Trading standards officers are today warning consumers and businesses following the seizure of counterfeit and potentially dangerous versions of the collectible Labubu doll toys from shops in Aberdeen.
The Labubu brand toys were examined and identified to have loose parts which could pose a choking hazard to young children and do not have the required safety labelling including a supplier in the UK or EU.
Trading standards manager Graeme Paton said: “Following the discovery of counterfeit toys, we want to alert consumers and particularly parents to be extra vigilant.
“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 Scotland.”
The council’s trading standards team, which seized the counterfeit Labubu toys from four premises across the city, is constantly on the lookout for products which contravene safety legislation. In the case of these counterfeit toys, they could pose serious dangers for children.
Trading standards provides the following advice to consumers to ensure they purchase safe products:
- Check the toys packaging carefully. There should be a CE or UKCA mark and the name and address of the supplier in the UK or EU to show that the product complies with safety regulations. Most toys will have warnings and instructions to ensure their safe use;
- Only buy from reputable sellers. This makes it easier to return goods if a problem develops;
- Consider the price. Be suspicious if it’s a lot cheaper than you would expect.
Consumers can contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000 and traders can contact Trading Standards at tradingstandards@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Labubu is a brand of monster elves created by designer Kasing Lung and marketed by Chinese retailer Pop Mart. Labubu is also the name of the main character in the series of toys.