ISLE OF WIGHT TRADING STANDARDS SEIZE OVER 100 COUNTERFEIT LABUBU DOLLS

Isle of Wight Trading Standards has seized over 100 counterfeit Labubu dolls from local businesses following a targeted enforcement operation.

These fake toys, which mimic the popular collectable character from Pop Mart’s ‘The Monsters’ series, pose serious safety risks to children and violate UK toy safety regulations.

Labubu dolls have become a viral sensation, but the surge in popularity has led to a flood of dangerous imitations entering the market. Unlike genuine products, counterfeit Labubu dolls are often made from substandard materials, lack essential safety markings such as the CE or UKCA mark, and may contain small parts that present choking hazards.

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James Potter, Trading Standards & Community Safety Manager, says:

“We are urging both consumers and retailers to be vigilant.”

“These counterfeit dolls may look appealing and are often sold at a fraction of the price of genuine items, but they can be hazardous to children’s health and safety.”

“Businesses found supplying these items risk enforcement action, including seizure and possible prosecution.”

Key safety concerns include:

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• Use of toxic plastics and harmful dyes
• Poor construction with loose or breakable parts
• Absence of legally required safety labels and UK supplier information
• No QR code linking to Pop Mart’s official verification site

How to spot a fake Labubu doll:

• Packaging: Genuine dolls come in branded boxes with embossed lettering and a holographic QR code, which should link to a genuine website.
• Quality: Fakes often have misshapen features, poor stitching, and limbs that detach easily.
• Markings: Look for the CE or UKCA mark and a UK importer’s address.
• Price: Be wary of dolls priced significantly below the standard retail value. If it is considerably cheaper than normal, it is likely to be a fake.
• Check for a foot stamp: a genuine Labubu Doll has a Pop Mart logo on the right foot

Advice to Consumers and Businesses:

• Only purchase Labubu dolls from official retailers or verified sellers.
• Report suspicious products or sellers to Isle of Wight Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Helpline 0808 223 1133, this is a freephone number.

This enforcement action is part of a wider national effort to protect consumers from unsafe counterfeit goods. Isle of Wight Trading Standards will continue to monitor local businesses and take action where necessary to ensure compliance with product safety and intellectual property legislation.