Thousands of Counterfeit Labubu Dolls Seized Over Safety Risks

Thousands of counterfeit Labubu dolls have been confiscated from shops across the UK due to serious safety concerns. The dolls, characterized by their furry monster-like appearance, gained popularity through the promotion of the legitimate Chinese toymaker, Pop Mart, and endorsements from various celebrities. These counterfeit versions, often referred to as Lafufus, exhibit significant defects, including twisted limbs and misshapen heads, with some featuring an incorrect number of teeth—real Labubus possess nine.

The inferior quality of these fake dolls poses substantial risks to children. Many are sold by third-party vendors and lack essential safety features, such as proper markings and warnings. Detachable parts and loose stitching create choking hazards, prompting parents to alert Trading Standards. These counterfeit products violate the UK’s Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 and have been reported for lacking CE or UKCA safety markings as well as importer details.

In a notable operation, Trading Standards at North Tyneside Council discovered more than 2,000 fake dolls across 13 retailers within a three-week period. Sandra Graham, cabinet member for community safety and climate emergency at North Tyneside Council, stated, “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. We urge parents to report any suspicious items to our Trading Standards team.”

Other councils have also reported similar issues. In Moray, Scotland, over 100 counterfeit Labubu dolls were seized, while North Somerset Council confiscated more than 600 unsafe dolls from two local businesses. In August 2025, Staffordshire County Council seized around 840 fake dolls and additional counterfeit accessories at a market in Penkridge after receiving a tip-off.

Councils across the UK are committed to combating the sale of counterfeit toys and ensuring public safety. In South Lanarkshire, trading standards officials visited 42 premises and seized 588 dolls. Kerry Nicol, external affairs manager at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), highlighted the growing challenge of finding authentic Labubu dolls due to their rising popularity. “These dolls are fast becoming the latest must-have craze, amplified by social media influencers promoting unboxing of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram,” Nicol explained.

Authentic Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature distinct designs, including a holographic Pop Mart sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official website, and, in newer editions, a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Counterfeit dolls are illegal and may contain harmful substances such as lead and toxic dyes. Jerry Burnie, head of toy safety at the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), expressed concern over the risks posed by counterfeit toys, stating, “Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toymaker.”

Consumers have reported spending up to £1,000 on resale sites for these dolls. The manufacturer, Pop Mart, halted all UK sales following incidents of customers fighting over the dolls and queuing overnight outside stores. Their appeal is heightened by Pop Mart’s strategy of selling toys in blind boxes, where customers receive a random plushy from the series, adding an element of surprise.

Kasing Lung, the Hong Kong-born artist behind Labubu, has had his creations caught in the crossfire of counterfeit sales. Collectors like Ashley Bushey have noted the clever tactics employed by counterfeiters. “There are people that are really sneaky. People are scanning these QR codes and seeing if they’re real, but then the toy inside is fake,” Bushey remarked, emphasizing the need for vigilance among consumers.

As counterfeit Labubu dolls continue to flood the market, authorities urge parents and guardians to remain cautious and ensure they purchase toys from reputable sources to protect their children from potential harm.