A WARNING has been issued after a number of fake copies of the globally popular Labubu dolls were seized in Scotland.
The elf-like creatures from Chinese toy maker Pop Mart are the latest craze in collectibles and have gone viral on social media.
The toy’s popularity soared last year after K-Pop star Lisa from girl group Blackpink shared a photo of herself with one, with other celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa also posing with them.
However, officials in Aberdeen are warning consumers and businesses to be alert, following the seizure of “counterfeit and potentially dangerous” versions of the toys found in shops in the city.
Toys seized from four premises in the Granite City were found to have loose parts, posing a choking hazard to young children.
They also did not have the required safety labelling.
East Ayrshire Trading Standards also issued a warning on Tuesday, saying it was “aware of concerns of safety and counterfeiting”.
Trading standards manager Graeme Paton 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.”
He added: “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.”
Parents are being urged to check the toys’ packaging carefully for 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 will have warnings and instructions to ensure their safe use.
What are Labubu dolls?
Labubu was created by designer Kasing Lung, and is also the name of the main character in “The Monsters” toy series.
The elf-like creatures have plastic faces that are attached to plush bodies.
The doll's signature look of pointy ears, big eyes, and a mischievous grin with nine teeth has divided people on social media, with some claiming they are cute while others say they are simply a little odd.
