Parents across the UK are being issued an urgent warning regarding a significant rise in "dangerous" counterfeit Labubu dolls, also known as Lafufus. These fake toys, which have surged in popularity globally, are not only poorly assembled but also pose severe safety risks, particularly to children, according to a recent alert from Sutton Council.

The severity of the issue was highlighted when Sutton Council's Trading Standards team seized over 230 suspected fake dolls within a single month between July and August 2025. Similar reports of hundreds of other counterfeit Labubu dolls, originally produced by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, have emerged from various parts of the country, including a previous incident where over 600 fakes were confiscated from two firms in Weston-super-Mare.

The primary concern stems from the shoddy construction of these imitation dolls. Small components such as hands, feet, and eyes are often poorly attached and can easily detach, presenting a significant choking hazard for young children. Furthermore, inadequate stitching and stuffing in the plush bodies of these elf-like figures, characterized by their vinyl faces, pointy ears, big eyes, and mischievous nine-toothed grins, also contribute to the choking risk. Beyond physical hazards, the dolls are frequently made from unverified materials that have not undergone testing to meet stringent UK safety standards, raising fears that they may contain harmful chemicals.

Consumers are often misled by falsified markings on the packaging of these fake dolls, which falsely suggest they are safe and legitimate. These counterfeit products typically originate from unverified and untraceable sources, making it difficult to ascertain their true provenance and safety compliance. The genuine Labubu dolls, which range in price from £10 to £40, with rare editions sometimes selling for fortunes up to £172,000, are highly coveted and frequently sell out, creating a demand vacuum exploited by counterfeiters.

Sutton Council's Trading Standards team has issued clear advice for residents and businesses to combat this dangerous trend. Parents are strongly advised to purchase Labubu dolls exclusively from reputable retailers and to thoroughly check for official branding, which includes a holograph sticker and a scannable QR code on genuine products. If a dangerous toy is suspected, parents should immediately stop children from playing with it and report it to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. Businesses are reminded of their due diligence responsibilities, urged to only acquire stock from legitimate suppliers, maintain full invoices, and ensure traceability records are kept, as selling counterfeit or unsafe toys is a criminal offence.