Urgent warning for parents buying trendy toys after thousands of fakes found laced with killer chemical

AN urgent warning has been issued to parents who are looking to buy trendy Labubu dolls for their kids.

Demand for the viral toys has surged beyond belief, with many families struggling to get their hands on one.

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A growing market for fake Labubus has sprung up to fill this void, with many parents opting for this cheaper option.

But while the cost might be lower, these counterfeits are not a risk-free choice.

A major health warning has been issued related to banned chemicals found in fake toys seized by officials.

A staggering 259,000 counterfeit toys have been seized at the UK border so far this year, worth more than £3.5 million.

Of the units hauled away, around 90 per cent were fake Labubus, the Intellectual Property Office has said.

But these fakes are far more than just a cheap knockoff – they come with potentially serious health impacts too.

A total of 75 per cent of the seized toys failed safety tests, according to officials.

This included banned chemicals and choking hazards being found in the cute plushies.

Cost concerns rising

As well as this, 46 per cent of who bought them reported serious safety issues.

The Intellectual Property Office found that some of these fake toys had banned chemicals linked to cancer.

This was even the case in some toy marketed at toddlers and babies.

An overwhelming 92 per cent of toy buyers in the UK are aware that counterfeit products can be found on the market.

But their chief concern will be cost when choosing whether to get one, according to IPO data.

In response to this growing trend, the agency is launching its “Fake Toys, Real Harm” campaign.

This will be carried out in collaboration with toy retailers, local authorities and social media influencers.

Campaign launched

Deputy Director of Enforcement Helen Barnham said: “With counterfeit toys, what you see is rarely what you get.

“Behind the packaging can be hidden choking hazards, toxic chemicals and faulty parts that put children in real danger.

“These products have bypassed every safety check the law requires, which is why we’re working with our partners to keep these dangerous fakes out of UK homes.

“Our ‘Fake Toys, Real Harm’ campaign aims to raise awareness among parents and present buyers of the hidden harms associated with counterfeits.

“Child safety must come first, so we’re urging parents – please don’t let your child be the tester.”

Not the first time

Reports of fake Labubus – also known as Lafufus – has been widespread in recent weeks.

In south London, one council revealed that they’d seized more than 230 suspected fake dolls in just one month.

Sutton Council said in a statement: “Sutton Council’s Trading Standards team is alerting residents to a rise in dangerous, counterfeit Labubu dolls.

“Fuelled by the brand’s online popularity, these fake toys pose serious safety risks, particularly for children.

“Between July and August 2025, Trading Standards officers from Kingston and Sutton seized over 230 suspected counterfeit dolls.”

The council also warned that fake Labubus posed a choking risk to children.

This is because the poorly assembled dolls have small parts like hands, feet and eyes that can easily be removed.