The counterfeit dolls could pose a risk of choking, suffocation and organ damage to small children
The fluffy and adorably menacing toys known as Labubu dolls have overtaken the toy world this year propelled by social media and celebrity fans. But behind their playful sharp toothed grins lies something genuinely concerning.
With the genuine Pop Mart toys regularly selling out at legitimate stockists, despite a £60 and upwards price tag, the market for counterfeit dolls has boomed, bringing with it some serious health risks. According to the Chartered Institute for Trading Standards (CTSI), fake Labubu dolls pose a serious choking hazard to young children with many containing small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands, and feet with loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation.
A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child’s organs, the CTSI says.
Unlike the real dolls, the fakes have bypassed regulations which check for things like mechanical robustness and chemical safety.
In Liverpool, the fake dolls are rife and Merseyside police recently seized hundreds across the city.
But many more are still hanging around and the ECHO was able to find four different retailers selling fake dolls within just a few streets in the city centre.
One shop openly admitted that its £10 dolls were fake highlighting that no real doll would sell so cheaply.
A statement from Merseyside Police on October 15 said: “Around 100 fake Labubu dolls were seized in Liverpool yesterday, as part of a joint operation between us and Trading Standards. These knock-off toys might seem like a bargain, but they’re not safe. Many contain toxic materials – sharp edges, or unsafe parts that could seriously harm your children.
“Some may ask why this is a priority alongside catching more serious criminals. The answer is simple: harm takes many forms. It’s not just about safety, counterfeit goods are often tied to organised crime. That “cheap” toy could be funding serious criminal activity in our communities.
“With Christmas around the corner, we’re urging everyone think before they buy. Remember to look for CE or UKCA safety marks and avoid unfamiliar sellers. If you spot fake goods being sold, report it to us”.
How to spot a fake Labubu doll
The CTSI advises consumers to:
Inspect packaging carefully – check for a UKCA or CE mark, and make sure the product lists a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Warnings and usage instructions should be present.Look for authenticity markers – genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer editions) a UV stamp on one foot.Check the product’s appearance – overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth (authentic Labubus have nine) are signs of a fake.Be cautious of “bargains” – counterfeit toys are often cheaper but may carry serious safety risks, including choking hazards and toxic materials.Buy from reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplaces listings.
The CTSI said: “If members of the public are concerned or would like advice, they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (England and Wales). In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or for Northern Ireland call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.”