Experts issue warning to Brit parents over the Labubu toys & the simple trick to check you haven't bought a ‘dodgy doll'

The Irish Sun

3 days ago

IT'S one of the most sought-after buys of this year.
But now Brit parents have been issued an urgent warning over the viral Labubu toys.
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Labubus have captured the heart of the internet and have sparked a frenzy
Credit: AP
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British authorities have seized hundreds of thousands of counterfeits - which can also pose a serious health risk
Credit: rctcbc.gov
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Authorities in the UK have started issuing warnings about the dupes
Credit: Intellectual Property
Labubus are undoubtedly the toy of 2025 - with big names, such as Rihanna, David Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Gemma Collins and Olivia Attwood showing off the little monsters.
With their devilish toothy grins and wide eyes, Labubus have captured the heart of the internet and have sparked a frenzy, with mile-long queues lining up to get their hands on the toys.
A single doll can set you back anywhere from £13.50 to £211 depending on the rarity of the design.
But dodgy dealers looking to make a quick buck are using underhand tactics to profit off shoppers - and experts have warned the dodgy dolls pose a serious risk.
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The ''dangerous counterfeits'' could pose a choking hazard for children, Hull City Council's Trading Standards team told Mail Online.
Rogue traders are cashing in on their popularity by selling poor-quality versions with small parts that can easily detach.
Hundred have been seized, but it is feared there could be many more still on sale across the nation.
However, there are also easy ways to check if you have purchased a fake Labubu.
The dodgy dolls tend to have matt packaging rather than glossy and more or less than the nine gnashers the original Labubus have.
A different shape or size of the mouth can also be an indicator you've bought a dangerous counterfeit.
Dramatic moment crowds join massive queue to grab viral Labubu dolls as latest doll craze sweeps across the world
The quality of a fake Labubu will also be of poorer standard, like wobbly limbs and odd colours.
To really know if you've got the real deal, buyers of newer editions will find a UV-detectable seal on the right foot.
Under UV light, shoppers should see a silhouette of the specific Labubu model.
It's understood more than 100,000 counterfeit dolls have already been seized by UK Border Force, arriving in the country in fast parcels or via air cargo.
What are Labubu and why are they so popular?
LABUBU is a brand of plushies designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and loved by celebrities like Olivia Attwood, Dua Lipa and Rihanna.
The brand made its debut in 2015, but skyrocketed in global popularity after hitting Pop Mart shelves in 2019.
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.
After mammoth success overseas, the Labubu craze has now made its way to the UK.
The first three months of 2025 were wildly successful for the brand, with Brits searching high and low to nab one of the quirky figurines.
Since opening stores in London and Manchester over the last 12 months, Labubu dolls have become cult collectibles among grown British women.
Labubus come in an array of vibrant colours, unique shapes and various sizes, spanning from plush toys to striking vinyl figures.
They come as little toys you can hook on your handbag, as well as mega-sized figures and quirky home decorations.
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.
Councils have warned that children in Scotland and Wales have fallen ill following exposure to the dolls.
Helen Barnham, Deputy Director of Enforcement at the Intellectual Property Office, 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.
"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."