TACD Report 2025: Unsafe Toys and Counterfeits Flood Online Marketplaces
A new report by the Trans Atlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD) highlights a surge in unsafe and counterfeit consumer goods—including toys—sold via major online marketplaces such as Amazon, Temu, Shein, TikTok Shop, AliExpress, eBay, and Wish. Extensive investigations revealed that a significant share of toys and children’s products fail to meet safety standards, with risks ranging from choking hazards to toxic chemicals. For example, over 90% of products tested by Danish authorities in 2024 were illegal or dangerous, and more than 40% of toys checked in the UK failed safety tests.
The report identifies major regulatory gaps: online platforms often evade liability for third-party sellers, and enforcement is hampered by the global nature of digital trade. While new laws like the EU Digital Services Act and the US INFORM Consumers Act represent progress, loopholes remain—marketplaces are not always held accountable as economic operators.
Key Recommendations:
- Stronger cross-border cooperation and data sharing between the EU, UK, and US
- Mandatory compliance checks and ongoing monitoring by online marketplaces
- Clear legal accountability for platforms regarding product safety
- Enhanced enforcement powers and penalties for non-compliance
- Active involvement of consumer organizations in regulatory processes
The TACD urges urgent, coordinated reforms to protect consumers—especially children—from unsafe products in digital markets.
Source:tacd.org