Trading Standards teams around the country are sounding the alarm about a swathe of potentially dangerous counterfeit toys that have been found on sale in shops and online in recent weeks.
The fake ‘Labubu’ dolls – imitations of products manufactured by Chinese company Pop Mart, which have become a global viral craze thanks to promotion on social media sites including TikTok – have been seized by Trading Standards teams concerned about non-compliant packaging and the risk of choking and other hazards.
Last week in Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Trading Standards seized more than 32 keyrings and 95 boxes of counterfeit Labubus (also known as Lafufus) from the Pontypridd area.
Fakes seized by Northumberland Trading Standards had loose parts (image credit: Northumberland Trading Standards)
Northumberland County Council Trading Standards also issued a warning to consumers and businesses after finding counterfeit versions of the collectable dolls on sale in shops across the county.
Blackburn with Darwen Trading Standards raised similar concerns that fake Labubus seized in the borough failed to comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, as did Trading Standards teams in Redcar, Fife, West Lothian, Aberdeen and Ayrshire.
Genuine Labubu Monster collectibles can sell for around £50-£60 – however, some of the fake versions were found on sale for as little as £2.99, prompting warnings that if the price seems too good to be true, the product is probably a fake.
Rhian Hope, Head of Public Protection and Regulatory Services at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “These counterfeit toys can seem like a bargain compared with trying to source the genuine toy, especially when they are a much-sought-after item, but they are potentially dangerous.
“Counterfeit toys can potentially pose significant dangers to young children such as chemical exposure and choking hazards.
“These products routinely lack proper safety testing and we encourage anyone concerned about the safety of toys they’ve purchased to get in touch with us via Consumer Advice.”
Fake Labubu dolls seized by West Lothian Trading Standards (image credit: West Lothian Trading Standards)
Dawn Adamson, Service Manager at Fife Trading Standards, said: “These counterfeiters are cashing in on the latest craze and prioritising profit over safety. As well as infringing the genuine product’s trademark, they are not carrying out the required testing to ensure the product is safe.
“These products are attractive to children but can pose significant dangers. Small parts can come loose and become choking hazards and exposure to certain chemicals, which are banned in genuine toys, can be harmful.”
Many of the fake products seized have been found to be poorly constructed, with eyes, hands and feet that break off easily, and poor quality stitching. In addition, some of the products do not carry the legally required safety labelling, such as the CE or UKCA mark, or the name and address of a supplier based in the UK.
According to Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, “These copycat toys have been flooding the UK market and have found their way to Northumberland too. As they are often cheaper they might seem like a bargain compared to the genuine versions, but they can be dangerous if they have not been manufactured in accordance with stringent toy safety legislation.
“Our Trading Standards Officers are constantly on the lookout for products which contravene safety legislation and will continue their diligent work to ensure counterfeit and unsafe products are removed from the Northumberland marketplace.”
Blackburn with Darwen Trading Standards has also sounded the alarm (image credit: Blackburn with Darwen Trading Standards)
Among other Trading Standards services issuing a warning to the public is West Lothian Trading Standards, which advises consumers to:
- Inspect packaging carefully: Look for a CE or UKCA mark, along with the name and address of a UK or EU-based supplier. These indicate that the product meets essential safety standards. Most toys should also include warnings and instructions for safe use.
- Buy from trusted retailers: Purchasing from reputable and well-established sellers increases the chances of receiving safe products and makes it easier to return items if an issue arises.
- Be cautious of bargains: If the price seems unusually low, it could be a red flag. Extremely cheap products may not meet required safety standards.
