Fake Labubus: Warning over “harmful toys” this Christmas after Trading Standards seize “bogus goods” haul

They are the ‘must have’ toy for many youngsters this Christmas but shoppers are being warned about “bogus” Labubus after Trading Standards seized a haul of the potentially “harmful toys” from town centre shops. A councillor has strongly urged parents looking for a bargain this festive period not to “toy” with children’s safety.

More than 100 'fakes' were seized from stores in Reading, Berkshire last month over fears they could be "harmful". Ninety-three were confirmed to be counterfeit - while the other 10 were unable to be verified due to sophisticated packaging.

Maker Pop Mart withdrew the globally popular Labubus - quirky, fang-toothed 'monster elf' figures - from across the UK market earlier this year over safety concerns. However, their popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, which are otherwise known as ‘Lafufus’ - with many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and local shops that are breaking the law.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) said its Trading Standards team visited 12 stores in the centre of the town in October. All were found to be selling Labubu dolls in some form, but could not provide invoices for their stock to verify they were genuine.

Cease and desist letters were then hand delivered to the 10 retailers found to be selling the counterfeit toys, and follow-up enforcement visits a week later found all had successfully removed the toys from sale. Lead councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety at RBC, Cllr Karen Rowland, said: “It’s worrying that these harmful toys could have gotten into the hands of children this Christmas.

"I’d like to thank our Trading Standards officers for their proactive approach in working with our local retailers to ensure there is no harm to our children as a result of these bogus goods. We would strongly urge any parent looking for a bargain this festive period not to “toy” with any child’s safety this Christmas. These impish creatures can be extremely dangerous for young children.”

The fake dolls often breach the UK’s Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, it is unknown if their materials may contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers.

As the countdown to Christmas begins, RBC is warning shoppers about the dangers of cheap, unsafe toys still flooding the UK marketplace. They urge shoppers to check for safety marks, make sure the seller is UK-based with a name and address, and to buy directly from brands where possible.

Cllr Karen Rowland added: “It is understandable when money is tight, to be tempted by what may look like genuine bargain goods from sellers on the street and online, but the clear message we want to send out is to be on guard; whilst these products may be cheap, you have no guarantee they’re up to standard.

"Even though they appear to be sold by popular and reputable retailers, always do your research. At best, you may be disappointed with the quality – at worst, they could be dangerous to you and your family. It really isn’t worth the risk.”