Fife Trading Standards have urged shoppers to be extra cautious after hundreds of counterfeit products were seized across the Kingdom.
The fake products were all found to fail to comply with the Toys Safety Regulations 2011.
Dawn Adamson, Fife Trading Sandards Service Manager, said: “These counterfeiters are cashing in on the latest craze and prioritising profit over safety. As well as infringing the genuine products 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.”
Labubu dolls, created by Pop Mart, have become a viral hit on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Famed for the odd but cute look, Labubu Dolls have become a worldwide hit that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Trading Standards said it is continuing to inspect local businesses and is removing the non-compliant products from sale. This can also result in prosecution of traders who knowingly breach the law.
Parents are advised to check goods and packaging carefully.
All toys should be marked with the CE or UKCA mark for safety as well as details of the UK importer. They also advise to buy from reputable sellers and check the price.
Trading Standards said genuine products are “very scarce and therefore expensive” so if a product is cheaper that you’d expect, they are likely to be fake.
Anyone concerned about the safety of toys they’ve purchased is advised to get in touch with us via Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or online via their website at https://consumeradvice.scot/contact.