The Federal Public Service Economy seized almost twice as many counterfeit products last year than in 2023. That was due to a large catch counterfeit toys, the FPS reports.
Last year, the government service seized 411,021 counterfeit products to destroy or to recycle if possible. The sharp increase compared to previous years is due to a particularly large catch.
In recent years, inspectors had repeatedly found counterfeit toys, especially among market vendors and fairground operators. In 2024 there was a breakthrough in the study, with the find of a large hidden storage room. More than 350,000 products, good for a value of an estimated 3.5 million euros, were seized. They were mainly cuddly animals, toy characters and playing cards.
In addition to the 350,000 pieces of toys, the FPS Economy also seized a lot of other products.
In the vicinity of the Brussels North Station, for example, inspectors found hidden retail spaces with counterfeit clothing, accessories and shoes. More than 16,000 products were seized. There were loose brand labels, which makes the FPS think that the sellers also produced counterfeit.
In addition, the inspectors found a studio where counterfeit perfume was made. In addition to finished products and barrels with basic fluid for perfumes, it also found devices to fill, label and pack bottles. 10,000 products were seized there.
In a third file, the inspectors found 19,822 liters of liquid detergent and 16 tons of washing powder.
The FPS Economy warns of the dangers of counterfeit. “For example, counterfeit toys are made of toxic substances or there is a large risk of suffocation. The composition of creams, perfume or washing product is not known and not tested, which can cause irritations on your skin and spots on your clothes, “says spokeswoman Lien Meurisse.
Anyone who thinks that a store or website is selling counterfeit can report this via the ConsumerConnect government platform. The Economic Inspectorate looks at those reports and can investigate.