UK border officials have intercepted a massive haul of more than 260,000 counterfeit toys this year, with fake versions of the viral Labubu figures accounting for a staggering 90% of the seizures. The crackdown comes as authorities ramp up efforts to prevent dangerous knock-off products from reaching children this Christmas.
Record Haul of Hazardous Fakes
In a record-breaking operation for 2025, Border Force officers have seized over 260,000 counterfeit toys. Of these, nearly 240,000 were fake Labubu dolls, the hugely popular collectible figures. The Home Office confirmed the scale of the intercepts, which targeted shipments orchestrated by organised criminal groups.
The seized items are typically destroyed to safeguard legitimate retailers and manufacturers from the illicit trade. Alongside the counterfeit Labubus, officers discovered a range of other fake products including Jellycat toys, PlayStation controllers, Disney merchandise, and Pokemon figurines.
Serious Safety Risks for Children
The drive to intercept these shipments is fuelled by severe safety concerns. Authorities report that three quarters of counterfeit toys fail mandatory safety tests. The risks posed are grave, including potential choking hazards from small parts and exposure to banned chemicals linked to cancer and other health issues.
Border Force has significantly increased searches of incoming shipments in the run-up to the festive season. Adam Chatfield, a Border Force assistant director, emphasised the serious nature of the trade. "Preventing cheap knock-off toys entering Britain isn't about stopping fun at Christmas," he stated.
"Serious organised criminals use profits from dangerous counterfeit goods to fund their evil activities – exploiting parents and families. Every product seized disrupts criminal networks threatening our border security, spares children from harm and protects legitimate British businesses."
A Coordinated Crackdown on Counterfeits
This operation is part of a wider, record-breaking year for the Border Force, which also included the seizure of £1 billion worth of cocaine earlier in 2025, alongside firearms and other weapons. To combat the influx of fake goods, Border Force has been working closely with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
This partnership uses intelligence to target high-risk shipments and provides specialised training to help officers identify counterfeit products. Helen Barnham, the IPO's deputy director of enforcement policy, issued a stark warning to shoppers.
"With counterfeit toys, what you see is rarely what you get," Barnham said. "These illegal and dangerous goods have bypassed every safety check the law requires. Behind the packaging can be hidden choking hazards, toxic chemicals and unsafe electrical wiring that put children in real danger."
She urged caution for Christmas shoppers: "This Christmas, check before you buy. Be wary of unfamiliar sellers and deals that seem too good to be true. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Don't let your child be the product tester."
