Parents are being issued a significant warning regarding a concerning increase in dangerous, counterfeit Labubu dolls, also known as Lafufus, which have been found to pose severe safety risks to children. These popular elf-like toys, produced by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, are highly coveted and typically range from £10 to £40, with rare editions fetching much higher prices. However, the surging demand has led to a proliferation of fake versions that are poorly assembled and present numerous hazards.

Sutton Council's Trading Standards team in South London recently highlighted the severity of the issue, revealing they had seized over 230 suspected fake Labubu dolls within a single month between July and August 2025. This incident is not isolated, as hundreds of other counterfeit dolls have been reported and seized across the country, including more than 600 fakes from two firms in Weston-super-Mare previously.

The primary dangers associated with these fake dolls stem from their shoddy construction. Authorities warn that small parts, such as hands, feet, and eyes, are prone to easily detaching, creating significant choking hazards for young children. Furthermore, poor stitching and inadequate stuffing can also contribute to choking risks. Beyond physical detachment, the materials used in these counterfeit products are often unverified and have not undergone testing to meet UK safety standards, raising concerns that they may contain harmful chemicals. Many fake dolls also feature falsified markings on their packaging, deceptively leading consumers to believe they are genuine and safe, often originating from untraceable sources.

To safeguard children, Sutton Council and Trading Standards officers are providing crucial advice to parents and businesses. Parents are strongly advised to purchase Labubu dolls exclusively from reputable retailers and to avoid unlicensed street sellers or unverified online sources. Genuine Labubu dolls are identifiable by specific official branding, including a holograph sticker and a scannable QR code. If a dangerous toy is suspected or purchased, children should immediately stop playing with it, and the incident should be reported to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.

For businesses, the council emphasizes the importance of due diligence. Retailers are urged to only purchase stock from legitimate suppliers and to meticulously maintain full invoices and traceability records. The warning explicitly states that selling counterfeit or unsafe toys is a criminal offense, reinforcing the legal and ethical responsibility of sellers to ensure product safety.