Warning issued to UK parents over dangerous fake Labubu dolls | UK | News
Police busting fake goods gangs have revealed that around 250,000 fake and dangerous Labubu dolls were seized in 2025 before being sold to children in the UK. Different and collectible furry monster-like soft toys produced by the Chinese company Pop Mart have gained popularity recently with their pointy ears and big eyes.
But Merseyside Police said fake products could contain toxic paint, sharp edges or unsafe fillings; More than 236,000 worth £3.3 million were seized in the UK by October; 75 percent of these failed critical safety tests and accounted for nearly 90 percent of all counterfeit toys seized this year. Now that Christmas is approaching and many of us are starting to shop for gifts, police and Trading Standards are urging residents to be careful when buying toys.
New seizures of Liverpool city center this week coincide with the launch of a national campaign led by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) titled ‘Fake Toys, Real Damages’.
The IPO said the counterfeit toys could pose a choking risk to young children and could be manufactured using chemicals linked to increased cancer risks.
Liverpool City Center Neighborhood Sergeant Richard Clare said: “We understand that some people don’t mind buying fake toys, especially when they are cheaper or look similar to the real thing.
“But there are serious risks behind these counterfeit products, not only to children’s safety but also to our communities.
“Counterfeit and illicit products are rarely just about counterfeits – they are often linked to wider criminal networks that cause real harm to our communities.
“It is therefore vital that we seize these items and thoroughly investigate those responsible.
“We are committed to protecting the public and are urging everyone to think twice before purchasing counterfeit products, especially in the run-up to Christmas. What may seem like an innocuous bargain could be funding crime and putting lives at risk.”
The north-west-based force carried out a joint operation with Liverpool City Council’s Trading Standards team in the city center on Tuesday and found the fake dolls were being offered for £7.99 each.
Officers carried out inspection visits to two stores in Ranelagh St and Church St on Tuesday, October 14, and found just under 100 fake dolls being sold for £7.99.
The action forms part of Merseyside Police’s Operation Smell, which targets the sale of counterfeit perfume and other counterfeit goods.
Merseyside Police said: “Fake versions often display crooked limbs, misshapen heads or the wrong number of teeth and pose serious safety risks due to the potential presence of toxic paint, sharp edges or unsafe fillings.
“Upon examination of a similar fake Labubu doll, it was found that this product was of poor construction, with its head and feet bending and coming loose easily.
“The inner padding tore with minimal force and appeared potentially dangerous, especially for children, as it may contain unsafe materials such as toxins or sharp objects.
“As Christmas approaches and many of us start shopping for gifts, Merseyside Police and Trading Standards are urging residents to be careful when purchasing toys.
“Before you make a purchase, ask yourself: Does this store mainly sell toys? Check that the packaging is of good quality and includes essential safety markings such as the CE or UKCA symbol. Packaging should also include warnings and instructions for use.”
Police said operations like this show how the trade in counterfeit goods can be linked to wider criminal networks and other serious crimes.
Councilor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: “Fake toys can be dangerous and misleading, especially when targeted at children.
“I am pleased to see our Trading Standards team working in partnership with Merseyside Police to crack down on the sale of these products to protect shoppers and raise awareness ahead of the festive season.”
The ‘Fake Toys, Real Harm’ IPO campaign warns of serious health and safety risks posed by fake toys, especially in products aimed at young children, including toxic materials, choking hazards and unsafe construction.
These include banned chemicals linked to cancer, dangerous choking hazards and other serious risks; even in toys marketed for young children and babies. The IPO said 46 percent of those who purchased fake Labubus experienced serious security issues.
Their advice on how to avoid buying fake toys says always before buying: Stick to trusted retailers or official brand websites and be wary of third-party sellers in markets; Check the reviews carefully. Look beyond the five-star ones and read the negatives; Be wary of prices that seem “too good to be true”; fakes are often much cheaper; Make sure the toy has not been recalled by researching the brand and product name.”
Then, when you receive the toy, always: look for the UKCA or CE safety mark and the UK contact address on the packaging; Check that the packaging looks professional and includes age warnings, and inspect the toy for any loose small parts, fillers or loose batteries.
If you notice a fake or unsafe toy you should: do not give it to your child. Return it immediately; Leave a review to warn other parents; report the seller to the platform from which you purchased it; To prevent dangerous toys from reaching other families, contact Trading Standards.
Helen Barnham, the IPO’s Deputy Director of Enforcement, said: “With fake toys, what you rarely get is what you get. Packaging can hide choking hazards, toxic chemicals and faulty parts that put children in real danger.
“These products have bypassed all safety checks required by law, so we are working with our partners to keep these dangerous fake products out of UK homes.
“Our ‘Fake Toys, Real Harm’ campaign aims to raise awareness among parents and existing buyers about the hidden harms associated with fake products. The child’s safety must come first, so we appeal to parents; please do not allow your child to be the testing instrument.”
