Brussels launches campaign against counterfeit toys

The campaign features a video of an animated robot advising would-be buyers to always look for the CE mark on toys, which means the item complies with European Union safety rules.

Other advice includes never giving toys with detachable parts to kids under three years in age and to read all warnings that accompany a toy.

The commission said more than half of all dangerous products sold in the EU were made in China.

EU Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani wants greater traceability of products, and said counterfeit merchandise worth more than 500 billion euros is in circulation globally.

"These are from products in all sectors: toys, machines, textiles. The impact on employment is enormous," Tajani said.

Knock-off toys can contain dangerous levels of heavy metals and other toxic substances.

Tajani also called on member states to better enforce EU rules aimed at stemming counterfeits.

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