Troubling warning to parents over fake Labubu dolls in UK as thousands of toys risk ‘chemical exposure'

The Irish Sun

18-07-2025

PARENTS have been warned about fake Labubu dolls hitting the UK shore as they could pose a serious harm.
A Welsh council has issued a warning after discovering counterfeit toys in Pontypridd.
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Parents have been warned over fake Labubus sold in the UK
Credit: rctcbc.gov
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The counterfeit toys didn't pass safety tests
Credit: Facebook/Rhondda Cynon Taf Council
After mammoth success overseas, the Labubu craze has now made its way to the UK.
A single Labubu, a plushie designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, can cost anywhere from £13.50
A blind box of six from Pop Mart will set you back a whopping £105.
Meanwhile, the counterfeit Labubus were being sold for as little as £2.99 and £3.99.
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Rhondda
Cynon Taf Council
has seized more than 32 keyrings and 95 boxes of these fake dolls.
Safety risk
It was discovered that the toys lacked essential safety testing that guarantees they adhere to regulations.
Rhian Hope, Head of Public Protection and Regulatory Services at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, told
"These counterfeit toys can seem like a bargain compared with trying to source the genuine toy, especially when they are a much-sought-after item, but they are potentially dangerous.
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"Counterfeit toys can potentially pose significant dangers to young children such as chemical exposure and choking hazards.
"These products routinely lack proper safety testing and we encourage anyone concerned about the safety of toys they've purchased to get in touch with us via Consumer Advice."
I snagged one of the viral Labubu dolls in Dublin store and unboxing was a huge success
The council has warned parents that unauthorised electrical toys can result in fires or electrocution while toxic materials can cause burns and serious injury.
Bargain hunters should also be aware that phoney and cheap toys can shatter and create injuries or choking risks.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: "These counterfeiters are cashing in on the latest craze and prioritising profit over safety.
"As well as infringing the genuine product's trademark, they are not carrying out the required testing to ensure the product is safe."
How to spot a fake Labubu
Packaging:
Real Labubu's come in a box with a matte finish and smooth feel.
QR code:
Newer Labubu's have a QR code that takes you to Pop Mart's website and confirm if they're real or fake
Features:
Real Labubu's have ears that point slightly inward, nine teeth, bright and lively eyes (not closed) and pale, peachy faces.
Quality:
Real Labubu's have soft fur and seamless stitching.
Foot stamp:
Labubu's have a Pop Mart logo on their right foot
UKCA/CE Mark
: MOST IMPORTANT - there should be UKCA/CE mark on the product itself (unless too small - in which case must be supplied with the item, e.g. on box) and there needs to be a name of importer into the UK (i.e. a UK on the label).
Source:
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council
Businesses face legal action
The council's Trading Standards division has already confiscated the counterfeit goods and will destroy them.
Firms found selling the fake Labubus risk facing legal action if they don't stop immediately.
Harris continued: "Enforcement is always a last resort, that is only undertaken when we believe a law has been broken that would cause harm to the public.
"But the message is clear: if you are found selling these items, we will take action!"
Parents have been advised to buy only from trusted, verified merchants to avoid risks to health.
The Sun has reached out to Pop Mart for a comment.
Where to buy Labubu
?
Labubu dolls are sold on
Among these are London's famous Oxford Street, as well as Westfield shopping centres and Manchester's Chinatown district.
Pop Mart is a Chinese toy retailer, known for its collectible designer
models
that are often sold in a blind box format, meaning you don't know what you've got until you've opened it.