Bromley Trading Standards is warning residents and businesses about dangerous counterfeit Labubu dolls, with advice to avoid buying/selling these fake dolls and report concerns to Trading Standards.
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.
- Seek advice if you’re unsure about the product’s safety.
If you are a business and suspect that the dolls you have in stock are unsafe, please do not sell them. Contact Trading Standards immediately at trading.standards@bromley.gov.uk.
Report and information
Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice and to report suspicious dolls that you have purchased on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website.
Report concerns to Trading Standards at trading.standards@bromley.gov.uk.
Visit the council website for a retailer and wholesaler guide to toys.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute created an article on dangerous fake Labubu dolls which is available to read on their website.
Bromley Trading Standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.