Latest news with #Toys(Safety)Regulations2011
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Fake Labubu dolls seized after Trading Standards warning
The viral plush toys – quirky fang-toothed 'monster elf' figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collector's craze. This popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and local shops that are breaking the law. Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks. In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland. Many of these items were discovered after tip-offs from concerned parents. Counterfeit or fake Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe. Many contain small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands, and feet, which present a serious choking hazard to young children. Loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation. These fakes often breach the UK's Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, they may also contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers. How to spot a fake Labubu Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls have a distinctive elf-like design and include authenticity features such as a holographic POP MART sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and - on newer editions - a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit versions. Kerry Nicol, External Affairs Manager at The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), says: 'These dolls are fast becoming the latest must have craze, which is being amplified by social media influencers promoting and showcasing 'unboxing' of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Supply and demand means that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find. 'Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market, often being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and from shops on the high street that have no regard for the safety of their customers. 'These fake products bypass the rigorous safety checks and compliance requirements the law demands, meaning they could contain choking hazards, toxic materials, or faulty components that put children at serious risk. "Everyone involved in the supply chain – from manufacturers and fulfilment houses to sellers and marketplaces should have a role to play in ensuring unsafe toys never reach the hands of children.' Recommended reading: What to do if you think you have bought a fake Labubu Inspect packaging carefully – check for a UKCA or CE mark, and make sure the product lists a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Warnings and usage instructions should be present. Look for authenticity markers – genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer editions) a UV stamp on one foot. Check the product's appearance – overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth (authentic Labubus have nine) are signs of a fake. Be cautious of 'bargains' – counterfeit toys are often cheaper but may carry serious safety risks, including choking hazards and toxic materials. Buy from reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplaces listings. If members of the public are concerned or would like advice, they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (England and Wales). In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or for Northern Ireland call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. Christine Heemskerk, CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, says: "Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises.. Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place. "A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs. Small parts such as eyes could easily a serious choking hazard for small children. Beware of putting your child at risk by buying cheap unsafe fakes." Jerry Burnie, Head of Toy Safety at British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), adds: 'Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toy maker. "When shopping for branded items we would always recommend researching the toy brand and try to buy from the company directly or through a reputable retailer who you can easily return the product to. "If you are buying online, particularly through an online marketplace, then include the name of the toy company in the search and compare the listing against the toy company's own website.' The risk for shops and online sellers selling fake Labubus With the Labubu craze showing no signs of slowing, businesses and collectors alike must stay informed and protected. Laura Court-Jones, Small Business editor at Bionic, says: 'The rise in counterfeit Labubu figures doesn't just affect collectors, it's a serious risk to businesses as well. 'Stocking or selling fakes, even unintentionally, can damage customer trust and hurt your brand reputation. That's why it's crucial to source responsibly and consider insurance to help protect against damage or theft due to insured events." How to insure your Labubu amid a rise in theft cases With Labubu figures flying off shelves and becoming increasingly rare, a rise in theft has followed. Originally designed as quirky handbag accessories, they've now become so coveted that a TikTok trend jokes about people handing over their entire bag to a thief, but keeping the Labubu.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Fake Labubu dolls seized after Trading Standards warning
The viral plush toys – quirky fang-toothed 'monster elf' figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collector's craze. This popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and local shops that are breaking the law. Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks. In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland. Many of these items were discovered after tip-offs from concerned parents. Counterfeit or fake Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe. Many contain small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands, and feet, which present a serious choking hazard to young children. Loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation. These fakes often breach the UK's Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, they may also contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers. How to spot a fake Labubu Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls have a distinctive elf-like design and include authenticity features such as a holographic POP MART sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and - on newer editions - a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit versions. Kerry Nicol, External Affairs Manager at The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), says: 'These dolls are fast becoming the latest must have craze, which is being amplified by social media influencers promoting and showcasing 'unboxing' of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Supply and demand means that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find. 'Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market, often being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and from shops on the high street that have no regard for the safety of their customers. 'These fake products bypass the rigorous safety checks and compliance requirements the law demands, meaning they could contain choking hazards, toxic materials, or faulty components that put children at serious risk. "Everyone involved in the supply chain – from manufacturers and fulfilment houses to sellers and marketplaces should have a role to play in ensuring unsafe toys never reach the hands of children.' Recommended reading: What to do if you think you have bought a fake Labubu Inspect packaging carefully – check for a UKCA or CE mark, and make sure the product lists a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Warnings and usage instructions should be present. Look for authenticity markers – genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer editions) a UV stamp on one foot. Check the product's appearance – overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth (authentic Labubus have nine) are signs of a fake. Be cautious of 'bargains' – counterfeit toys are often cheaper but may carry serious safety risks, including choking hazards and toxic materials. Buy from reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplaces listings. If members of the public are concerned or would like advice, they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (England and Wales). In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or for Northern Ireland call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. Christine Heemskerk, CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, says: "Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises.. Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place. "A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs. Small parts such as eyes could easily a serious choking hazard for small children. Beware of putting your child at risk by buying cheap unsafe fakes." Jerry Burnie, Head of Toy Safety at British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), adds: 'Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toy maker. "When shopping for branded items we would always recommend researching the toy brand and try to buy from the company directly or through a reputable retailer who you can easily return the product to. "If you are buying online, particularly through an online marketplace, then include the name of the toy company in the search and compare the listing against the toy company's own website.' The risk for shops and online sellers selling fake Labubus With the Labubu craze showing no signs of slowing, businesses and collectors alike must stay informed and protected. Laura Court-Jones, Small Business editor at Bionic, says: 'The rise in counterfeit Labubu figures doesn't just affect collectors, it's a serious risk to businesses as well. 'Stocking or selling fakes, even unintentionally, can damage customer trust and hurt your brand reputation. That's why it's crucial to source responsibly and consider insurance to help protect against damage or theft due to insured events." How to insure your Labubu amid a rise in theft cases With Labubu figures flying off shelves and becoming increasingly rare, a rise in theft has followed. Originally designed as quirky handbag accessories, they've now become so coveted that a TikTok trend jokes about people handing over their entire bag to a thief, but keeping the Labubu.
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Leader Live
Fake Labubu dolls seized after Trading Standards warning
The viral plush toys – quirky fang-toothed 'monster elf' figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collector's craze. This popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and local shops that are breaking the law. Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks. In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland. Many of these items were discovered after tip-offs from concerned parents. Counterfeit or fake Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe. Many contain small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands, and feet, which present a serious choking hazard to young children. Loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation. These fakes often breach the UK's Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, they may also contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers. Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls have a distinctive elf-like design and include authenticity features such as a holographic POP MART sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and - on newer editions - a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit versions. Kerry Nicol, External Affairs Manager at The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), says: 'These dolls are fast becoming the latest must have craze, which is being amplified by social media influencers promoting and showcasing 'unboxing' of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Supply and demand means that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find. 'Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market, often being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and from shops on the high street that have no regard for the safety of their customers. 'These fake products bypass the rigorous safety checks and compliance requirements the law demands, meaning they could contain choking hazards, toxic materials, or faulty components that put children at serious risk. "Everyone involved in the supply chain – from manufacturers and fulfilment houses to sellers and marketplaces should have a role to play in ensuring unsafe toys never reach the hands of children.' Recommended reading: If members of the public are concerned or would like advice, they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (England and Wales). In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or for Northern Ireland call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. Christine Heemskerk, CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, says: "Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises.. Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place. "A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs. Small parts such as eyes could easily a serious choking hazard for small children. Beware of putting your child at risk by buying cheap unsafe fakes." Jerry Burnie, Head of Toy Safety at British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), adds: 'Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toy maker. "When shopping for branded items we would always recommend researching the toy brand and try to buy from the company directly or through a reputable retailer who you can easily return the product to. "If you are buying online, particularly through an online marketplace, then include the name of the toy company in the search and compare the listing against the toy company's own website.' With the Labubu craze showing no signs of slowing, businesses and collectors alike must stay informed and protected. Laura Court-Jones, Small Business editor at Bionic, says: 'The rise in counterfeit Labubu figures doesn't just affect collectors, it's a serious risk to businesses as well. 'Stocking or selling fakes, even unintentionally, can damage customer trust and hurt your brand reputation. That's why it's crucial to source responsibly and consider insurance to help protect against damage or theft due to insured events." With Labubu figures flying off shelves and becoming increasingly rare, a rise in theft has followed. Originally designed as quirky handbag accessories, they've now become so coveted that a TikTok trend jokes about people handing over their entire bag to a thief, but keeping the Labubu.
The Irish Sun
26-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Popular baby toy sold at Boots for £10 is urgently recalled over ‘health risk' after mould found in boxes
A POPULAR children's toy sold in Boots has been urgently recalled over fears it could pose a health risk to youngsters. The issue affects a batch of See and Sound Giant Flashcards made by Orchard Toys and sold nationwide, including in Boots stores across the UK. 3 Orchard Toys See and Sound Flashcards — safety alert issued after mould found in boxes, posing potential health risk, says OPSS Credit: Boots 3 The product is sold for around £10 and is aimed at babies and toddlers as a fun way to learn animal names and sounds Credit: The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued the warning after confirming the batch poses a potential health risk. The product is sold for around £10 and is aimed at babies and toddlers as a fun way to learn animal names and sounds. The recall only applies to a specific batch — code SPHK/001622/132/16.01.25 — which can be found printed on the side of the packaging. No other batch numbers are affected. Read more on News Parents and carers are being urged to check their Anyone who owns the flashcards should stop using them, take a photo of the batch code, and dispose of the item safely. Those affected are entitled to a refund or digital credit voucher by contacting Orchard Toys directly. You can phone 01953 423422 or visit their Most read in The Sun Aldi urgently recalls £3.29 freezer essential over dangerous disease that affects 1 in 100 of Brits The OPSS said the risk is classed as low, but could be harmful to children or adults with weakened immune systems, lung conditions or mould allergies. "The product presents a health risk as there may be mould present in the base of the product box. "Mould may pose a health risk to individuals with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs or allergies," the recall notice warned. The flashcards come in a colourful rectangular box and feature cartoon animal characters. They are part of a popular line of educational toys aimed at young children. Orchard Toys confirmed the affected product does not meet the requirement of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, a set of rules designed to ensure childnren's toys are safe to use. The toy was manufactured int he UK and is not counterfeit. Product recalls like this are issued when items pose a risk to health, even if the danger is only present in some batches or under certain conditions. This comes just days after another recall involving toys sold online, including a remote-control car imported from China that contained unsafe chemical levels and posed a serious health risk. If you have any concerns about a product you've bough for your child, you can check the official government product recalls and alerts page. Safety experts advise parents to regularly inspect children's toys for damage, strange smells, or any signs of mould, especially if they've been stored in damp areas. Your product recall rights Chief consumer reporter James Flanders reveals all you need to know. Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods. As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action. But it's often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk. If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer's website to see if a safety notice has been issued. When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you - the customer - to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don't there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault. If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer. They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice. In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected. You should not be charged for any recall work - such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item 3 No other batch numbers are affected
Scottish Sun
26-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Popular baby toy sold at Boots for £10 is urgently recalled over ‘health risk' after mould found in boxes
Parents are being urged to bin this popular TOY TROUBLE Popular baby toy sold at Boots for £10 is urgently recalled over 'health risk' after mould found in boxes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR children's toy sold in Boots has been urgently recalled over fears it could pose a health risk to youngsters. The issue affects a batch of See and Sound Giant Flashcards made by Orchard Toys and sold nationwide, including in Boots stores across the UK. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Orchard Toys See and Sound Flashcards — safety alert issued after mould found in boxes, posing potential health risk, says OPSS Credit: Boots 3 The product is sold for around £10 and is aimed at babies and toddlers as a fun way to learn animal names and sounds Credit: The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued the warning after confirming the batch poses a potential health risk. The product is sold for around £10 and is aimed at babies and toddlers as a fun way to learn animal names and sounds. The recall only applies to a specific batch — code SPHK/001622/132/16.01.25 — which can be found printed on the side of the packaging. No other batch numbers are affected. Parents and carers are being urged to check their toy boxes immediately. Anyone who owns the flashcards should stop using them, take a photo of the batch code, and dispose of the item safely. Those affected are entitled to a refund or digital credit voucher by contacting Orchard Toys directly. You can phone 01953 423422 or visit their website here. Aldi urgently recalls £3.29 freezer essential over dangerous disease that affects 1 in 100 of Brits The OPSS said the risk is classed as low, but could be harmful to children or adults with weakened immune systems, lung conditions or mould allergies. "The product presents a health risk as there may be mould present in the base of the product box. "Mould may pose a health risk to individuals with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs or allergies," the recall notice warned. The flashcards come in a colourful rectangular box and feature cartoon animal characters. They are part of a popular line of educational toys aimed at young children. Orchard Toys confirmed the affected product does not meet the requirement of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, a set of rules designed to ensure childnren's toys are safe to use. The toy was manufactured int he UK and is not counterfeit. Product recalls like this are issued when items pose a risk to health, even if the danger is only present in some batches or under certain conditions. This comes just days after another recall involving toys sold online, including a remote-control car imported from China that contained unsafe chemical levels and posed a serious health risk. If you have any concerns about a product you've bough for your child, you can check the official government product recalls and alerts page. Safety experts advise parents to regularly inspect children's toys for damage, strange smells, or any signs of mould, especially if they've been stored in damp areas. Your product recall rights Chief consumer reporter James Flanders reveals all you need to know. Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods. As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action. But it's often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk. If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer's website to see if a safety notice has been issued. When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you - the customer - to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don't there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault. If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer. They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice. In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected. You should not be charged for any recall work - such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item
