Thousands of counterfeit Labubu dolls have been seized across the UK as trading standards officials warn they pose a serious choking risk to children. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said the fake toys are poorly made, with small detachable parts such as eyes, hands and feet that can come loose.
The genuine Labubu dolls, produced exclusively by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, have become a viral sensation among children and adults, with celebrity fans including Rihanna and Blackpink's Lisa. Their popularity has led to a surge in fakes sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and in local shops.
In recent weeks, more than 2,000 unsafe dolls were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside alone, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset and Scotland. Many were discovered after tip-offs from concerned parents.
Kerry Nicol, external affairs manager at CTSI, said: 'Supply and demand means that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find. Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market.'
The fakes often lack required safety markings, such as CE or UKCA marks, and may contain toxic substances like lead or banned plasticisers. Genuine Labubus have nine teeth and include authenticity features like a holographic sticker and scannable QR code. CTSI urged all parties in the supply chain to ensure unsafe toys do not reach children.
