Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Economy saw a significant rise in counterfeit product seizures last year, nearly doubling the figures from 2023. This sharp increase is largely attributed to

a major operation uncovering a vast stockpile of fake toys.

In 2024, FPS Economy confiscated 411,021 counterfeit items for destruction or recycling, a stark contrast to the 217,053 products seized in the previous year. The substantial surge in numbers stems from a breakthrough in an ongoing investigation into counterfeit toys.

For years, inspectors have repeatedly encountered counterfeit toys, particularly among market vendors and fairground operators. Their efforts culminated in a significant discovery last year—a hidden storage facility containing over 350,000 counterfeit toys, with an estimated market value of €3.5 million. The seized items included stuffed animals, toy figures, and playing cards.

Beyond toys, FPS Economy confiscated a wide range of other counterfeit goods. Unlike the commonly associated luxury products, the majority were everyday household items. Among them were 10,000 perfume products, 16,000 pieces of clothing, nearly 20,000 liters of liquid detergent, and over 16,000 kg of washing powder.

Authorities warn that counterfeit products pose serious health and safety risks. “Counterfeit toys often contain toxic substances or present a high risk of suffocation,” explained FPS Economy spokesperson Lien Meurisse. “Similarly, fake creams, perfumes, and detergents are untested, making them potentially harmful to the skin and damaging to clothing.”

Consumers who suspect counterfeit goods being sold in stores or online can report them through the government platform ConsumerConnect at https://consumerconnect.be. The Economic Inspectorate reviews submissions and may initiate investigations based on credible reports. Photo by economie.fgov.be.