Thursday, December 25, 2025 | Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 7:41 PM]
People are busy with Christmas shopping throughout the world. On the other hand, parents are being urged to stay alert against fake Labubu dolls. Moreover, authorities say it poses serious health and safety risks to children. Thus, the UK officials have revealed that counterfeit Labubu toys now account for 90% of all fake toys seized. Hence, it has highlighted a growing global problem that also concerns families.
Why Fake Labubu Dolls Are Dangerous
Labubu dolls, made by Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart, have gone viral on TikTok and frequently sell out due to high demand. Genuine dolls usually cost between £16 and £50, and rare editions sell for hundreds of pounds on resale platforms. However, criminals are exploiting this popularity by flooding markets with fake versions, as they are often selling it for as little as £5.
According to the UK’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and Trading Standards authorities, tests on seized counterfeit Labubu dolls revealed a horrendous amount of chemicals. Surprisingly, some of them were linked to cancer, developmental issues, and potential reproductive harm later in life. Alarmingly, these fake toys are often marketed at toddlers and infants.
This is not the end. Officials have found the following elements in these toys:
- Choking hazards, including loose eyes, buttons, and poorly stitched parts
- Sharp components that can injure children
- Products that bypass all legally required toy safety testing
Authorities have also revealed that 75 per cent of counterfeit toys fail safety tests. Hence, it makes them a serious risk inside homes.
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Massive Seizures Ahead of Christmas
Border Force officials seized nearly 240,000 fake Labubu dolls in 2025 alone. Therefore, it represents the vast majority of counterfeit toys intercepted this year. Moreover, enforcement agencies have intensified operations to stop “wagon loads” of fake toys before they reach markets and stalls, as people are consistently shopping for Christmas.
Besides Lububu dolls, fake versions of Jellycats, Pokémon figurines, Disney merchandise, and PlayStation controllers have also been seized. Hence, it has indicated a wider counterfeit problem.
Organised Crime and Consumer Impact
Experts have warned that purchasing fake toys not only endangers children, but it also fuels organised crime. According to the report of the BBC, counterfeiting is now the second-largest source of criminal income throughout the world after drug trafficking.
On top of that, funds from fake toy sales are linked to crimes ranging from benefit fraud to human trafficking. Officials stress that counterfeit goods also undermine legitimate manufacturers and sellers who invest heavily in safety standards and compliance.
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Advice for Parents in the UAE
These warnings come from the UK. Still, they are relevant for UAE families where online shopping, social media ads, and international sellers are widely used during the festive season. Below are the top advice that officials have given:
- Buy toys only from trusted, authorised retailers
- Be cautious of unfamiliar sellers and social media deals
- Avoid prices that seem too good to be true
- Check packaging, branding, and product details carefully
Helen Barnham, Deputy Director of Enforcement Policy at the IPO, warned during the interaction with the Manchester Evening News, “With counterfeit toys, what you see is rarely what you get. These dangerous goods hide choking hazards, toxic chemicals, and unsafe components. Don’t let your child be the product tester.”
Final words
Safety should come before saving this festive season. Fake labubu dolls might indeed look appealing and affordable. Still, experts warn that they carry real risks to the health and well-being of children. Therefore, you are urged to double-check before buying and ensure festive gifts are both joyful and safe.
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