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Consumer advice
Contents
Christmas shopping - online marketplaces and fake goods
Our Trading Standards team have advice if you're buying toys or electrical items second-hand or from online marketplaces.
Buying gifts online can be convenient, but it’s important to stay safe.
Counterfeit goods and unsafe products are common on online marketplaces, especially during the festive season. Fake goods can be poor quality, unsafe, and even dangerous.
Always check:
- Seller details – Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
- Product safety marks – Look for CE or UKCA markings.
- Reviews and ratings – Genuine sellers usually have consistent feedback.
- Return policies – Make sure you can return items if they’re faulty.
For more advice, visit Buying toys online this Christmas? Top tips to help make it safe
Second-hand goods safety
Trading Standards is running a project, supported by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), to help you choose and use second-hand goods safely.
Many families buy second-hand items to save money, but some products can pose serious risks, especially for children.
Our advice:
- Check for missing parts, damage, or safety warnings.
- Look up product recalls before buying. Check the list at Product Recalls and Alerts - GOV.UK
- Great care should be taken around second-hand baby products. We advise against buying second hand cot mattresses and car seats as the structural integrity can be compromised by accidents or damage that may not be visible.
- Check toys for accessible battery compartments or strong magnets.