A British issued an urgent alert to parents following the confiscation of over 800 dangerous counterfeit toys that posed serious risks to youngsters. The local authority turned to TikTok on Wednesday (August 27) to highlight a problem involving fake versions of the latest children’s craze – Labubu.
In footage shared online, sacks of merchandise confiscated by Trading Standards officials were displayed that bore striking resemblance to genuine products. The council revealed video evidence of bogus Labubu dolls being sold for just £1 each, while highlighting that imitation accessories, keyrings and branded garments were being hawked at one particular market stall for £3 apiece.
By contrast, legitimate Labubu dolls typically cost between £13.50 and £50. Staffordshire County Council subsequently outlined the perils of these items, warning that they can disintegrate with alarming ease and that tiny components present a suffocation risk for little ones, whilst some contain toxic substances.
“More than 800 counterfeit Labubus have been seized by our Trading Standards officers in Penkridge,” the council said of the operation that saw staff seize goods from vendors in Penkridge Market on 20 August.
“Our Trading Standards officers warn that these poor-quality copies break apart easily and could make children choke, and some even contain harmful chemicals.” The authority added: “If you know about anyone selling illegal goods, please report it to Trading Standards online or call our confidential helpline on 01785 330356.”
Applauding the operation in response, one TikTok user remarked: “Thank God these dangerous fake Labubus were taken off the street.”
A second person agreed, writing: “Counterfeit products often lack the safety certifications of genuine ones. they come apart and your child could easily choke.”
A third contributed: “I think people don’t seem to realise how drastically unsafe fakes can be, 90% fakes are seized because they are not made follow CE regulations and put CHILDREN at risk! its not just about big companies profiting, its about protecting children from protection all harm from unlawful and unlicensed items that are produced with materials that are not safe.”
Whilst a fourth TikTok user who observed the goods being confiscated stated: “As a fellow trader where this took place whilst I was working these should not have been sold. Why should young lives be put at risk for the sake of profit?”
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, commented: “We are determined to crack down on counterfeiters and people who think it is acceptable to sell fake and harmful goods to the public, like these knock-off Labubu dolls.
“Counterfeit products aren’t just a con – they can be dangerous to your health, your safety, and your community. Every fake sold puts people at risk and takes money from honest local businesses.
“When you’re shopping, especially at markets or car boot sales, think twice. If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
