Parents are being issued a stern warning regarding a notable increase in the circulation of "dangerous" fake Labubu dolls. These counterfeit toys are not only described as "poorly assembled" but also pose significant safety risks to children, as cautioned by a London council.

Sutton Council's Trading Standards team has been at the forefront of this alert, revealing a substantial seizure of over 230 suspected fake dolls, also referred to as Lafufus, within a single month over the summer, specifically between July and August 2025. This surge in counterfeit goods is directly linked to the brand's immense online popularity globally. The council emphasized that these badly made fake dolls present various dangers, with choking hazards being a primary concern.

The dangers stem from the dolls' poor construction; small parts such as hands, feet, and eyes can easily detach, creating choking risks for young children. Additionally, inadequate stitching and stuffing further contribute to these hazards. A crucial concern is that these counterfeit toys are often made from unverified materials that have not undergone testing to meet UK safety standards, leading to the potential presence of harmful chemicals.

Genuine Labubu dolls, produced by the Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, are highly coveted. They are characterized by their elf-like appearance, featuring vinyl faces, plush bodies, pointy ears, big eyes, and a distinctive mischievous grin revealing nine teeth. These authentic dolls typically range in price from £10 to £40, with rare editions fetching significantly higher amounts, sometimes up to £172,000. However, their high demand has made it increasingly difficult for British parents to purchase them, with genuine stock frequently selling out in stores.

Sutton Council has highlighted that fake dolls often bear falsified markings on their packaging, intentionally misleading consumers into believing they are safe and legitimate. Furthermore, these counterfeits frequently originate from unverified and untraceable sources, complicating efforts to hold manufacturers accountable.

To safeguard children, Sutton Council has issued comprehensive advice for parents and businesses. Parents are strongly advised to purchase dolls exclusively from reputable retailers and to avoid unlicensed street sellers or unverified online sources. Key indicators of genuine Labubu dolls include a holograph sticker and a scannable QR code. If a dangerous toy is suspected, parents are urged to immediately stop children from playing with it and report it to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service at 0800 144 8848.

For businesses, the council's advice is equally critical: conduct due diligence by purchasing stock only from legitimate suppliers, and maintain thorough invoices and traceability records. The council reiterated that selling counterfeit or unsafe toys is a criminal offense, warning businesses never to buy from unknown sellers.

This is not an isolated incident; previous reports indicate that over 600 fake Labubu dolls, also known as Lafufus, were seized from two firms in Weston-super-Mare, underscoring a wider issue of counterfeit toys being sold across the country.