Trading Standards officers have seized thousands of counterfeit Labubu dolls from shops across the UK due to serious safety concerns. The fake versions of the viral toy, popularised by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart and promoted by celebrities worldwide, pose choking hazards to children.
The counterfeit dolls, dubbed "Lafufus," often feature twisted limbs, misshapen heads, and incorrect numbers of teeth compared to genuine Labubus which have nine teeth. These poorly made imitations contain detachable parts and loose stitching that could endanger young children.
Major enforcement operations
North Tyneside Council's Trading Standards discovered more than 2,000 fake dolls from 13 retailers during a three-week operation across the borough. The counterfeit products breach the UK's Toys Safety Regulations 2011 by lacking essential CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings.
Sandra Graham, cabinet member for community safety and climate emergency at North Tyneside Council, said: "We've seen a worrying rise in counterfeit Labubu dolls being sold locally. These products, which are becoming increasingly popular due to their low price and wide availability, do not meet UK toy safety regulations and could be dangerous, particularly for young children."
Nationwide crackdown
Multiple councils have joined the enforcement effort following tip-offs from concerned parents. North Somerset Council seized more than 600 "unsafe and dangerous" fake dolls from two businesses in Weston-super-Mare, while Moray Trading Standards in Scotland confiscated over 100 counterfeit dolls from Elgin town centre shops.
Staffordshire County Council seized approximately 840 fake dolls and 200 counterfeit accessories from several vendors at a Penkridge market in August 2025. South Lanarkshire Trading Standards visited 42 premises and seized 588 dolls during their operation.
Growing safety concerns
Kerry Nicol, external affairs manager at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, explained that the dolls' popularity makes genuine versions almost impossible to find. "These dolls are fast becoming the latest must-have craze, which is being amplified by social media influencers promoting and showcasing 'unboxing' of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram," Nicol said.
The counterfeit toys may contain toxic substances including lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers. Parents expect toys to be safe but dangerous counterfeits are appearing through third-party sellers on online marketplaces and high street shops.
Identifying genuine products
Authentic Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a distinctive elf-like design with specific verification elements including a holographic Pop Mart sticker and scannable QR code linking to the official website. Newer editions also include a subtle UV stamp on one foot.
Jerry Burnie, head of toy safety at the British Toy and Hobby Association, said: "Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toymaker. When shopping for branded items we would always recommend researching the toy brand and try to buy from the company directly or through a reputable retailer."
Market impact and fraud warnings
The dolls' immense popularity has led consumers to spend up to £1,000 on resale sites, prompting Pop Mart to pause all UK sales after reports of customers fighting and queuing overnight outside shops. The toys are sold in blind boxes containing random figures, adding to their appeal and collectible value.
Collector Ashley Bushey warned of sophisticated fraud tactics where authentic boxes are opened from the bottom and genuine toys replaced with fakes. "People are scanning these QR codes and seeing if they're real, but then the toy inside is fake," Bushey said.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
