Kensington and Chelsea Council Takes Action Against Counterfeit Labubu Dolls

Kensington and Chelsea Council Cracks Down on Fake Labubu Dolls

This month, trading standards officers in Kensington and Chelsea have seized over 100 counterfeit Labubu dolls during two raids in the west London borough. The popularity of these soft toys, produced by the China-based retailer Pop Mart, has skyrocketed, making them the must-have gift for this year's Christmas season.

Known for their elusive 'blind-box' packaging, which keeps buyers guessing the character inside, Labubu dolls have captured the hearts of many, including celebrities like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. However, with great popularity comes great counterfeiting; reports indicate that 130 fake Labubus were confiscated in Earl's Court alone.

During the raids, officers targeted local shops, including supermarkets and souvenir stores, where these fakes were sold without proper warnings or instructions. The dolls were poorly made and posed a choking hazard due to small detachable parts like eyes and feet. Business owners caught selling these counterfeit toys will receive formal warnings, with the possibility of prosecution if they continue their dodgy dealings.

The Council's trading standards team is determined to keep the streets of Kensington and Chelsea safe from unsafe and counterfeit goods. Councillor Johnny Thalassites, the lead member for environment and planning, stated, "Labubu dolls are the latest collectible trend, and while we embrace originality, we do not welcome fakes. Our commitment is to maintain high-quality products in our borough." As the holiday season approaches, the Council's vigilance may save many a child from a potentially hazardous gift.