Shoppers across the UK are being urged to exercise extreme caution when purchasing popular Labubu toys this festive season, following a major seizure of dangerous counterfeits. Council officers in Reading, Berkshire, have confirmed the confiscation of over 100 suspected fake items in a targeted town centre operation.
Trading Standards Crackdown on Counterfeits
In October, Reading Borough Council's Trading Standards team conducted inspections at 12 town centre stores. Their investigation revealed that every single shop was selling Labubu dolls in some form. Alarmingly, not one retailer could produce authentic invoices to verify their stock's legitimacy.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 103 toys, with subsequent analysis confirming that 93 were definitively counterfeit. The remaining ten items raised sufficient suspicion to warrant their removal, though their sophisticated packaging made absolute verification impossible.
Following the discovery, cease and desist letters were hand-delivered to 10 retailers found to be selling the illegal goods. Enforcement officers conducted follow-up visits a week later and confirmed that all businesses had complied by removing the hazardous toys from their shelves.
The Hidden Dangers of 'Lafufu' Fakes
These counterfeit dolls, often nicknamed 'Lafufus' by collectors, present serious safety risks, particularly to young children. The fakes seized in Reading were found to have easily detachable plastic feet and eyes, creating a significant choking hazard.
Furthermore, these illicit toys frequently violate the UK's Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. They typically lack mandatory CE or UKCA safety markings, importer information, and essential safety warnings. Without proper safety inspections, authorities cannot guarantee that these toys are free from poisonous substances like lead, dangerous dyes, or prohibited plasticisers.
This incident in Reading echoes a similar warning issued just weeks earlier, when hundreds of fake Labubus were discovered on sale in Central London locations, including Oxford Street and Soho.
How to Shop Safely This Christmas
With Christmas approaching, Reading Borough Council is amplifying its message to consumers. Councillor Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, expressed her concern: "It's worrying that these harmful toys could have gotten into the hands of children this Christmas. We would strongly urge any parent looking for a bargain this festive period not to 'toy' with any child's safety."
She added: "It is understandable when money is tight, to be tempted by what may look like genuine bargain goods from sellers on the street and online, but the clear message we want to send out is to be on guard; whilst these products may be cheap, you have no guarantee they're up to standard."
The council advises shoppers to take three crucial steps: always look for legitimate safety marks, ensure the vendor is UK-based with a verifiable name and address, and purchase directly from the brand or authorised retailers wherever possible. Pop Mart, the official manufacturer, withdrew genuine Labubu figures from the UK market earlier this year due to safety concerns, which has inadvertently fueled the market for sophisticated fakes sold through third-party online marketplaces and local shops.
Consumers are reminded that while counterfeit toys might offer apparent savings, they come with potentially devastating risks. At best, you might receive a poor-quality imitation; at worst, you could be bringing a dangerous product into your home.
