They come at a lower price – but authorities say they also come with a risk
Potentially dangerous fake Labubu dolls have been seized in Bolton(Image: Bolton Council)
Families are being urged to avoid fake versions of a popular doll after ‘potentially dangerous’ counterfeit toys were seized in Greater Manchester.
Fake dolls, which are imitations of the popular Pop Mart Labubu brand, have been found to contain loose parts that could pose a choking hazard to young children.
The dodgy parts include loose eyes, hands and feet on the dolls – while stitching was also found to be loose, exposing filling which could be another choking hazard.
A warning has been issued this morning (August 1) after a number of these items were seized from shops in Bolton.
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The town’s trading standards team says the fake dolls it discovered failed to comply with vital safety regulations – while other trading standards units across the country have seen similar counterfeit goods.
Coun Hamid Khurram, executive cabinet member for regulatory services on Bolton council, said: “The consumer craze for these dolls has resulted in a lucrative counterfeit market.
Some of the dolls seized by trading standards officers in Bolton(Image: Bolton Council)
“Children and adults are buying these, and many will be tempted by the lower price of counterfeit versions.
“These products lack the necessary safety testing and small parts can become loose, posing a choking hazard to young children.”
Counterfeit dolls which fail to comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 do not carry the legally required safety labelling – such as the CE or UKCA mark – or the name and address of a supplier based in the UK.
Bolton council says the fake dolls are often cheaper than the legitimate products.
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Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls retail at around £13.50, but can cost upwards of £1,000 depending on the specific doll and its rarity.
Coun Khurram added: “We encourage anyone concerned about the safety of toys they’ve purchased to get in touch with us at trading.standards@bolton.gov.uk”