When it comes to fake toys, there are significant safety concerns. Primarily, knockoff products aren’t as likely to adhere to strict toy safety laws. Reputable brands have to be tested for compliance with more than 100 different safety standards required by law.
Other safety concerns include toxics, where a knock-off toy may have lead or other added chemicals that can be dangerous to a child’s health. Safety testing for small parts, toxics, and use and abuse is important because we know how children use toys. They put them in and around their face or throw them at the ground. Without adequate safety testing, a parent cannot be assured that their child’s health is not at risk.
Counterfeit toys could flaunt any of the existing safety standards, but we found evidence of safety problems with counterfeit items in several of the traditional categories of hazards, including: toxic chemicals, fire and small parts.