Parents across the UK are being issued a severe warning regarding a dangerous rise in counterfeit Labubu dolls, also known as Lafufus, which have been found to pose serious safety risks to children. These fake toys, which have surged in online popularity, are often poorly assembled, leading to potential choking hazards, and may contain harmful chemicals due to the use of unverified materials.

Sutton Council's Trading Standards team highlighted the severity of the issue, revealing that they seized over 230 suspected fake Labubu dolls in just one month during the summer. This was part of a broader effort where Trading Standards officers from Kingston and Sutton collectively seized more than 230 counterfeit dolls between July and August 2025. Reports of hundreds of other fake Labubu dolls, produced by the Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, have also emerged from various locations across the country, building on previous incidents where over 600 fakes were seized from two firms in Weston-super-Mare.

The dangers associated with these counterfeit dolls are multifaceted. Sutton Council specifically warned that the poorly assembled nature of the fake Labubus means small parts, such as hands, feet, and eyes, can easily detach, presenting a significant choking risk to young children. Additionally, poor stitching and inadequate stuffing within the dolls further contribute to choking hazards. The council also raised concerns that because these toys are made from unverified materials, they have not been tested to UK safety standards and may contain harmful chemicals, further endangering children.

Genuine Labubu dolls, characterized by their elf-like appearance with vinyl faces, plush bodies, pointy ears, big eyes, and a mischievous nine-toothed grin, are part of 'The Monsters' toy series. These highly coveted collectibles typically retail between £10 and £40, with rare editions fetching substantial amounts, sometimes as high as £172,000. Their immense popularity has made it increasingly difficult for British parents to purchase authentic versions, as they frequently sell out in stores, creating a market for dangerous counterfeits.

In response to these risks, Sutton Council has issued crucial advice for both residents and businesses. Parents are strongly advised to only purchase dolls from reputable retailers and to meticulously check for official branding, which includes a holograph sticker and a scannable QR code on genuine Labubu dolls. Consumers should avoid buying from unlicensed street sellers or unverified online sources. If a dangerous toy is suspected, parents are urged to immediately prevent 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 emphasized the importance of due diligence, advising them to only purchase stock from legitimate suppliers and to maintain full invoices and traceability records. It was stressed that buying from unknown sellers is highly risky, and selling counterfeit or unsafe toys is a criminal offence, carrying serious legal consequences.