Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards team is warning residents and local retailers to be cautious when buying or selling popular squishy toys linked to recent social media trends.
The warning follows on from Swansea Council Trading Standards team after counterfeit and non-compliant squishy toys were found being sold to consumers, with concerns raised over potentially unsafe products, missing safety information, unusual chemical smells, and a lack of clear supplier details.
Although no items have been seized locally at this stage, Wrexham Council Trading Standards officers are urging residents and businesses to remain alert.
Counterfeit toys can put children at risk as they may be poorly made, contain unsafe materials, or fail to meet UK toy safety requirements.
Residents are advised to take extra care before buying toys, particularly from online marketplaces, social media adverts, pop-up sellers or unfamiliar websites.
Before buying, consumers should:
- Check the price – if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Buy from official brand websites or trusted retailers.
- Look for clear safety markings, such as CE or UKCA
- Check that the toy includes safety instructions and age guidance.
- Make sure the packaging includes details of a UK-based manufacturer or importer.
- Be cautious of toys with a strong chemical or petrol-like smell.
- Avoid products with poor-quality packaging, spelling mistakes or missing information.
Retailers are also being reminded that they have a legal responsibility to make sure any toys they sell comply with UK safety law.
Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection said “We know that social media trends can make certain toys extremely popular very quickly, and unfortunately counterfeit versions can appear just as fast.”
“Our advice is to be cautious, buy from reputable sellers, and check that toys have the correct safety information and markings before giving them to children.”
“Although we haven’t seized any of these products at this stage, we want residents and retailers to be aware of the risks and take these simple steps to protect children.”
More information about toy safety can be found on the Child Accident Prevention Trust website.
Anyone who has concerns about a toy they have purchased or believes unsafe or counterfeit toys are being sold in Wrexham, can report it to The Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08082231133, if you would like a Welsh speaking advisor, you can contact 08082231144.
If you can’t hear or speak on the phone, please dial 18001 first for Relay UK, where you can then type what you would like to say instead.
