Twenty-six countries in cooperation with the EU carried out coordinated operations aimed at dismantling producers and importers of counterfeit toys in Europe. euros per year, the sector ranks second in cases of fake products worldwide.
Ahead of the upcoming festive season, a new report on the distribution and dangers of counterfeit toys in the EU entitled 'Cheating the toy world' shows that criminal networks remain extremely active and adept at copying branded toys.
The crime of copyright infringement – and in particular the counterfeiting of toys – causes huge financial losses to legitimate companies, undermines the credibility of brands and harms economic growth and the environment. Above all, however, counterfeits in toys expose children and adult consumers to serious risks to their health and safety.
The annual operation to combat this criminal phenomenon is codenamed Operation LUDUS – from the Latin word for game. As counterfeit sales increase significantly during the holidays, coordinated operations traditionally take place at the end of the year.
Millions of toys seized
Operation LUDUS V (2024-2025)
- €8.2 million. game packages were confiscated, with a total estimated value of €8,7 million.
- 86 people were referred to the judicial authorities
- 194 people reported to administrative or health authorities.
Operation LUDUS IV (2023-2024)
- €8.4 million. game packages were confiscated, worth €28,1 million.
- 125 people were referred to the judicial authorities
- 150 people were reported to administrative or health authorities.
The seized toys were mostly imported through regular sea transport.
The researchers found:
- Infringement of intellectual property rights
- presence of hazardous substances, and
- absence of CE marking or EU certificates of conformity
Many of the games are associated with various risks. Completely circumventing strict EU rules on products intended for children, imitation toys can cause suffocation, choking, cuts or burns, and often contain chemicals. Some pose a risk of swallowing, while others can damage children's hearing or vision.
Poor build quality and the use of toxic materials can cause serious, even life-threatening injuries.
Flammable elements, dangerous batteries
Of particular concern are counterfeit toys for babies that come into contact with the mouth, as infants are directly exposed to these substances. Additionally, electronic games may produce sounds that exceed the legal decibel limits, causing irreversible hearing loss. Many toys involve electrical cells and flammable materials, such as batteries, that often do not meet the relevant standards.
Huge financial losses
According to today's report, the toys industry records the largest loss of sales due to counterfeiting in the entire EU. The losses are estimated at 8.7%, which equates to lost revenue of around €1 billion and 3,600 fewer jobs in the sector. In addition, the tax evasion associated with this type of crime places a significant burden on the European economy.
Consumers are urged to be especially careful with fake toys and other products for children. Shopping from reputable merchants offers security and guarantee.
24 countries participated in the operations, including the US, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Greece and Cyprus.
