More than 500 counterfeit toys that could have harmed children have failed safety testing after being seized from three shops in Walsall. The 'dangerous' items, including fake Labubus and Disney toys, were confiscated in September 2025 during a joint operation between West Midlands Police and Walsall Council Trading Standards.
Samples of the seized toys were submitted for laboratory analysis, where they were found to be non-compliant with product safety legislation. The testing revealed that some counterfeit Labubus could pose a serious choking hazard for children under 36 months due to small parts becoming detached. Additionally, chemical testing identified excessive levels of phthalates in some figurines, which at high levels can affect the endocrine system and have links to long-term impacts on child development and reproductive health.
Councillor Ian Benton, portfolio holder for street scene and enforcement, said: 'These findings highlight how important this type of work is. Counterfeit goods are not just illegal, but they also pose serious safety risks to consumers, particularly young children. Our Trading Standards officers will continue to work proactively with partners to identify unsafe products, protect residents and take action against businesses that fail to comply with the law.'
The businesses involved cannot be named while investigations are ongoing. The seized items will be destroyed in due course.
A spokesperson for Walsall Council added: 'In September 2025, Walsall Council Trading Standards officers, supported by West Midlands Police, carried out a joint operation targeting the supply of counterfeit and unsafe toys in shops across the borough. During the operation, officers seized over 500 items from three businesses. All branded items have since been confirmed as counterfeit by the relevant brand owners or their representatives. Products included counterfeit Labubu toys, and toys falsely branded under popular names such as Hello Kitty, Disney, Bluey, Super Mario and Louis Vuitton.'
