Counterfeit toy investigations are on the rise

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has released its latest Trading Standards Survey report, shedding light on the pressing issues surrounding intellectual property crime as witnessed by local Trading Standards teams. According to the findings, dangerous counterfeit toys have emerged as a significant enforcement concern, with 67% of responding local authorities revealing active investigations into such products.

The annual survey, which spanned from April 2025 to March 2026, gathered valuable insights from 142 of the 189 local authorities in the UK. This data provides a clearer understanding of how counterfeit goods infiltrate communities, informing efforts to combat the illegal trade and ultimately protect consumers as well as local businesses. The survey highlights a concerning trend regarding the criminal economy as a whole, with 64% of responders noting observed connections between counterfeiting activities and organised crime groups, marking an increase of around one-third compared to the previous year.

Andy Cooke-Welling, the IPO’s Director of Enforcement, stated, "Trading Standards officers are on the frontline of tackling IP crime, seizing unsafe goods, disrupting counterfeiters, and protecting consumers, businesses and communities across the UK." There is a growing recognition that these counterfeit goods are intertwined with more serious criminal activities, which could include money laundering, human trafficking, and drug dealing.

Cigarettes and tobacco remain the most frequently investigated counterfeit goods, identified by 89% of local authorities, with clothing and toys following close behind. Cooke-Welling noted that the IPO's "Fake Toys, Real Harms" initiative has heightened public awareness around dangerous counterfeit products, particularly after increased media coverage surrounding counterfeit Labubu dolls. "Our campaign has put this firmly in the public eye and sharpened awareness among consumers, industry and law enforcement bodies," he said.

The report underlines that the IPO is committed to ongoing collaboration with law enforcement, government, and industry partners. "It is a shared effort to help keep communities safe, support legitimate businesses and make it harder for criminal groups to profit from IP crime," Cooke-Welling added. This coordinated strategy aims to mitigate the risks posed by counterfeit goods and ensure that dangerous items do not reach consumers' homes or local high streets.