Parents are being issued a stern warning regarding a concerning surge in dangerous counterfeit Labubu dolls, also referred to as 'Lafufus'. These fake toys, which have seen a rise in popularity, are not only poorly assembled but also pose serious safety risks to children, according to authorities like Sutton Council in London.

The alarm was raised after Sutton Council's Trading Standards team conducted a significant seizure of over 230 suspected fake dolls in a single month between July and August 2025. Similar incidents have been reported across the country, with over 600 fakes previously seized from two firms in Weston-super-Mare, highlighting a widespread issue.

Genuine Labubu dolls, produced by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, are highly sought after and range in price from £10 to £40, with rare editions fetching up to £172,000. These elf-like figures, originating from 'The Monsters' toy series, are characterized by their vinyl faces, plush bodies, pointy ears, large eyes, and a distinctive nine-toothed mischievous grin. Their increasing popularity has made them difficult to purchase, with genuine items frequently selling out.

However, the counterfeit versions present significant hazards. Sutton Council specifically warned that the poorly assembled fake Labubus have small parts such as hands, feet, and eyes that can easily detach, creating a severe choking risk for young children. Additionally, poor stitching and stuffing contribute to these choking dangers. Compounding these physical risks, the fake toys are often made from unverified materials that have not undergone testing to meet UK safety standards, meaning they could contain harmful chemicals.

Adding to the deception, these counterfeit dolls frequently feature falsified markings on their packaging, designed to mislead consumers into believing they are safe and legitimate. They are often sourced from unverified and untraceable origins, making it difficult to ascertain their safety or quality.

To protect children, Sutton Council's Trading Standards team has provided crucial advice for residents and businesses. Parents are strongly advised to purchase dolls only from reputable retailers and to avoid unlicensed street sellers or unverified online sources. Checking for official branding is essential, as genuine Labubu dolls come with a holograph sticker and a scannable QR code. 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. For businesses, due diligence is critical: only purchase stock from legitimate suppliers, keep full invoices and traceability records, and never buy from unknown sellers, as selling counterfeit or unsafe toys is a criminal offense.