The viral plush toys – quirky fang-toothed “monster elf” figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collector’s craze
Parents have been issued a warning after more than 2,000 “dangerous” counterfeit Labubu dolls were seized across the UK.
These viral plush toys, quirky fang-toothed “monster elf” figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, have become a global collector’s obsession.
However, in recent weeks, Trading Standards teams have confiscated thousands of unsafe fake Labubu dolls.
Over 2,000 were seized from 13 retailers in North Tyneside within a single month, with additional seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland.
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Parents are advised to look for genuine characteristics such as nine teeth on ‘The Monsters’ series and a holographic POP MART sticker – a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website.
The dolls, produced by Pop Mart, retail from £18 but some sell for as much as £215.
Christine Heemskerk, Chartered Trading Standards Institute lead officer for product safety, warned: “Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises.”
She added: “Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place.”
She further cautioned that “A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child’s organs.”
and “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 has also seized 100 of the dolls in recent weeks.
Numerous counterfeit dolls displayed obvious flaws – including shoddy stitching and brittle limbs that could easily break off – potentially creating a choking hazard, parents were cautioned.
Councillor Phil Atkins, the 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, shoppers and retailers are advised to verify CE or UKCA marks, UK supplier information, and clear usage guidelines on packaging.
They should also remain suspicious of exceptionally low prices, watch for spelling errors or substandard labelling and always purchase from trusted retailers.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute has recommended parents examine packaging thoroughly, looking for a UKCA or CE mark, and ensure the product identifies a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Customers have been urged to check for authenticity markers – real Pop Mart Labubu dolls come with a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code that links to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer models) a UV stamp on one foot.
Experts have pointed out that overly bright colours, shoddy stitching, or an incorrect number of teeth (genuine Labubus have nine) are also indicators of a counterfeit.
Consumers have been cautioned to be wary of “bargains” and to only purchase from trustworthy retailers, steering clear of unknown online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplace listings.