Trading Standards teams across the UK have seized thousands of dangerous counterfeit Labubu dolls as parents are warned about serious safety risks. In just one month, more than 2,000 fake versions of the viral collectible toys were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside alone.
The quirky fang-toothed "monster elf" figures have become a global collector's craze in recent months. Created by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, the dolls have spread rapidly across social media platforms like TikTok, with authentic versions retailing from £18 to £215.
Additional seizures have taken place across Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset and Scotland. The high demand has created a lucrative market for counterfeiters producing unsafe fake versions.
Serious health risks
Christine Heemskerk, Chartered Trading Standards Institute lead officer for product safety, said: "Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises. Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place. A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs. Small parts such as eyes could easily detach posing a serious choking hazard for small children. Beware of putting your child at risk by buying cheap unsafe fakes."
Dudley Council's Trading Standards team seized 100 of the fake dolls in recent weeks. Many counterfeit dolls show visible defects including poor stitching and fragile limbs that easily detach, presenting choking hazards for young children.
Celebrity-driven demand
The Daily Mail reports that celebrity endorsements from Kim Kardashian and Rihanna have helped drive the viral demand for these collectible toys. This celebrity connection has intensified the collector frenzy, making authentic versions extremely sought-after.
Parents should look for genuine characteristics including nine teeth on 'The Monsters' series and a holographic Pop Mart sticker with a scannable QR code. According to the Daily Mail, Pop Mart has also added UV stamps on newer editions specifically to combat the growing counterfeit problem.
Safety guidance
Councillor Phil Atkins, Dudley Council's cabinet member responsible for trading standards and environmental health, said: "The safety of our children must always come first. We are issuing this important warning to consumers, especially parents, to remain vigilant when purchasing these highly sought-after collectables and to report any concerns to us. These copycat toys are often cheaper and might seem like a bargain compared to the genuine versions, but they can be dangerous if they have not been manufactured in accordance with stringent toy safety legislation. Our Trading Standards officers are constantly on the lookout for products which contravene safety legislation and will continue their diligent work to ensure counterfeit and unsafe products are removed from the borough."
When purchasing any toy, consumers should check for CE or UKCA marks, UK supplier details and clear usage instructions on packaging. Parents should remain wary of unusually low prices, spelling mistakes on labels and always buy from reputable sellers.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Daily Mail", "Manchester Evening News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
