Home Office data reveals that counterfeit Labubu dolls accounted for 90% of the £3.5 million worth of fake toys seized at the UK border this year.
Labubu, a distinctive monster character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, gained widespread popularity through a collaboration with the toy retailer Pop Mart.
While primarily marketed as collectibles and fashion accessories for adults, with packaging often indicating suitability for those over 15, Labubu dolls have become highly sought after by children.
However, according to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), nearly three-quarters of the seized toys failed safety assessments, revealing the presence of harmful chemicals and potential choking hazards in these “dangerous fakes.”
The IPO has launched a new initiative, “Fake Toys, Real Harms,” to raise awareness about the risks associated with purchasing counterfeit toys.
The IPO’s research indicates that cost is the primary motivator for 70% of fake toy buyers, while only 27% consider safety a significant factor in their purchasing decisions.
Authentic, rare Labubu editions can command prices of hundreds of pounds on resale platforms.
The high demand for these limited-edition toys prompted Pop Mart to temporarily suspend sales at all 16 of its UK stores in May, following reports of customer altercations. The toys are now distributed through an online lottery system.
Out of the 259,000 fake toys seized by Border Force in 2023, approximately 236,000 were identified as counterfeit Labubu dolls.
The government body also found that nearly half of those who purchased fake toys reported experiencing issues.
Reported problems range from immediate breakage and unsafe labeling to noxious odors and even instances of illness among children.
Helen Barnham, Deputy Director of Enforcement at the IPO, stated, “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.”
“Child safety must come first, so we’re urging parents – please don’t let your child be the tester.”
The IPO emphasized warnings from experts that the Labubu trend is “just the tip of the iceberg.”
The agency cautioned that counterfeiters target a wide array of popular toys, urging consumers to exercise vigilance and awareness when making purchases.
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