Labubu Dolls Account for 90% of Fake Toys Seized at UK Border
Labubu dolls—quirky collectible monsters created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung—have become the most counterfeited toys entering the UK this year, making up 90% of the £3.5m worth of fake toys seized at the border, according to new Home Office figures.
Data from the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) shows that of the 259,000 counterfeit toys confiscated so far in 2025, 236,000 were fake Labubus. Officials warned that nearly three in four of these toys failed safety tests, with many found to contain harmful chemicals, choking hazards, or unsafe labelling.
Though marketed as collectibles for older teens and adults, Labubus are hugely popular with children. Rare editions of genuine dolls can sell for hundreds of pounds on resale sites, fueling demand—and, in turn, counterfeiting.
In May, toy retailer Pop Mart paused Labubu sales in its 16 UK stores after reports of customers fighting over limited editions. Purchases are now restricted to an online lottery system.
To raise awareness, the IPO has launched a campaign called “Fake Toys, Real Harms”, highlighting the dangers of buying counterfeits. Its research found that 70% of fake toy buyers were motivated by cost, while only 27% considered safety. Nearly half of people who admitted to buying fakes reported problems such as toys breaking instantly, toxic smells, or even illness in children.
“These products have bypassed every safety check the law requires,” said Helen Barnham, the IPO’s deputy director of enforcement. “Child safety must come first—please don’t let your child be the tester.”
Experts stress the Labubu craze is “just the tip of the iceberg,” warning that counterfeiters target a wide range of trending toys.
How to Spot a Fake Labubu
- Seller: Genuine Labubus are sold only through Pop Mart, usually via an online lottery. Other sellers could be resellers—or counterfeiters.
- Packaging: Real boxes have a matte finish, muted colours, a holographic Pop Mart sticker, and a QR code.
- Teeth: Authentic dolls feature nine triangular fang-like teeth.
- Quality: Originals use higher-quality fur, airbrushed blush, glossy embedded eyes, and stable moveable limbs.
- Foot Detail: Newer editions include a UV-detectable seal on the right foot that shows the model’s silhouette under UV light.
The IPO urges buyers to be vigilant, reminding parents that a cheap price tag could come at the expense of child safety.