Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to be supporting Trading Standards Wales ‘Spotlight’ -The importance of Trading Standards in protecting the safety of consumers.
Over the next THREE days (11th – 14th) there will be lots of information available highlighting the work that Trading Standards Officers do every day to keep residents safe. Today they are focusing on avoiding a catastrophic Christmas - Watch out there’s lots of UNSAFE toys about that may lead to a catastrophic Christmas!
Earlier this year Rhondda Cynon Taf Councl issued a warning to consumers about the number of FAKE Labubu’s that were being sold in shops across the County Borough and the UK – highlighting the dangers that buying one of these toys could cause.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards team have now safely locked up or seized hundreds of these monsters with over 646 counterfeit Labubu’s (also known as Lafufu’s) taken off the streets in RCT.
In relation to all toys the team have seized over 810 since 1st April 2024, with 769 of them from this calendar year – this shows the stark increase in the last 9 months and includes the labubu figures.
Over the summer months there were a number of reports from across Wales and the UK highlighting the increased risks and dangers these monsters posed to consumers: Small parts, such as eyes, come away easily, presenting choking hazards to small children. Arms and legs of the dolls that come away easily have been found to have been fixed on with spikes. Laboratory tests have found that examples have 5 times the permitted level of phthalate - a substance that has been linked to potential health problems.
Since reports of the dangers of these products first started to be received in May and June 2025 Trading Standards across Wales have seized 7,308 fake “Labubu” dolls and there seems no sign of these seizures slowing in the run up to Christmas.
But like any new, trendy or viral item, they will soon be replaced with the next must have item – there is always a new toy in town ready to take its place and with the festive season around the corner its important to be on your guard and ensure that what your buying is safe and genuine.
Nearly 43M adults encountered online scams in 2023, with 1 in 5 being left over £1000 out of pocket! That’s a cost nobody can afford to lose, especially with the big red man’s visit in just over 1 month!
In January this year, the Council’s Trading Standards team seized over 100 toys from a business, who had unknowingly bought them on TEMU and was re-selling them on to their customers. To help consumers across the Couty Borough we are encouraging them to think SMART this Christmas:
Safety first! – While it’s great to find a bargain, cheap electrical goods can end up costing you far more in the long run! At best, you’ll end up with a product that breaks soon after purchasing and, at worst, you increase the risk of household fires and other electrical hazards! Only buy genuine products from reputable retailers and always look for the CE/UKCA mark to ensure it has been safety tested. It’s also a good idea to keep your receipts and original packaging in case of any product recalls.
Misleading Ads- Always compare prices and shop around to ensure the deal you’re getting is a genuine! Avoid too-good-to-be-true discounts on big brand items like clothes, perfume and cosmetics as you’re likely to receive a fake product that is poor quality or filled with nasty chemicals!
Allergies – Christmas is a great time to indulge in Christmas treats but this can be tricky for people living with food allergies and intolerances. If you’re attending food and makers markets, always check allergen information with the business and check if they can cater for allergies. If they’re unsure and can’t guarantee cross-contamination, don’t risk it!
Returns & Refunds – Always check the store’s returns and refund policy before making an online purchase! Even if the company has a UK address, check the return address listed as you may find this is outside the UK! If in doubt about your rights, check out the consumer guidance on the Citizens Advice website: Consumer - Citizens Advice
Think before you click! – While browsing social media, take time to consider whether that amazing offer or competition prize is genuine! Scammers often spoof legitimate websites or brands so it’s always best to visit websites directly instead of via links on a social media.
The Council’s Trading Standards team are here to offer help and advice to keep businesses and the public safe and will always look to work with businesses to put things right before any enforcement action is taken.
Following the discovery the items will now be destroyed and recycled by the Trading Standards team.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:
“Bargain hunters need to be aware that fake, substandard toys can break and cause injuries or pose choking hazards, toxic materials can cause burns and serious harm, while illegal electrical toys can lead to fires or electrocution.
“Counterfeiters are always ready to cash in on the latest craze and will be prioritising profit over safety. As well as infringing the genuine products trademark, they are not carrying out the required testing to ensure the product is safe”.
“The products they sell are usually attractive to children or heavily discounted but can pose significant dangers. Small parts can come loose and become choking hazards and exposure to certain chemicals, which are banned in genuine toys, can be harmful”
“Enforcement is always a last resort, that is only undertaken when they believe a law has been broken that would cause harm to the public – but the message is clear if you are found selling FAKE or UNSAFE items we will take action!”
Trading Standards continues to inspect local businesses and are removing the non-compliant products from sale. This can also result in prosecution of traders who knowingly breach the law.
If businesses or the public have any concerns about Toy Safety, further information is available on Business Companion Toys | Business Companion and at the Child Accident Prevention trust Toy Safety or you can also report issues to your local trading standards service by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 123 1133 or email tradingstandards@rctcbc.gov.uk.
Posted on 11/11/2025