Trading Standards - Christmas Safety Warning: Hazardous Counterfeit Goods

20th December 2025

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has today issued a stark warning to consumers ahead of the last shopping weekend this festive period to be on their guard against unsafe products that are entering the UK and could pose serious safety risks to shoppers.

As Christmas approaches, the demand for products dramatically increases and the UK ports and borders are working incredibly hard to intercept non-compliant goods from entering into the UK, many of which would have ended up for sale on online marketplaces and then in the hands of consumers.
CTSI has issued urgent warnings about the following products, which have all recently been seized:
cheap and counterfeit "plush" Anime ‘Dragon Slayer' toys posing a choking hazard

children's make-up sets that present a serious chemical risk as the nail varnishes included in each kit contain methylisothiazolinone, which is not permitted for use in leave-on products due to skin sensitisation concerns

unsafe electrical hand-held garment steamers with risk of electric shock

decorative remote control Christmas lights with no safety assurance checks and remotes with lose button batteries posing a serious risk to children
unsafe children’s dog toys and accessories, both posing serious risks to children from non-compliant button battery compartments and a risk of strangulation.

There have also been reports of serious incidents involving telescopic ladders commonly used for putting up outdoor festive lights and storing decorations in lofts.

Despite being advertised on online marketplaces as ‘Heavy Duty,’ some ladders have reportedly collapsed after just a few uses, causing users to fall - often from significant heights.

Many of these dangerous products highlighted were destined for sale by third-party sellers on online marketplaces, which remains a common form of shopping amongst UK consumers due to the fast delivery and convenience of shopping from home.

Some of the important safety risks for consumers to be aware of at this time of year include:
small magnets and button/coin batteries that are easily accessed in toys and products that are appealing to children and could cause choking and harmful side effects if swallowed
danger of electric shock or fire risk from unsafe electrical products
exploding lithium-ion batteries in unsafe, DIY converted electric bikes and scooters
collapsing telescopic ladders presenting a serious risk of injuries
children’s clothing that could present strangulation risks
infant products that could cause suffocation
cosmetic products with banned ingredients and illegal medicinal substances, and skincare, haircare, makeup and nail products that haven’t been through compulsory safety assessments

Buy Toys and other Products Safely
Be wary when buying products from unknown websites or sellers, particularly if they are advertised at a price that is significantly cheaper than on official websites.
If the product is being sold at a fraction of the normal cost, the price could be lower due to a number of factors:
It could be a counterfeit product, which will not have been made to the same standards as the original and may be illegal for sale in the UK.
The product may include cheaper materials and have a design that is less durable or unsafe.
It may not have gone through the correct legal testing and assessments. This is very expensive and means genuinely safe products can cost more to manufacture.

Research before you purchase products online:
Check independent reviews of the seller
Make sure you have contact information for the seller in case something goes wrong. The website should list a valid return address and contact details - be suspicious if a UK website has a returns address overseas and check that the address is listed with Companies House.

Check the site’s return policy and terms and conditions. If buying via an online marketplace, check the site’s advice section to find out what to do if items are faulty or not delivered.

Check toys carefully before giving them to a child:
Make sure the toy has not been recalled and look to make sure there are no news stories about safety concerns.
Check it has an EU address.
Check it has a CE mark.

Check that toys are clearly marked with age restrictions, which are based on risks such as choking hazards. Always follow the age recommendations.

Check for strangulation hazards such as loose ribbons on toys and costumes.
Ensure that any button batteries in a toy are safely behind a screwed down flap.

Check that the packaging looks genuine, with no spelling errors and the warnings and labels in the correct language.

Check that there is an address to contact in case anything is wrong with the toy.

If you're worried that a product you have bought might be fake or unsafe, don't use it.

Where possible, buy from trusted retailers. Remember that not everything sold on an online platform is supplied by them - don't assume that the platform has conducted any tests or checks on these products.

You can check that products you own are safe via the Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls site
The site lists unsafe products available on the UK market, as identified by OPSS or another market surveillance authority.

Electrical Safety First have created a browser extension, 'Check It Out', which is compatible with Amazon and eBay and will remind you when you are not buying directly from the manufacturer or a retailer you know and trust. Download it at www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/check-it-out

If you have bought a product that you think is unsafe, report it to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.

Find out More
Product Safety, Reports and Recalls site: www.gov.uk/guidance/product-recalls-and-alerts
Advice from Electrical Safety First: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/dontbeelectricked/
'Fake Toys Real Harms' campaign website: https://www.a-cg.org/consumer-advice/fake-toys-real-harms
BTHA 'Still Toying With Children's Safety' Report 2025: https://www.btha.co.uk/advocacy/still-toying-with-childrens-safety/
Child Accident Prevention Trust: https://capt.org.uk/toy-safety/
Advice on shopping online safely from the National Cyber Security Centre: www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/shopping-online-securely
Advice on your consumer rights from Advice Direct Scotland: www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre