Border officials have been making some pretty shocking discoveries lately, and parents across Britain should probably pay attention. Fake toys are flooding into the country, and there’s one particular little monster that’s causing the biggest headache.
Labubu dolls have made up a staggering 90% of all counterfeit toys seized at UK borders this year, with fake versions worth over £3.5 million intercepted by officials. That’s not just a random number – we’re talking about 236,000 fake Labubu dolls that could’ve ended up in kids’ bedrooms or attached to handbags across Britain.
But here’s what’s really scary: three-quarters of these fake toys failed vital safety tests. That means most of the knockoff Labubu dolls coming into the UK aren’t just illegal copies – they’re actually dangerous.
What’s All the Fuss About These Little Monsters?
If you haven’t heard of Labubu dolls yet, you’re probably not spending much time on social media. These quirky little creatures with their signature toothy grins have become absolutely massive this year. Labubu is a monster character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and made popular through toy company Pop Mart.
Lisa from BLACKPINK started posting photos with her Labubu dolls on Instagram. Since then, it’s been like dominoes falling. Stars like Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, David Beckham, Rihanna, and Simone Biles have all been spotted with their own Labubu dolls.
The real appeal? These dolls are sold in “blind boxes,” meaning you don’t know which design you’re getting until you open it. It’s like Christmas every time you buy one. Some people have become absolutely obsessed, collecting dozens of different versions.
Why Are the Fakes So Dangerous?
Trading Standards officers aren’t messing around with their warnings about fake Labubu dolls. Counterfeit versions have been found to contain small parts that pose choking hazards, with poor manufacturing resulting in sharp edges, loose components, and toxic materials.
Think about it – a real Labubu doll goes through proper safety testing before it hits the shelves. The fakes? They’re made as cheaply as possible with no regard for who might get hurt.
In just one month, over 2,000 fake Labubu dolls were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside alone, with further seizures happening in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland. That shows how widespread this problem has become.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since the start of 2025, more than 200,000 counterfeit Labubu dolls have already been seized before they could reach UK consumers. The Intellectual Property Office has valued this haul at nearly £3.3 million, making it clear just how big business fake Labubu dolls have become for criminals.
What makes this even more concerning is how these fakes are getting into the country. They’re not just being sold by dodgy online sellers – legitimate retailers have been caught with them too, sometimes without even realising they were selling dangerous knockoffs.
How to Spot a Fake Labubu
With Christmas coming up and Labubu dolls being such a hot gift, parents need to know what to look out for. Real Labubu dolls from Pop Mart come with proper packaging and documentation. The materials feel different too – genuine ones have a specific texture and weight that the fakes just can’t match.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Real Labubu dolls aren’t cheap, and if someone’s selling them for a fraction of the usual price, there’s likely a reason why.
What Happens Next?
Border officials and Trading Standards teams are working overtime to catch these dangerous fakes before they reach shops and homes. But with demand for Labubu dolls showing no signs of slowing down, it’s likely we’ll keep seeing more seizures in the coming months.
The message from authorities is clear: “Buy from reputable retailers and if something seems off about the quality or price, trust your instincts.”
Parents shopping for Christmas presents this year need to be extra careful. That bargain Labubu doll might end up being the most expensive purchase you never made – especially if it puts a child at risk.
The craze for these little monsters isn’t going anywhere soon. But hopefully, with better awareness about the dangers of fakes, we can make sure the only surprises people get from their Labubu dolls are the good kind.
