Dangerous fake Labubu warning after thousands seized - how to spot one

Parents and collectors have been warned after more than 2,000 "dangerous" fake Labubu dolls were seized across the UK. The viral plush toys – quirky fang-toothed “monster elf” figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collector’s craze.

But in recent weeks, Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls. In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland.

Parents have been advised to look for genuine characteristics - such as nine teeth on 'The Monsters' series - and a holographic POP MART sticker - a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website. The dolls, produced by Pop Mart, retail from £18 but some sell for £215.

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Christine Heemskerk, Chartered Trading Standards Institute lead officer for product safety, said: "Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises. Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place.

"A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs. Small parts such as eyes could easily detach posing a serious choking hazard for small children. Beware of putting your child at risk by buying cheap unsafe fakes."

Dudley Council's Trading Standards team seized 100 of the dolls in recent weeks. Many of the fake dolls showed visible defects - including poor stitching and fragile limbs that easily detach - which could present a choking hazard, parents were warned.

Councillor Phil Atkins, the council's cabinet member responsible for trading standards and environmental health, said: “The safety of our children must always come first. We are issuing this important warning to consumers, especially parents, to remain vigilant when purchasing these highly sought-after collectables and to report any concerns to us.

“These copycat toys are often cheaper and might seem like a bargain compared to the genuine versions, but they can be dangerous if they have not been manufactured in accordance with stringent toy safety legislation. Our Trading Standards officers are constantly on the lookout for products which contravene safety legislation and will continue their diligent work to ensure counterfeit and unsafe products are removed from the borough.”

When buying any toy, consumers and businesses are urged to check for CE or UKCA marks, UK supplier details, and clear usage instructions on packaging. They should also be wary of unusually low prices, look out for spelling mistakes or poor-quality labelling and always buy from reputable sellers.

Chartered Trading Standards Institute has advised parents to inspect packaging carefully, checking for a UKCA or CE mark, and make sure the product lists a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Buyers have also been asked to 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.

Overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth (authentic Labubus have nine) are signs of a fake too, experts said. Shoppers have been warned to be cautious of “bargains” and only buy from reputable retailers, avoiding unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplaces listings.