Hampshire County Council seize over 55,000 of counterfeit toys over past year
Hampshire County Council's Trading Standards told us about what typical red flags are when it comes to counterfeit toys
Over 55 thousand counterfeit toys have been seized in Hampshire over the last year - as shoppers are urged to check their trolleys.
Hampshire County Council's Trading Standards says this year they've seen an increase in the numbers of fake Labubu dolls.
Richard Strawson, Head of Trading Standards, is sharing his advice this festive season.
He said: "We would always say to buy from legitimate retailers, whether that's online or whether that's when you're in the high street.
"So brands that you know, people that you know, and watch out for online social media offers, particularly offers that seem too good to be true.
"If you're paying a really low price, you've got to question whether that's a genuine product.
"Look for the labelling, any spelling mistakes, any smudging in the product packaging, any cheapness around it that would give you an indication that these aren't genuine products."
Mr Strawson says they've seized over 55 thousand unsafe or illegal products from the county and are now asking people to be cautious over what they buy.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) say they're working together to highlight the dangers of the counterfeit goods.
According to Trading Standards, almost 90% of counterfeit products entering the UK fail safety tests.
The IPO found 46% of those who purchased counterfeits reported safety concerns ranging from toys breaking almost instantly to unsafe labelling, toxic smells and reports of illness in children.
Mr Strawson's telling us what to do if you suspect something may be counterfeit.
He said: "If you happen to buy one or are given one, the safest thing is to not use it.
"If you think it is counterfeit, then we would ask you report it to Trading Standards.
"But in terms of if you're unhappy with the purchase you made and think it's counterfeit, then take it back."
Mr Strawson's telling us what they're seeing this year.
He said: "In terms of what we see around counterfeit Labubu dolls, which are very popular this year, we're seeing eyes that can come out of their sockets really easily and present a choking hazard to a child.
"We're always on the lookout for soft toys and those sorts of things where seams can come away.
"Ribbons that can come away also present a choking hazard.
"But in terms of other toys, we're looking at electrical products and access to magnets and batteries.
"In legitimate products, they're protected to protect your children .
"But quite often, we're finding in counterfeit products, that you can get access to those magnets and children can easily swallow them.
"In terms of batteries, they again can burn inside."
RoSPA’s tips for safe shopping over the Festive period are:
- Buy from trusted retailers – Avoid unknown websites or social media sellers.
- Check for safety marks – Look for CE or UKCA markings on electrical items.
- Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
- Inspect packaging and instructions – Poor spelling or missing details can signal fakes.
- Report suspicious goods – Use official channels to help enforcement agencies act.