Copyright dailyrecord
Suspected counterfeit 'Labubu' toys and fashion items – including dolls, plushies and phone cases – have been seized from shops in Renfrewshire . Trading Standards officers have acted to remove approximately 150 imitation products from retail premises across the local authority area. Formal warning letters have been issued over the situation as the council explained sellers will also be monitored in the run up to Christmas. An update paper, due to be considered at the communities and housing policy board on Tuesday, confirmed items have even breached safety requirements. The report said: "Following a small number of consumer complaints, officers from Trading Standards have taken action to remove suspected counterfeit 'Labubu' toys and fashion items from sale in retail shops across Renfrewshire. "Around 150 items have been recovered so far, including dolls, plushies, keyrings and phone cases. "These items are tending to be sold outwith the normal outlets for toys, such as newsagents, corner shops or other standalone retail outlets. "While these items breach the intellectual property rights on the brand holder, Pop Mart, they also pose a significant safety risk to end users who are primarily children. "Items have been found to breach toy safety requirements as to markings and labellings as well as choking hazards or fire safety risks. "Formal warning letters have been issued to premises found to be supplying these items, who have also been provided detailed business advice on compliance. "Premises will be monitored to ensure they remain compliant – particularly in the approach to Christmas." Content has been produced by the council's communications team and shared on social media, outlining the safety risks posed by fake products. While they may resemble the real thing, they could have problems like exposed stuffing and easily-detachable small parts that could prove to be dangerous. "We're issuing a warning about fake Labubus (Labubu dolls) being sold locally and online," the local authority said in its post. "Counterfeit toys often look similar to the real thing but are poorly made and haven't gone through rigorous safety checks required by law. "They can be dangerous with small parts being easily removed that can be choking hazards. Sharp parts, exposed stuffing and toxic materials can also be present. "To stay safe, look for UKCA or CE safety marks. Check for signs of authenticity like holographic stickers or QR codes. Avoid unfamiliar sellers and online marketplace listings." Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here
