Parents have been warned of dangerous counterfeit collectibles which could pose a choking hazard for children. Genuine Labubus are toothy-grinned plush toys which have become a global sensation sparking queues at toy shops and sold out stock. Rogue traders are now cashing in on the popularity of the toothy elves, selling poorly-made fakes with small parts which can easily detach.
Hull City Council’s Trading Standards team has seized hundreds of the toys from a number of shops around the city, and warned many more will likely still be on sale.
The dodgy dolls can be identified by a series of features that set them apart from the real thing, including:
- Packaging: Real Labubu boxes have a matt finish and muted colours, while fakes are often glossy and overly vibrant. Look for a holographic POP MART sticker and a QR code
- Teeth: Authentic Labubus have nine triangular teeth, resembling fangs. Fakes might have more or fewer teeth and may be less defined
- Mouth and expression: The shape and size of the mouth along with the overall expression can differ between real and fake Labubus. Authentic ones have a mischievous expression
- Quality: Real Labubus generally have higher quality fur, a well-blended blush on their cheeks applied by airbrush and embedded glossy eyes. Fakes might have uneven fur, odd colours, or wobbly limbs
- Foot detail: Newer Labubu editions have a UV-detectable seal on the right foot. Under UV light, you should see a silhouette of the specific Labubu model.
Rachel Stephenson, Head of Public Protection, said: “These fakes can seem appealing. They might be cheaper or more easily available than the real thing, which can be tempting when children are desperate to get their hands on one. However, it is simply not worth the risk.
“These counterfeit toys are poorly made and haven’t been subject to the same standards and checks as the real thing. They can easily come apart, posing a serious choking hazard for small children. Our Trading Standards team would urge all parents to check products carefully, and only purchase those they’re certain are genuine”.
If you see goods you think are counterfeit, contact Citizen’s Advice in the first instance – they will then work with Hull’s Trading Standards team. Call them on 08081 566 720. For more information, visit: https://www.hull.gov.uk/legal-advice/trading-standards. The internet can be accessed for free at any of Hull’s libraries or Customer Service Centres.
