Counterfeit Labubu dolls flood UK markets; safety warnings rise

A wave of counterfeit Labubu dolls has flooded markets in the UK and beyond, prompting authorities to warn that the fakes are poorly made and often unsafe for children. In one month alone, more than 2,000 fake dolls were confiscated from multiple retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures reported in other regions. Officials say legitimate Labubu dolls, produced by Pop Mart, have become nearly impossible to find, a situation driven by social media hype and a global demand that counterfeiters are exploiting to push dangerous goods into circulation.

The Labubu craze began with the work of Pop Mart, a Chinese toy distributor that acquired the rights to the IP in 2019. The plush figures, notable for their toothy grins and elf-like appearance, surged in popularity this year after celebrities and online influencers showcased unboxing videos and wore or attached the toys to bags and outfits. The surge in demand has created a thriving, illegal counterfeit trade, with fakes sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and in local shops that fail to comply with safety standards. Authorities report seizures of thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubus in recent weeks as they...