Nearly 100 fake Labubu dolls have been seized from a shop in Dudley, prompting a warning from the local council about the potential dangers to children. The counterfeit toys, which imitate the popular collectibles from artist Kasing Lung's 'The Monsters' series, were found to lack essential safety markings and often contain loose parts that could pose a choking hazard.
Genuine Labubu dolls, produced by Pop Mart, feature distinctive characteristics such as nine teeth, but counterfeit versions frequently differ in this detail. Dudley Council's Trading Standards team noted that the seized dolls showed visible defects, including poor stitching and fragile limbs that easily detach, and failed to provide UK-based supplier details.
Councillor Phil Atkins, cabinet member for trading standards and environmental health, urged parents to remain vigilant: "The safety of our children must always come first. These copycat toys are often cheaper and might seem like a bargain, but they can be dangerous if not manufactured in accordance with stringent toy safety legislation."
Consumers are advised to check for CE or UKCA marks, UK supplier details, and clear usage instructions on packaging. They should also be wary of unusually low prices, spelling mistakes, or poor-quality labelling, and always buy from reputable sellers.
Anyone who has purchased a suspected counterfeit doll or seen fakes for sale is urged to report it to Trading Standards at tradingstandards@dudley.gov.uk. Residents outside Dudley should contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.
