Urgent fake Labubu warning as THOUSANDS of dodgy dolls seized after flooding UK market

Scottish Sun

3 days ago

Trading Standards say it's now 'almost impossible' to find a legitimate Labubu on the market
NO KIDDING Urgent fake Labubu warning as THOUSANDS of dodgy dolls seized after flooding UK market
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THEY are the must‑have mini-monster gripping the nation — but warning bells are ringing over fake Labubu dolls.
Thousands of bargain-bin lookalikes have been seized by UK Border Force over safety concerns in recent weeks.
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In just one month, more than 2,000 fake dolls were confiscated
Credit: Bolton Council
Dubbed 'Lafufus', these gleaming-eyed and fang-toothed knock-offs are often stuffed with cheap, dangerously shoddy materials that could ignite, break apart or even harm kids.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) warned that the fakes lack basic safety checks: no CE or UKCA marks, and parts like eyes or tiny limbs can detach and turn into choking hazards.
In just one month, more than 2,000 fake dolls were confiscated from 13 stores in North Tyneside.
In Scotland, North Ayrshire Trading Standards has seized over 370 dodgy dolls, while other councils in Wales and beyond are also pulling dangerous stock from shelves.
The CTSI has warned that finding a legitimate Labubu doll is now "almost impossible".
Kerry Nicol, external affairs manager at CTSI, said: "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.
"Supply and demand mean that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find."
"Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market, often being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and from shops on the high street that have no regard for the safety of their customers.
"These fake products bypass the rigorous safety checks and compliance requirements the law demands, meaning they could contain choking hazards, toxic materials, or faulty components that put children at serious risk.
"Everyone involved in the supply chain - from manufacturers and fulfilment houses to sellers and marketplaces - should have a role to play in ensuring unsafe toys never reach the hands of children."
Another CTSI officer warned that the chemicals in the plastic could cause lifelong damage.
Christine Heemskerk, Lead Officer for Product Safety said: "A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs."
The rise in popularity is largely due to the spotlight being shone on them by the likes of Rihanna, David Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Gemma Collins and Olivia Attwood - who all have their own fluffy accessory.
A single doll can cost anywhere from £13.50 to £211 depending on the rarity of the design.
The "monster elves" are sold in blind boxes, meaning consumers can't see their new doll until it is unwrapped.
This clever marketing tactic designed to build suspense has been deliberately exploited by counterfeiters who are packing the boxes with cheap dupes.
The fake dolls are known as Lafufus and they are flooding the global market - selling for as little as £2.99.
Helen Barnham, Deputy Director of Enforcement at the Intellectual Property Office, previously told The Sun: "We're seeing criminals increasingly exploit viral toy trends, with counterfeit versions of popular products appearing within days of them going viral.
How to tell a fake Labubu doll
Signs to look out for according to The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) 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.
"These counterfeit toys are unlikely to have undergone the rigorous safety testing required for genuine products and can pose serious safety risks.
"Children's safety must always come first, and we encourage parents to always research products thoroughly and only purchase from trusted sources."
Counterfeit products are the second biggest source of criminal income worldwide behind illegal drugs.
And most counterfeit products are being imported into the UK from China, Türkiye, and Hong Kong.
Labubus were created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and are sold exclusively by Chinese retailed Pop Mart.
China has hailed the product, with its state-run paper People's Daily claiming: "Labubu's rise fuses China's strong manufacturing base with creative innovation, tapping into the emotional needs of global consumers."
And in a country known for manufacturing cheap products exported worldwide, China says Labubus represent a shift from "Made in China" to "Created in China".
The Sun has contacted Pop Mart for comment.