Camden Council seizes thousands of fake Labubu dolls – warning of potential choking hazard to children
Many counterfeit dolls have been seized this summer as the Labubu craze sweeps London
Camden Council is warning parents about the potential dangers of counterfeit Labubu dolls after Trading Standards officers seized the fake toys during raids on six Camden High Street shops today (Tuesday 9 September).
This latest action brings the total number of seized counterfeit dolls in Camden to more than 2,000 in just six weeks.
Labubu dolls – mischievous looking collectibles popular among young people – have become a global craze. But counterfeit versions are now appearing across London, attracting buyers with low prices and convincing replicas.
Toys seized by Camden Council will be sent off for testing – funded by official licensees Pop Mart – to determine what specific hazards they pose. In the meantime, Camden Council is reaching out to buyers of the dolls to check products they’ve already purchased and be aware of counterfeits in shops.
There are signs for you to be able to spot an official Labubu from a fake one:
- Missing official Pop Mart or Kasing Lung markings
- Considerably low prices
- Weak or blurry packaging – official Labubus have sturdy, well-printed boxes with embossed logos.
- Inspect seams and parts to ensure they are secure to prevent access to sharp parts
- Inspect eyes and small parts so they do not detach and cause a choking hazard
“I want to thank Camden’s Trading Standards team for their vigilance in ridding Camden’s streets of these unlicensed toys – which may present choking hazards to children. Parents deserve peace of mind that their money is being spent on toys that are safe for children to use. We know this affects high streets across London, so please do check our guidance for spotting a fake Labubu if you have one at home or looking to purchase one.”
You can report any concerns here - Contact the consumer service - Citizens Advice