Counterfeit, Fake or Imitation items

The simplest summary is probably this, from https://www.getsafeonline.org/personal/articles/counterfeit-goods: "The manufacture and sales of counterfeit goods is illegal. Buying counterfeit goods, however, is not illegal, even if you do so knowingly. However, there are many reasons why you should not do so."

So it isn't illegal for someone to offer an imitation product - it's OK to Freegle. It would be illegal, though, to offer something like a Rolex watch as a genuine article when it's actually a fake.

If anyone finds a legal (rather than moral) reason not to allow these items, please post the link on Central.

The article linked above lists reasons not to buy or use counterfeits, including the risk of shock or fire from electrical items, or toxic chemicals in fake cosmetics. Producers and sellers of counterfeits are often linked to organised crime.

Some local volunteers recommend that a member ask for a refund and report the fake to Trading Standards.

In March 2026, Freegle's Chair posted further advice: https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/what-do-you-think/9519/13

Fake banknotes

The Bank of England advises that it's illegal to pass on fake or counterfeit banknotes [1]. Instead, they should be handed in to the police, who should complete an NCO-1 form and give you a receipt and incident number. See https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/counterfeit-banknotes

Toy money that's obviously smaller than the real thing is fine.

Link: Specific Items