Halton Trading Standards have issued a warning to parents on the run up to Christmas after an increase in the popularity of ‘Labubu’ dolls which has seen a surge in counterfeit toys arrive in shops and online marketplaces, just in time for Christmas.
Labubus, originally designed by Hong Kong-born artist, Kasing Lung, and now marketed by Pop Mart, can be described as having round furry bodies, with large eyes, and noticeably nine sharp teeth that form a mischievous smile.
The Chartered Institute of Trading Standards recently confirmed that Trading Standards teams across the country have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls. Therefore, it follows that counterfeit dolls will start appearing in online marketplaces and retail premises across Halton.
The counterfeit Labubu dolls are poorly made and are unsafe. Many contain small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands, and feet, which present a serious choking hazard to young children. Loose stitching, and exposed stuffing, further increase the risk of suffocation.
These fakes often breach the UK’s Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, they may also contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers.
Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls have a distinctive elf-like design, and include authenticity features such as a holographic POP MART sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and on newer editions a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit versions.
Jerry Burnie, Head of Toy Safety at British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), said: “Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toy maker. When shopping for branded items we would always recommend researching the toy brand and try to buy from the company directly or through a reputable retailer who you can easily return the product to. If you are buying online, particularly through an online marketplace, then include the name of the toy company in the search and compare the listing against the toy company’s own website.”
A spokesperson for Halton Trading Standards confirmed: “We are urging parents to be wary of where they buy their Labubu dolls from and, while price is normally a good indicator of a counterfeit product, because of their popularity some counterfeit dolls are selling for the same price as the genuine products. If you have any information involving the sale of counterfeit Labubus, or other counterfeit goods then you can report it, anonymously if you wish, via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. ”
If you have any information specifically relating to the sale of illicit cigarettes or alcohol, then you can ring the Halton Trading Standards Hotline for Alcohol and Tobacco on 0151 511 8787. This is a reporting voicemail facility only and any information provided can be left anonymously, however, please provide enough information to identify those involved and if you want feedback your contact details too. Remember all other trading standards matters can be reported in the usual manner by contacting 0808 223 1133, as above.
Image: Fake Labubu doll seized by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Trading Standards Team.