Fake Labubu Dolls Flood UK Market, Raising Safety Fears

Counterfeit Labubu Dolls Seized: UK Faces New Toy Safety Crisis

It began as an internet sensation—a quirky, sharp-toothed bear called Labubu, designed in China, capturing the imaginations of children and collectors across the globe. But in the shadows of its meteoric rise, a different story was unfolding at UK borders: a surge of fake Labubu dolls slipping into the market, each promising fun but hiding risks that parents could hardly imagine.

This year alone, more than £3.5 million worth of counterfeit toys have been seized by UK border officials, according to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). In raw numbers, that’s 259,000 fake toys intercepted before reaching store shelves or online buyers. And in a startling statistic, nine in ten—roughly 236,000—were fake Labubu dolls.

Why Are Fake Labubu Dolls a Serious Threat?

Labubu dolls are more than just plush toys. Their viral appeal—sparked by social media—has made them a must-have accessory for children, collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts alike. Yet, beneath the cheeky exterior and soft fabric, the counterfeit versions present a silent hazard.

Expert testing revealed a sobering truth: 75% of all seized fake toys failed essential safety checks. Among the dangers detected were banned chemicals, some with links to cancer, and dangerous choking hazards—even in products marketed for infants. These are not mere knock-offs; they are potential threats in brightly colored packaging.

Earlier this month, authorities raided two shops in West London, uncovering 100 fake Labubu dolls—dubbed ‘Lafufus’—that posed a potentially fatal risk to children. The dolls, designed to be fastened to bags, contained small detachable parts that could easily block a child’s airway. Helen Barnham, deputy director of enforcement at the IPO, put it bluntly: “With counterfeit toys, what you see is rarely what you get. Behind the packaging can be hidden choking hazards, toxic chemicals and faulty parts that put children in real danger.”

Parents Caught Between Price and Safety

The rise of fake Labubu dolls is not just a tale of crime and enforcement; it’s a reflection of consumer behavior in a challenging economy. A recent IPO survey found that while 92% of toy buyers are aware of counterfeit goods, 70% prioritize cost over safety when shopping for toys. Only 27% said that safety was a deciding factor.

This disconnect is fueling the market for dangerous products. As Labubu dolls went viral, demand soared—and so did the incentives for counterfeiters. Families, hoping to save money or simply find the sought-after toy, may unknowingly bring home a hazard.

“These products have bypassed every safety check the law requires, which is why we’re working with our partners to keep these dangerous fakes out of UK homes,” Barnham emphasized. The IPO has now launched its ‘Fake Toys, Real Harms’ campaign to educate parents and caregivers about the risks, urging them to buy only from trusted retailers and to look for UKCA or CE safety marks on packaging.

Labubu’s Journey: From Internet Fame to Counterfeit Crisis

Labubu dolls, with their mischievous grin and distinctive design, were originally created in China and quickly became a global phenomenon. Their appeal spans generations, but it’s children who are most at risk when imitations slip through the cracks.

What makes the Labubu particularly vulnerable is its status as a collector’s item. The rush to own one—fueled by viral videos and influencer posts—has created fertile ground for counterfeiters. In fact, the legitimate Labubu maker’s profits have soared nearly 400% this year, as reported by Sky News. The flip side? A parallel industry of fakes, often indistinguishable at first glance, but lacking the safety oversight that protects consumers.

How Can Families Stay Safe?

In the wake of these revelations, the IPO and safety experts recommend a few simple but vital steps:

• Buy toys only from reputable retailers, whether online or in-store.
• Check packaging for official UKCA or CE marks, which indicate that safety standards have been met.
• Be wary of unusually low prices or deals that seem too good to be true.
• Report suspicious products to local authorities or trading standards.

For parents and gift-givers, these precautions could mean the difference between joy and tragedy. As the holiday season approaches and demand for viral toys spikes, vigilance becomes even more essential.

The Bigger Picture: Counterfeits, Safety, and Social Responsibility

The Labubu doll phenomenon highlights a broader issue facing the UK and the global toy market: the relentless pressure of viral trends, cost-cutting, and the risks of a digital-first retail world. While authorities have stepped up enforcement and education, the ultimate responsibility lies with consumers to make informed choices.

Counterfeit toys may look the part, but they rarely deliver on safety. The IPO’s campaign is a timely reminder that behind every viral craze, there can lurk unseen dangers—waiting to be unwrapped.

The story of fake Labubu dolls is a microcosm of a much larger challenge: how societies balance excitement for new trends with the imperative to protect their most vulnerable. As the market adapts and enforcement tightens, the hope is that awareness will outpace risk—ensuring that the next viral toy is remembered for joy, not tragedy.