Trading Standards issue a warning to parents that potentially dangerous counterfeit Labubu dolls are being sold in the area

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards officers are warning both consumers, and businesses after counterfeit versions of the collectible Labubu dolls, have been found on sale in shops in our area, posing a safety risk to children. 

The counterfeit toys are imitations of the popular “Pop Mart” Labubu brand and have been found to contain loose parts that may pose a choking hazard to young children. Additionally, these 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.

Many of the items that have been seized have poor quality visible stitching, and the dolls’ hands or feet break off fairly easily.

Labubu is part of ‘The Monsters’ series by artist Kasing Lung, produced by Chinese toy company Pop Mart. It is an elf-like character with pointy ears, big eyes and a toothy grin and they have become a viral fashion accessory and collectible item.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council said:

“We are issuing this urgent warning to consumers, to remain vigilant when purchasing these highly sought-after collectables, and to report any concerns about the safety of toys they have bought or seen on sale to us.” 

“These copycat toys have been flooding the UK market and have found their way to North East Lincolnshire too. As they are often cheaper, they might seem like a bargain compared to the genuine versions, however 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 they will continue their diligent work to ensure counterfeit and unsafe products are removed from the North East Lincolnshire marketplace." 

Trading Standards provides the following advice to consumers and traders to ensure toys are safe and genuine:

• Inspect packaging carefully: Look for a CE or UKCA mark, and ensure the product lists a UK based supplier. Warnings and usage instructions should be included. 
• Look for a QR code: Genuine Pop Mart dolls include a scannable QR code that links directly to the official Pop Mart website.

Officers will continue to visit stores across North East Lincolnshire, and ensure that Labubu dolls which are suspected of being counterfeit are removed from sale. Any business in the county looking for help and advice is also encouraged to get in touch.

Anyone who has bought a doll and thinks it could be fake, or who comes across these dolls for sale and believes them to be fake, should report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/