Parents are receiving urgent warnings regarding a concerning increase in “dangerous” fake Labubu dolls, which have been found to be “poorly assembled” and pose significant safety risks to children. Sutton Council, a South London authority, highlighted these dangers after its Trading Standards team seized over 230 suspected counterfeit dolls, also known as Lafufus, in just one month during the summer of 2025.

These highly sought-after dolls, originally produced by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, have surged in global popularity. However, due to this demand, British parents are finding it increasingly challenging to purchase genuine versions, with the dolls frequently selling out. While authentic Labubu dolls can range from £10 to £40, with rare editions fetching up to £172,000, the proliferation of fakes introduces serious hazards.

The primary concerns raised by Sutton Council include choking risks. The poorly assembled fake dolls often feature small parts like hands, feet, and eyes that can easily detach. Additionally, poor stitching and stuffing can also present a choking hazard. Furthermore, these counterfeit toys are often made from unverified materials that have not undergone testing to meet UK safety standards, raising fears they may contain harmful chemicals.

Sutton Council emphasized that many fake dolls carry falsified markings on their packaging, designed to mislead consumers into believing they are safe. These counterfeits frequently originate from unverified and untraceable sources. This issue is not isolated to Sutton, as hundreds of other fake Labubu dolls have been reported and seized across the country, including over 600 fakes previously impounded from two firms in Weston-super-Mare.

To mitigate these risks, Sutton Council’s Trading Standards team advises parents to exercise extreme caution. They recommend purchasing dolls only from reputable retailers and avoiding unlicensed street sellers or unverified online sources. Crucially, consumers should check for official branding, as genuine Labubu dolls are identifiable by a holograph sticker and a scannable QR code. If a dangerous toy is suspected, parents are urged to stop children from playing with it immediately and report it to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service at 0800 144 8848.

Businesses are also reminded of their responsibilities: to conduct due diligence, only purchase stock from legitimate suppliers, and maintain full invoices and traceability records. Selling counterfeit or unsafe toys is a criminal offense, and businesses are explicitly warned never to buy from unknown sellers.