In Monmouthshire, fake ‘Labubu by Pop Mart’ toys have been found on sale, with Trading Standards officers already removing unsafe items from shops.
The counterfeit toys are poorly made, with parts such as eyes, hands, and feet that break off easily, and lack essential safety labelling like the CE or UKCA marks.
Councillor Angela Sandles, Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for equalities and engagement, said: “This is a prime example of where the latest trend has been quickly adapted by criminals, flooding the market with cheap, unsafe copy products.
“These put the most precious and youngest of us at significant risk.
“Please don’t think you’re getting a bargain and report any seen on sale to Trading Standards.”
Trading Standards is advising retailers to check all stock to ensure it meets safety regulations and to remove any suspicious items from sale.
Buyers are urged to purchase toys only from reputable suppliers and to verify the authenticity and safety of any Labubu toys they may already own.
Retailers are also encouraged to be cautious when approached by cold callers offering toys or other goods, and to confirm the legitimacy of any business before agreeing to purchase items.
Genuine Pop Mart Labubu toys are exclusively marketed and sold by Pop Mart.
Anyone found selling counterfeit or unsafe toys that cause harm may face criminal and civil action.
For more information, contact Trading Standards on 01873 735420 or email tradingstandards@monmouthshire.gov.uk.