Bexley Trading Standards has seized more than 1,000 counterfeit Labubu dolls and 128 other unsafe toys from two shops in the borough, amid growing concerns over toy safety linked to viral social media trends.
Labubu, a character from the popular Pop Mart collectible series, has surged in popularity online, leading to a flood of counterfeit versions entering the market. These fake toys pose serious safety risks, including choking hazards, untested materials and misleading packaging.
One of the seized dolls was found to be dangerously fragile - a single squeeze caused its eye to pop out, highlighting the urgent need for consumer awareness and enforcement.
Councillor Richard Diment, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
This is a stark reminder that not everything trending online is safe for children.
Our Trading Standards team is working hard to protect families in Bexley from unsafe and counterfeit goods.
We urge residents to buy only from trusted retailers and report any concerns immediately."
Why these dolls are dangerous:
- Choking hazards from small, detachable parts
- Unknown materials that may contain harmful chemicals like phthalates
- Misleading packaging with fake UKCA/CE markings
- No safety testing, breaching Toy Safety Regulations 2011
Advice for businesses:
- Conduct due diligence on suppliers
- Keep full traceability records
- Avoid buying from unknown or ‘cash-in-hand’ sellers
- Selling unsafe toys is a criminal offence
Advice for consumers:
- Buy from reputable retailers
- Check for genuine UKCA/CE markings and manufacturer details
- Look for official Pop Mart branding: holographic sticker, QR code, and exactly nine teeth
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is
If you suspect you’ve purchased an unsafe toy or know of a trader selling them, stop children from using it and report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0800 144 8848.