Counterfeit Labubu Dolls - Trading Standards

31st July 2025

Consumers are being warned of the potential dangers of counterfeit Labubu dolls.

The collectible dolls from the Pop Mart 'Monsters' series have become hugely popular and a 'must-have' item for many, following promotion by influencers and celebrities.

The dolls are sold in a 'blind box' format, meaning that buyers do not know which version they will receive - some of the rare versions of the dolls are valued at thousands of pounds.

The value, popularity and increasing demand for the dolls has led to a surge in potentially dangerous counterfeit versions, which have been found on sale both online and in retail outlets. Hundreds of fake dolls have been seized by Trading Standards officers across the UK in recent weeks.

The counterfeit dolls often contain loose parts, which could pose a choking hazard, as well as containing toxic chemicals and being made from substandard materials. The image above shows fake dolls seized by Aberdeenshire Council Trading Standards - the hands detached from the body of the doll after purchase, which makes them a real danger to children.

If you believe you have purchased a counterfeit Labubu doll, please report it to Trading Standards via Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or via scamwatch.scot

Tips to Identify Counterfeit Labubu Dolls
Check the packaging carefully. There should be a CE or UKCA mark and the name and address of the supplier in the UK or EU to show that the product complies with safety regulations. Most toys will have warnings and instructions to ensure their safe use.
The packaging should look genuine, with no spelling errors and the warnings and labels in the correct language.
Buy from a trusted retailer. This makes it easier to return goods if a problem develops.
Be suspicious if products are being sold at a very low price. Extremely cheap products may not meet required safety standards.
Check the appearance of the dolls: genuine dolls have exactly 9 teeth, consistent colouring and soft fur. Fakes tend to have more vibrant colours, loose seams and misshapen features.
Check the QR code: legitimate packaging includes a QR code which leads to the Pop Mart site: www.popmart.com. Codes that lead to any other website indicate that the product is fake.
Find out More
Article by Aberdeenshire Council Trading Standards: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/news/trading-standards-warn-unsafe-counterfeit-labubu-toys
Article by Fife Council Trading Standards: www.fife.gov.uk/news/2025/fife-councils-trading-standards-team-issues-warning-over-fake-and-unsafe-labubu-dolls
Article by East Ayrshire Trading Standards: newsroom.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/news/fake-labubu-dolls-and-potential-safety-hazards
Article by East Lothian Trading Standards: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/news/article/14563
BBC Article: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3nz0722qqo
Child Accident Prevention Trust: https://capt.org.uk/toy-safety/
TSS website: www.tsscot.co.uk/counterfeit-toys