Beware of the Labubu Craze: The Hidden Dangers of Counterfeit Toys
Labubu dolls have become a massive trend in the toy market, and astonishingly, they represented a staggering 90% of the fake toys intercepted at the UK border this year, amounting to £3.5 million in total value. Created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong artist, Labubu quickly gained popularity via a collaboration with Pop Mart, initially marketed as collectibles targeted towards adults. Yet, that didn’t stop children from gravitating towards them, leading to significant concerns regarding safety and the alarming surge in counterfeit versions.
According to data from the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), a troubling three out of four seized toys failed safety tests, often containing harmful chemicals and posing choking hazards. In response, the IPO launched a campaign called Fake Toys, Real Harms to raise awareness about the perils of purchasing counterfeit toys, which are often sought after for their low prices rather than their safety features. Remarkably, 70% of consumers who buy fake toys are primarily motivated by cost, while only a mere 27% consider the product’s safety.
The demand for authentic Labubus has soared so dramatically that Pop Mart recently halted retail sales in its UK stores after reports of customers fighting over the limited edition figures. Now, these toys are available only through an online lottery system. In the staggering statistic, of 259,000 fake toys seized by the IPO in 2025, 236,000 were counterfeit Labubus.
The consequences of purchasing these fakes can be severe, with nearly half of counterfeit buyers reporting issues from immediate breakages to toxic smells and reports of children’s illness due to these unsafe products. Helen Burnham, the IPO’s deputy director of enforcement, has emphasized the need for vigilance against these dangerous fakes that evade necessary safety checks. The IPO warns that the Labubu trend is likely just the tip of the iceberg, with counterfeiters targeting various popular toys.
To ensure you’re purchasing a legitimate Labubu, look for specific signs:
Purchase from Pop Mart: The official retailer.
Packaging: Authentic boxes feature a matte finish, muted colors, and a holographic Pop Mart sticker with a QR code.
Teeth: Genuine Labubus have nine triangular teeth, resembling fangs.
Quality: Higher quality fur, airbrushed cheeks, glossy eyes, and movable limbs that aren’t wobbly indicate authenticity.
Foot Detail: Newer models include a UV-detectable seal visible under UV light, displaying the silhouette of the specific Labubu model.
With the IPO urging parents to prioritize child safety, they cautioned against the risks of allowing children to act as testers for these counterfeit items.