France: Almost 11 million counterfeit toys seized
In a major ation against online trade in counterfeit goods, French customs authorities and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) seized a total of more than 10.7 million counterfeit toys in 2025.
Successful Operation by French Customs and OLAF
In 2025, officials from French customs and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) seized nearly 11 million counterfeit toy items in a coordinated operation; the items were apparently intended for online sale. That is according to information that was released by both agencies in December.
The operation was reportedly based on inquiries by the French National Directorate for Customs Intelligence and Investigations (DNRED), which identified numerous counterfeit toys on web sales platforms through online monitoring and sample testing. Using additional information from the online marketplaces, authorities confiscated a total of over 10 million toys across France. According to the officials, many of the counterfeit products posed significant risks to the health and safety of consumers—especially children.
From Paris to Brussels: Cooperating on a European level
After French customs shared information about the findings with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), OLAF launched coordinated investigations in Europe. Working together with French and Czech customs authorities, extensive online investigations were carried out, identifying millions of suspicious listings and removing them from sale.
Further actions expected
The authorities explicitly described the recent operation as the first phase of a broader investigation coordinated by OLAF. According to them, nearly 100 million counterfeit products have been identified across Europe. Further actions are reportedly underway to combat criminal networks involved.
Significant Losses Due to Counterfeit Toys
According to recent reports, the economic damage caused by counterfeiting in this industry is alarming: A 2024 study by the EUIPO calculated that counterfeiting costs manufacturers in the clothing, cosmetics, and toy industries a total of around 16 billion euros every year. The greatest losses are believed to occur in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Last year, for example, customs authorities in Bayonne, southern France, had already reported seizing more than 500,000 counterfeit games and toys.
Sources:Ministère de l’Action et des Comptes publics, European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) | Article in co-operation with Anti-Piracy Analyst
