US Customs Officials Seize Over $775,000 in Fake Children’s Toys From China

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Nov 29, 2025 - 10:53 Updated: Nov 29, 2025 - 10:47
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US Customs Officials Seize Over $775,000 in Fake Children’s Toys From China

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U.S. customs officials are warning parents about the dangers of counterfeit children’s toys after seizing more than $775,000 worth of fake products from China, according to a Nov. 25 announcement, including knockoffs of popular characters like Mickey Mouse and Labubu.

The seized shipment consists of 12,191 plush toys, 1,661 backpacks, 1,600 music boxes, 1,430 snow globes, 552 animal floral arrangements, and 200 rose decor, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Norfolk announced in a news release on Nov. 25.

The CBP’s trade experts estimated that the 17,634 seized items would have been worth $776,562 had they been authentic.

Beyond Mickey Mouse and Labubu, the seized items also violated the trademarks and copyrights of Despicable Me, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Mario, Pikachu, and other popular properties.

CBP officials seized the Chinese shipment at the Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News on Oct. 29, and it was destined for an address in Wood County, West Virginia.

“Ensuring that all imports are lawful and safe for consumers remains a priority Customs and Border Protection mission,” Keri Brady, CBP’s area port director at the Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News, said in a statement.

“As we near the holiday shopping season, we urge parents to remain diligent when buying online or at steep discounts to be sure that the children’s toys, clothes, or accessories you buy don’t pose a serious health and safety threat to your families.”

In fiscal year 2024, CBP seized about 284,826 toys, which were part of more than 32 million items seized in total, according to a report. The seized toys had an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price of more than $7 million, while the total seized items were valued at more than $5.4 billion if authentic.

China ranked first among countries and regions in the number of seizures for intellectual property violations, accounting for more than 22 million products valued at more than $4 billion had they been authentic, according to the report.

On Nov. 12, CBP issued a safety warning to Americans about buying counterfeit products during the holiday season, noting that “illegitimate sales are among the most profitable transnational crimes.”

The agency noted that it had seized nearly 79 million counterfeit items with a combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price value of more than $7.3 billion in fiscal year 2025. The top seized items were counterfeit clothing, consumer electronics, toys, and medications.

“It is crucial that shoppers understand that buying cheap, inauthentic goods is not victimless. It can cause harm to those you care about because of toxic materials and can even fund criminal activities,” Diane J. Sabatino, acting executive assistant commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations, said in a statement.

In August, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued safety warnings on fake Labubu plush figures and plush keychains, saying that there had been reports of them breaking apart easily, and small pieces could become choking hazards.

The commission added that it had identified “multiple shipments of these lookalikes attempting U.S. entry from China and requested seizure of thousands of units.”

“These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal, and have no place in American homes,” Peter A. Feldman, acting chairman of the commission, said in a statement.

“No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers.”

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