Toys accounted for 14% of goods detained by EU customs officials, the second largest category behind cigarettes. Nearly 3.8 million potentially dangerous fake toys were seized in 2018. With a retail value of almost 26 million euros, EU customs officials prevented criminal toy producers from profiting off of counterfeit toys.
The amount of toys seized increased from 3.5 million in 2017, when toys accounted for only 11% of goods detained, compared to 14% in 2018.
Toy Industries of Europe Director General Catherine Van Reeth said:
“Dishonest operators are damaging the reputation of responsible companies and putting children at risk. If counterfeiters seek to cut corners by infringing on intellectual property rights, it is likely they may be cutting corners in other areas including safety.
TIE fully supports EU customs officials in their effort to prevent fake toys from entering the EU. Continued strong market surveillance can help ensure counterfeit goods do not reach the EU market.”
The full report can be found here.
