Officers warn of potentially dangerous versions of popular Labubu doll toys
TRADING Standards Scotland has warned retailers and consumers to remain cautious of potentially dangerous versions of collectible Labubu dolls.
Some of the massively popular collectible dolls have been seized by Trading Standards Scotland officers from shops in Aberdeen after they were found to have loose parts which could pose a choking hazard to young children.
The dolls did not have the required safety labelling to highlight this, including suppliers in the UK or EU.
Graeme Paton, Trading Standards manager, said: “Following the discovery of counterfeit toys, we want to alert consumers and particularly parents to be extra vigilant.
“These counterfeit toys can seem like a bargain compared with trying to source the genuine toy, especially when they are a much-sought after item, but they are potentially dangerous.”
Aberdeen council’s Trading Standards team seized the counterfeit Labubu toys from four premises across the city and is constantly on the lookout for products which contravene safety legislation laws in the UK. In the case of these counterfeit toys, they could pose a serious danger to young children.
Trading Standards provides the following advice to consumers to ensure they purchase safe products:
• Check the toys packaging carefully. There should be a CE or UKCA mark and the name and address of the supplier in the UK or EU to show that the product complies with safety regulations. Most toys will have warnings and instructions to ensure their safe use.
• Only buy from reputable sellers. This makes it easier to return goods if a problem develops.
• Consider the price. Be suspicious if it’s a lot cheaper than you would expect.
Consumers can contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000 for further information and traders can get in touch with their local Trading Standards Scotland team.
Paton said: “Counterfeit toys can potentially pose significant dangers to young children such as chemical exposure and choking hazards.
“These products routinely lack proper safety testing and we encourage anyone concerned about the safety of toys they’ve purchased to get in touch with us via Consumer Advice Scotland.”
