Fake Labubu toys seized from shops across Renfrewshire

About 150 suspected counterfeit Labubu toys and fashion items – including dolls, plushies and phone cases – have been seized from shops in Renfrewshire.

Trading Standards officers found the items breached safety standards and posed a significant risk to children.

Formal warning letters have been issued to retailers by Renfrewshire Council over the situation, and the local authority said sellers will also be monitored in the run up to Christmas.

Labubu is a quirky monster character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, and has proved hugely popular with children.

Thousands of fake items for the brand have flooded into the UK in recent months, with statistics released earlier this year by the Home Office revealing that of 259,000 fake toys seized by Border Force in 2025, some 236,000 were counterfeit Labubus.

Demand for the limited toys became so great that Pop Mart paused sales in all its 16 UK shops in May following reports of customers fighting over them. The toys are now sold through an online lottery system.

A report for Renfrewshire Council communities and housing policy board said: “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.”

The fakes are considered dangerous because of small parts being easily removed that can be choking hazards.

Sharp parts, exposed stuffing and toxic materials can also be present.

Story by Local Democracy reporter Jack Thomson.