Wed, 24 Sep 2025

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 Labubu dolls made up 90% of fake toys seized at UK border

Of the 259,000 fake toys seized in 2025, 236,000 were counterfeit Labubus, the Home Office says.

* £3.5m worth of fake toys seized at UK border this year, with Labubu dolls making up 90% of total.
* Majority of fake Labubus failed safety tests, containing harmful chemicals or choking hazards.
* IPO launched campaign "Fake Toys, Real Harms" to raise awareness about dangers of buying counterfeit items.
* 7 in 10 people who bought fake toys motivated by cost, not safety.
* Rare editions of real Labubus can sell for hundreds of pounds on resale sites.
* Pop Mart paused sales due to reports of customers fighting over the toys and now sells through online lottery system.
* Over 236,000 fake Labubus seized in 2025, nearly half of which had problems reported by buyers.
* Issues range from toys breaking instantly to unsafe labeling, toxic smells, and child illness.
* IPO warning that counterfeiting is a growing trend, with experts saying it's "just the tip of the iceberg".
* Authorities cracking down on rogue traders in various locations, including mini-markets in Torquay and Paignton.
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