Nearly 259,000 counterfeit toys worth over £3.5 million have been intercepted at the UK border this year, with fake Labubu dolls making up 90% of the haul, according to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The dolls, produced by Pop Mart, have become a viral sensation among children and adults, but counterfeit versions pose serious safety risks.
Of the seized toys, 75% failed safety tests, containing banned chemicals or small detachable parts such as eyes, hands and feet that present a choking hazard. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute warned that these poorly made imitations are unsafe for young children.
Helen Barnham, deputy director of enforcement at the IPO, said: “With counterfeit toys, what you see is rarely what you get. Behind the packaging can be hidden choking hazards, toxic chemicals and faulty parts that put children in real danger.”
Research for the IPO found that 46% of consumers who bought counterfeit toys reported problems, including toys breaking instantly, unsafe labelling, toxic smells, and even illness in children. The IPO has launched a campaign with toy retailers and social media influencers to raise awareness.
Beth Turbutt-Rogers, a parenting influencer, said: “As a parent you just want the peace of mind that the toys you buy are safe for your children. What looks like a bargain can turn out to be something unsafe or even dangerous.”
Consumers are advised to buy from trusted retailers, check for UKCA or CE marks, and report any suspicious products to Trading Standards.
