Dangerous Fake Labubu Dolls Flood UK Shelves
Have you heard about the Labubu doll craze? Well, it’s not just a viral sensation anymore—it’s become a serious safety concern. Recently, the UK has seen a huge influx of fake Labubu dolls, and authorities are warning parents to be extremely cautious. These counterfeits aren’t just knockoffs; they’re potentially dangerous toys that could pose choking hazards to young children.
Labubu dolls are the creation of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and are produced by the Chinese toymaker Pop Mart. They’re small, plush toys with a distinctive bunny-like body, elf-style face, and yes, those sharp little teeth. They’ve gone viral across social media, making them highly collectible. Fans range from everyday kids to celebrities, and the demand has skyrocketed so much that genuine dolls have become almost impossible to find in stores. Pop Mart even had to temporarily halt in-store sales in the UK after chaotic crowd scenes and reported fights broke out, illustrating just how frenzied this craze has become.
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Unfortunately, the huge popularity of Labubu dolls has opened the door for counterfeiters. The UK’s Chartered Trading Standards Institute, or CTSI, has been actively seizing fake dolls that often fail safety standards. These imposters are poorly made, with small detachable parts like eyes, hands, or feet that could easily be swallowed by children. Loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation. Worse, some fakes may contain toxic materials such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticizers because they bypass the safety checks required by law.
Authorities have shared some tips for spotting genuine Labubu dolls. Real dolls feature a holographic Pop Mart sticker, a QR code linking to the official website, and a subtle UV stamp on the foot. They also have exactly nine teeth, so any doll with more or fewer is likely a fake. Counterfeits tend to have overly bright colors, sloppy stitching, and missing or poorly replicated authenticity markers.
Recently, trading standards teams have been busy confiscating thousands of these unsafe dolls across the UK. In North Tyneside alone, more than 2,000 were seized in a single month. Similar raids have taken place in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland, often after concerned parents raised alarms. Officials are urging everyone in the supply chain—from manufacturers to sellers—to ensure that unsafe toys never reach children.
In short, while Labubu dolls are adorable and highly sought-after collectibles, it’s crucial to make sure you’re buying the real thing. Parents should be vigilant, and anyone suspicious about a doll’s authenticity is encouraged to report it. The craze is real, but so are the risks if counterfeit dolls are left unchecked.
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