Bromley Council seizes hundreds of fake squishy toys

June 18, 2026

South London News Police & Courts Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Bromley Council's Trading Standards team has seized hundreds of counterfeit squishy toys from a shop on Bromley High Street, issuing a safety warning to residents. The growing popularity of genuine squishy toys has led to an increase in imitation versions entering the market.

Safety concerns over counterfeit toys

While genuine branded products, such as NeeDoh, undergo strict safety testing, counterfeit or imitation toys may not meet these standards. These non-compliant products are likely to have not undergone proper safety testing, contain inadequate or missing labelling, or be made from low-quality or unsafe materials. Such issues increase the risk of harm, particularly to children.

Residents are advised to be vigilant and ensure that toys purchased are genuine and safe. Precautions include buying only from reputable retailers, especially when shopping online, and carefully checking product labelling for UKCA or CE safety markings, details of a UK manufacturer or importer, and clear warnings and instructions. Consumers should be cautious if a product appears unusually cheap, or looks, feels, or smells of poor quality. If in doubt, it is recommended to avoid purchasing the item.

Seizures of these toys have occurred elsewhere in London. BBC News reported that Lancashire Trading Standards also removed 200 of these toys from shelves following safety concerns.

Reporting and further advice

Customers and residents can protect children and young people by taking these precautions. For help and advice, individuals can contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or visit their website. Concerns about illegal squishy toys can be reported to trading.standards@bromley.gov.uk.

Guidance for retailers and wholesalers on toy safety is available on the Bromley Council website. Business advice on Trading Standards laws can also be found there. Information on how to spot a fake 'NeeDoh' squishy toy is available on the BigJigsToys website. For general information about scams in various languages, residents can visit the Friends Against Scams website.

To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards, residents can sign up at http://www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm. Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help residents find a safe, reliable trader they can trust, available at http://www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked.

Author

South London News Police & Courts Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From the local beat to the Inner London Crown Court, the South London News Police & Courts Desk offers comprehensive coverage of justice in our boroughs. Our editorial staff provide rapid reporting, trial analysis, and exclusive insights into local safety, ensuring our readers stay informed on the stories affecting their streets.

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