16.6 million fake and dangerous toy packages removed from EU markets

Fake Toys Removed from EU Markets

Fake and unsafe toys have been flooding the European market, harming children and damaging the EU economy. According to Europol, these counterfeit products often contain toxic substances, produce excessive noise that can cause hearing loss, and feature hazardous components that may lead to physical injury.

Large-Scale Operation Across Europe

A coordinated operation involving 26 European countries, led by Europol, targeted the circulation of illegal toys. The effort resulted in the seizure of 16.6 million packages of counterfeit or substandard toys. The operation also aimed to dismantle criminal networks involved in the production and trafficking of such goods.

Health and Economic Impact

Authorities reported that many of the confiscated items posed direct threats to children’s safety. In addition to health risks, the trade in fake toys has caused substantial financial losses for legitimate European toy manufacturers and retailers, undermining consumer trust and market integrity.

“Fake toys are poisoning, deafening and injuring children across Europe, while causing major losses to the EU economy,” said Europol in its statement.

Ongoing Efforts

Europol emphasizes that this successful action is part of an ongoing effort to protect consumers, dismantle organized counterfeit trade networks, and strengthen cross-border cooperation among EU member states.

Author’s summary: Europol and 26 EU countries seized 16.6 million fake toy packages in a major crackdown aimed at protecting children and reducing economic damage from counterfeit goods.

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Europol Europol — 2025-11-27

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