Back in the summer of this year, trade-e-bility reported on the typical defects of the popular but frequently counterfeited cuddly toy monsters, officially known as "Labubu" or, as an imitation, "Lafufu". While the hype among consumers is subsiding and the counterfeits are now being offered at large discounts on the relevant markets in Europe, the cuddly toys are all the more popular among consumer protection media, testers and market surveillance authorities. trade-e-bility has recently received an increasing number of enquiries from sellers of Labubu or similar products. Here you will find important information on this topic.
What are Labubu cuddly toys and what do I need to bear in mind when selling them?
- trade-e-bility has answered this question in detail in its article Sell Labubu correctly without risking fines or recalls, where you will find detailed information on this topic.
What should I do if the market surveillance authority contacts me about the Labubus I sell?
- trade-e-bility is aware that, in the case of Labubus, the market surveillance authority primarily contacts sellers who sell via online marketplaces. This affects not only sellers on the top 10 online marketplaces, but also other addresses.
- Please note that Labubus and Lafufus are also frequently sold in brick-and-mortar shops for everyday needs, tourist shops, toy shops or in border areas, for example at "Polish markets".
- It can be assumed that market surveillance authorities are currently on the lookout for these products.
- The market surveillance authorities usually request samples, EU/EC declarations of conformity, test reports or other documents for Labubu and Lafufu.
- If you are unable to provide these or have doubts about the documents you have received from your supplier, please contact trade-e-bility at www.trade-e-bility.com – we will help you to resolve the matter as smoothly as possible in your favour.
What is the problem if the market surveillance authority contacts me about my Labubus?
- The problem for many sellers is that, due to the lack of authenticity of the products, there is often no documentation available or the products are incorrectly labelled with the importer, who in this case may not have imported them at all.
- Apart from sending samples (of the defective products) to the market surveillance authority, many sellers do not have many options.
- In this case, it definitely makes sense to contact trade-e-bility. If necessary, we can also put you in direct contact with experienced solicitors.
Why is market surveillance currently stepping up its checks on Labubu products?
- Labubu and Lafufu products are currently a major issue for consumer protection organisations and the media due to their frequent counterfeiting and glaring defects.
- Stiftung Warentest, for example, reports on the risk of suffocation posed by counterfeit Labubus.
- The Tagesschau news programme reports that China is currently taking action against counterfeit Labubus.
- The EU Safety Gate contains entries about Labubu products that contain small parts that can easily come loose (e.g. metal ring). Small children could put these in their mouths and choke on them. In addition, the plastic material of a reported toy contains excessive concentrations of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (measured values up to 0.02% and 1.64% by weight, respectively). These phthalates can be harmful to health, for example to the reproductive system.
- The products do not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive.
What measures do market surveillance authorities take in the case of counterfeit or dangerous Labubu products?
- Measures ordered by the authorities against sellers may include the seizure of goods from the shop or the destruction of the products.
Who can help me if I have problems with market surveillance?
- trade-e-bility provides fast, personal and competent assistance if you have problems with customs, lawyers or the market surveillance authority. Further information can be found at www.trade-e-bility.com.
Questions about compliant Labubu sales? The trade-e-bility consulting team is happy to assist you via +49/40/750687-300 or send us an email.
