More than 100 fake Labubu dolls have been seized by trading standards officers following two raids in a west London borough this month.
Labubus have become a global phenomenon, sold and produced by China-based retailer Pop Mart, in “blind-box” packaging concealing the character inside.
The soft toy doll is tipped to be the best-selling toy this Christmas, seen with celebrities on social media, including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian.
But counterfeit versions of the popular toy have surfaced across the UK, with 130 fake Labubus seized in Earl’s Court earlier this month.
The fakes were seized from seven local shops, including supermarkets and souvenir stores by officers from Kensington and Chelsea Council.
The toys were found to be sold without appropriate warnings and instructions and were poorly made. They also posed a choking hazard due to their small parts such as eyes and feet, which could easily come off from the soft toy.
The business owners who were found selling counterfeit dolls will receive a formal warning letter from the Council and could face formal action, which may lead to prosecution if they continue to sell fake goods.
Further operations will be carried out by the Council’s trading standards officers to ensure unsafe and fake goods are removed from the borough’s streets.
Councillor Johnny Thalassites, lead member for environment and planning said: “Labubu dolls are the latest collectible trend and high demand for this popular toy has also led to a rise in counterfeit versions.
"In Kensington and Chelsea, we want original and high-quality products, not fakes.
"That is why our trading standards team are out seizing counterfeit goods and keeping our borough’s high streets safer, fairer and best in class."
