West Lothian Council issues warning to parents over 'unsafe' counterfeit Labubu dolls
West Lothian Council have issued an urgent warning to parents after fake and "unsafe" Labubu dolls were seized from stores in the area.
The local authority are asking parents to take care when buying into the craze and are urging them to buy from reputable sellers and check the price of the product before they buy - adding that genuine Labubus are expensive so if one is cheaper than expected then there's a good chance it's fake.
Sharing information on their Facebook, West Lothian Council said: "Counterfeit products have already been seized from stores in West Lothian with all of them failing to comply with the Toys Safety Regulations 2011.
"These counterfeit products as well as infringing the genuine products trademark, are also unsafe and have the potential to be a choking hazard to young children. It appears that no safety testing has been carried out as the labelling information is incorrect, so this may highlight further dangers from phthalates and/or azo dyes that may be present in the products.
"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 are also advised to buy from reputable sellers and check the price. The genuine products are very scarce and therefore expensive. If a product is cheaper than you'd expect it's likely to be fake."
They went on to share the steps that Trading Standards encourage customers to follow when buying these products to ensure that they are buying safe, genuine Labubus.
Before purchasing, buyers should check packaging carefully and look for a CE or UKCA mark along with the name and address of a UK or EU-based supplier, buy from trusted retailers, and be wary of bargains as unusually low prices could be a "red flag."
Anyone concerned about the safety of toys they've purchased is being advised to get in touch with Trading Standards through Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or online via their website at https://consumeradvice.scot/contact/.
Alternatively, anyone with concerns can email West Lothian Trading Standards - Trading.Standards@westlothian.gov.uk
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