Excitement is building for families across Croydon over what presents could be found under the Christmas tree this year, but behind the shiny packaging often lurks choking hazards, toxic chemicals and sharp parts that could put kids in hospital
Tens of thousands of counterfeit toys are slipping into the country, with many ending up under unsuspecting consumers’ Christmas trees. Yet almost 90% of these dodgy goods fail safety tests, according to Trading Standards, as RoSPA – the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents – has launched a Christmas campaign to warn parents before it is too late.
What you see is not what you get: fake imports usually don’t meet European safety standards
With so many Christmas presents being bought online, even the most careful of parents, guardians and grandparents are often not able to check whether the goods they are sourcing, often at bargain prices, are the genuine article.
But behind the shiny packaging often lurks choking hazards, toxic chemicals and sharp parts that could put kids in hospital.
RoSPA are working with the Intellectual Property Office on the “Fake Toys, Real Harms” campaign.
Recent data showed that £350million was lost to fake imports in a single year (2021). Nearly half of buyers report safety scares with the dodgy gear.
RoSPA say it is vital to choose Christmas decorations and gifts carefully.
Defective and potentially dangerous toys included failings such as detachable small parts, sharp points and choking hazards, as well as incorrect labelling, and were made from unknown, untested materials.
IPO research found nearly half of those who purchased counterfeits reported safety concerns ranging from toys breaking almost instantly to unsafe labelling, toxic smells and even reports of illness in children.
Millions of pounds are spent on fake goods each year, with a influx of cheap imports in the run-up to Christmas. IPO’s research suggested that almost 1-in-3 people have purchased counterfeit goods in the past.
The same survey found that almost 2-in-3 people would think twice about buying a counterfeit product if they knew the safety risks. Half of all surveyed said that they would welcome tools to help identify genuine products.
RoSPA’s Top Tips for Safe Christmas Shopping
- Check for safety marks – Look for CE or UKCA markings on electrical items.
- Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true – They often are.
- Inspect packaging and instructions – Poor spelling or missing details can signal fakes.
- Report suspicious goods – Use official channels to help enforcement agencies act.
Consumers can access safety tips and reporting channels via RoSPA’s website
RoSPA’s Adrian Simpson said: “Counterfeit items present a clear risk to consumers looking for toys this Christmas. These goods look convincing, but can pose serious dangers, putting families at real risk.
Tears before bedtime: it was not long before the wiring in this fake toy poked out dangerously
“Counterfeit goods are not just a financial scam, they are a safety threat, so RoSPA urges everyone to buy smart and stay safe this Christmas. The promise of a bargain is not worth risking children’s safety for.”
Inside Croydon was contacted by one reader, concerned at the dangerous state of the toy Labubu she’d bought on the internet.
“I bought this ‘original’ Labubu on eBay. It was cheaper than a real one, but it was advertised as authentic,” the reader said.
“He came in a proper box and the bag and the little card. But as soon as it arrived, it was clear it was a fake. I contacted the seller and I was given a refund without needing to return it.”
Loose wire: the fake toy would pose a danger to children
The concerned reader soon discovered that the toy had hidden dangers, as she adjusted the Labubu’s arms. “A large piece of metal came out his arm. It’s very sharp and extremely dangerous if it was a child’s.
“It’s incredibly dangerous.”
And Helen Branham, from the IPO, said: “With counterfeit toys, what you see is rarely what you get.
“Behind the packaging can be hidden choking hazards, toxic chemicals and faulty parts that put children in real danger. These products have bypassed every safety check the law requires, which is why we’re working with our partners to keep these dangerous fakes out of British homes.”
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