Trading Standards officers in East Lothian have seized a number of fake Labubu dolls from various different premises across the county.

The fake dolls can be a safety risk as they are poorly made and small parts such as the hands or feet can easily break off and become a choking hazard.  

Alexandra Connell, East Lothian Council’s Trading & Licensing Standards Manager, said: “The easiest way for consumers to tell a genuine from a fake product is to remember that the genuine product is designed as a collectible item yet the toys we are finding are usually made from poor quality materials and are not made to last. Many of the items seized have poor quality visible stitching and the dolls’ hands or feet break off fairly easily. Also, the genuine doll has nine teeth. Some fake dolls do have nine teeth, however others have been found with differing numbers.”

Anyone who has bought a doll and thinks it is fake or who comes across these dolls for sale and believes they are fake should report it to Advice Direct Scotland online or by calling 0808 1646000. 

Labubu is part of ‘The Monsters’ series by artist Kasing Lung, produced by Chinese toy company Pop Mart. It is an elf-like character with pointy ears, big eyes and a toothy grin. They have become a viral fashion accessory and collectible item.

Published: Friday, 11th July 2025