Fife Council's Trading Standards team issues warning over fake and unsafe Labubu dolls

Fife Trading Standards are warning parents to take care when buying the latest craze of Labubu dolls.

Hundreds of counterfeit products have already been seized from stores in Fife with all of them also failing to comply with the Toys Safety Regulations 2011.

Trading Standards service manager, Dawn Adamson 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”.

Dawn also warned that “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”

Trading Standards continues to inspect local businesses and are removing the non-compliant products from sale. This can also result in prosecution of traders who knowingly breach the law.

Trading Standards advise parents 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. The genuine products are very scarce and therefore expensive. If a product is cheaper that you’d expect it's likely to be fake.

Trading Standards encourage consumers to take these simple but important steps to ensure the toys and products they purchase are safe and compliant with regulations:

• Inspect Packaging Carefully: Look for a CE or UKCA mark, along with the name and address of a UK or EU-based supplier. These indicate that the product meets essential safety standards. Most toys should also include warnings and instructions for safe use.
• Buy from Trusted Retailers: Purchasing from reputable and well-established sellers increases the chances of receiving safe products and makes it easier to return items if an issue arises.
• Be Cautious of Bargains: If the price seems unusually low, it could be a red flag. Extremely cheap products may not meet required safety standards.

Trading Standards remains committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that only safe, compliant goods are available in the marketplace.

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/