Trading Standards are warning shoppers about potentially dangerous counterfeit toys that have been seized from shops in Bolton.
The counterfeit toys, imitations of the popular Pop Mart Labubu brand, have been found to contain loose parts i.e. eyes, hands and feet, that may pose a choking hazard to young children.
The stitching was also found to be loose, exposing the filling which could be an additional choking hazard.
Trading Standards have raised concerns that fake Labubus seized in the borough failed to comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, as have other Trading Standards teams around the country.
These products 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. They are often also cheaper than the legitimate products.
The genuine dolls retail around £13.50 but can be upwards of £1,000, depending on the specific doll, and its rarity.
Cllr Hamid Khurram, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:
“The consumer craze for these dolls has resulted in a lucrative counterfeit market.
“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.
“We encourage anyone concerned about the safety of toys they’ve purchased to get in touch with us at trading.standards@bolton.gov.uk.”