Investigations Reported by Trading Standards

Trading Standards teams across the UK are reporting growing concerns about counterfeit toys, according to a new report from the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

The latest Trading Standards Survey, covering April 2025 to March 2026, found that 67% of responding local authorities had investigated counterfeit toys. This made toys the third most commonly investigated category of counterfeit goods, behind cigarettes and tobacco (89%) and clothing (69%).

Counterfeit toys can pose a particular risk because they may not meet required product safety standards, potentially putting children at risk. Recent concerns have included counterfeit versions of popular products such as Labubu dolls.

The report also highlights the wider criminal activity associated with counterfeit goods. Some 64% of responding local authorities reported links between counterfeiting and organised crime groups, with links also identified to money laundering, modern slavery and drug dealing.

The IPO is continuing to work with Trading Standards, law enforcement and industry to prevent unsafe counterfeit products reaching consumers and disrupt the criminal networks involved.

Find out more: Read the full announcement on GOV.UK