Coventry Trading Standards has been seizing counterfeit and potentially dangerous Labubu dolls from retailers within the city.
The dolls, which mimic the popular figures from Chinese toy brand Pop Mart, could pose a serious risk to younger children due to small detachable parts that can cause choking. Labubu dolls, known for their quirky "monster elf" design, have recently surged in popularity across social media, making them a prime target for counterfeiters.
Selling or offering to sell fake and / or unsafe goods is a serious offence and offenders are warned that they may face enforcement action such as prosecution or a closure order if their premises is associated with ongoing criminality.
Officers discovered that the fake dolls were being sold at significantly reduced prices compared to the genuine products and were also missing key indicators such as the correct (and traceable) holographic QR code. These are some tell-tale signs which consumers need to check for.
Cllr Khan, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities said: “These counterfeit toys may look like the real thing, but they are unlikely to have undergone the rigorous safety testing required by law. Small parts can easily detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. We urge parents and carers to be vigilant and to only purchase toys from reputable sources.”
Consumers who suspect they may have purchased counterfeit Labubu dolls are encouraged to contact Citizen’s Advice on 0808 223 1133. This information can then be passed on to the appropriate Trading Standards Service.