UK Trading Standards Reports Surge in Counterfeit Toy Investigations Amid Broader IP Crime Concerns

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has published its annual Trading Standards Survey report, providing a detailed overview of intellectual property (IP) crime issues encountered by local Trading Standards teams across the country. The report covers the period from April 2025 to March 2026 and includes responses from 142 out of 189 local authorities.

A key finding of the survey is the marked increase in investigations related to dangerous counterfeit toys. Sixty-seven percent of responding local authorities reported conducting investigations into counterfeit toys, reflecting a growing enforcement concern in this area. This rise follows heightened public awareness driven by the IPO’s "Fake Toys, Real Harms" campaign and sustained media attention on counterfeit Labubu dolls.

Counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products remain the most commonly investigated counterfeit goods, with 89% of local authorities reporting related investigations. Clothing follows closely, with 69% of respondents noting counterfeit clothing as a significant issue.

The report also highlights the broader criminal context in which counterfeit goods circulate. Sixty-four percent of local authorities observed links between counterfeiting activities and organised crime groups, representing an increase of approximately one-third compared to the previous year. Trading Standards officers continue to identify associations between IP crime and other serious criminal activities, including money laundering, people trafficking and modern slavery, as well as drug dealing.

Trading Standards officers play a crucial frontline role in tackling IP crime by seizing unsafe counterfeit goods, disrupting illegal supply chains, and protecting consumers, businesses, and local communities. The survey’s findings reinforce that counterfeit goods are far from harmless bargains; they pose significant safety risks and contribute to a wider criminal economy.

The IPO’s ongoing collaboration with law enforcement, government agencies, and industry partners aims to convert frontline intelligence into targeted enforcement actions. This coordinated approach seeks to prevent harmful counterfeit goods from reaching homes and high streets, while enhancing public and industry awareness of the dangers posed by counterfeit products.

The report underscores the importance of sustained efforts to disrupt criminal networks profiting from IP crime and to safeguard legitimate businesses and consumers throughout the UK.

The IPO encourages continued vigilance and cooperation among all stakeholders to combat the evolving threats posed by counterfeit goods, particularly in the toy sector, where risks to children’s safety remain a paramount concern.

The full Trading Standards Survey report is part of the IPO’s broader strategy to monitor and address IP crime trends, supporting effective enforcement and policy development at local, national, and international levels.

This year’s survey results provide valuable insights that will inform future initiatives aimed at reducing the prevalence of counterfeit goods and mitigating their impact on society.

The IPO invites feedback and engagement from the public and stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of its efforts to protect consumers and uphold intellectual property rights across the UK.