Around 150 fake Labubu toys and fashion items have been seized from shops across Renfrewshire after Trading Standards officers found they could be dangerous for children.
The haul included everything from dolls and plushies to phone cases and keyrings – all copies of the hugely popular Labubu character, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and made famous by designer toy company Pop Mart.
Officers from Renfrewshire Council said the fake goods were being sold in smaller, local shops rather than toy stores, and many failed to meet basic safety standards. Some had small detachable parts that could pose a choking risk, while others had sharp edges, flammable materials, or missing safety labels.
Formal warnings have been issued to retailers, and the council says it will be keeping a close eye on shops in the lead-up to Christmas to make sure unsafe toys don’t make it back onto shelves.
A council spokesperson said:
“While these items breach the rights of the official brand, they also pose a significant safety risk to children. We’d urge people to stick to trusted retailers and check that toys carry proper CE or UKCA safety markings before buying.”
According to Home Office figures, out of 260,000 counterfeit toys seized by Border Force across the UK in 2025, a massive 236,000 were fake Labubus.
With Christmas on the horizon, parents are being reminded to be cautious when buying popular toys online or from small local outlets.
Fake items might look convincing, but they don’t go through the same checks as genuine products – and that can put children at risk.
Renfrewshire Council’s Trading Standards team said they’ll continue working with retailers and national agencies to stop counterfeit goods reaching shoppers and to help families buy safely this festive season.
Paisley Photographs 