Hundreds of illegal cosmetics including skin whitening creams and slimming products have been seized at Newcastle International Airport.
Trading standards officers at Newcastle City Council discovered a haul of more than 300 cosmetic and health products which had been brought into the country.
The potentially dangerous products included creams to lighten skin colour, which can cause the skin to burn.
Products from South Korea and Vietnam were among the large amount of items seized.
In light of the seizure, shoppers have been warned about buying products at knock-down prices this Christmas as they may not reach UK safety standards.
Councillor Nick Kemp, the council's cabinet member for the environment and regulatory services, said: "I would urge shoppers to take extra care when buying goods, especially privately.
"Check that they are the real thing as illegal cosmetic products can burn the skin or have other far reaching consequences for your personal health. If the offer seems too good to be true then it probably is.
"Our trading standards officers always act on complaints and intelligence received.
"They also monitor what is being sold through social media, so the message is clear - if you are selling dangerous goods and ripping off the public we will catch you.
"You will be living with that fear of getting a knock on your door."
The person who brought in the products is being dealt with by trading standards.
