This is definitely something that will only be of interest to some of you – so feel free to skip this one if you’ve never heard of a Labubu. For the uninitiated, a Labubu is a collectable toy that comes in a range of sizes, from bag charms to a figurines, to large soft toys. The character has two rabbit-like ears, big frowning eyes and a wide toothy grin. It’s also wildly popular, and not cheap – which is why Bromley Trading Standards have issued a warning about fakes. The latest crazes are rarely for life, but often for Christmas, so if a Labubu is on your child’s list, here’s what you need to know…
These dolls are an imitation of the popular Pop Mart collectibles, but these fake dolls have been found to pose serious safety risks, especially to children. Following basic safety checks on dolls obtained from a local retailer, Trading Standards officers discovered:
- Fur pulled out easily, posing a risk of ingestion.
- Stuffing exposed when heads were detached with minimal effort.
- Small parts (hands, feet, ring clip, eyes) detached easily – a choking hazard.
- One doll emitted a strong chemical smell.
- No manufacturer details and fake UKCA/CE markings on packaging.
How to spot a fake
Be cautious of the following signs of a fake Labubu doll:
- Poor stitching or low-quality materials.
- Packaging that looks cheap or unofficial.
- Missing or suspicious safety markings.
- No clear manufacturer or importer information.
- Prices that seem too good to be true.
- Sellers with no traceable contact details – especially online.
If you’ve bought a suspicious doll:
- Stop children from using it immediately.
- Report it to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
- If you’re really unsure about the products safety seek advice
It looks like the fakes are spreading worldwide, USA Today is also running a story about fakes called Lafufu – read what happened when they bought theirs, so if you see one, you can save yourself the trouble.
Image credit: Wikipedia.
Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA) 