Warning after counterfeit Labubu dolls seized across Shropshire

Shropshire Council ‘s trading standards service is urging residents to be vigilant following the seizure of a large quantity of counterfeit Labubu dolls across the county. These fake versions of the popular collectible toys — often sold online and at markets — pose serious safety risks, particularly to young children.

Labubu dolls – part of the “The Monsters” series by Pop Mart – have become a global phenomenon, with demand surging among collectors and celebrities alike. However, this popularity has led to a flood of counterfeit products entering the UK market, many of which fail to meet basic safety standards.

Counterfeit Labubu dolls have been found to contain small parts that pose a choking hazard. In some cases, poor manufacturing has resulted in sharp edges, loose components, and toxic materials making them dangerous.

Trading standards officers have already conducted enforcement operations across Shropshire, seizing nearly 300 unsafe counterfeit Labubu products from local retailers. These products were found to breach intellectual property laws and fail safety testing.

A fake Labubu doll surrended to trading standards. Images show (1) the doll as it appears straight out of the box; (2) how easily one of the eyes can be dislodged simply by squeezing the head; (3) the foot, which contains a removable plastic moulding shaped like a Labubu figure. Both the eye and the foot mould present serious choking hazards. Additionally, the labelling on the box and product is not compliant with UK safety regulations and contradictory. See individual photos here.

Shropshire Council is also calling on local businesses to exercise caution when sourcing Labubu products.

Retailers should:

• Buy only from authorised distributors or directly from Pop Mart’s official channels.
• Check for anti-counterfeit codes on packaging and verify them using Pop Mart’s online tools.
• Inspect product quality — genuine Labubu dolls have clear trademarks, high-quality stitching, and consistent colouring.
• Avoid bulk purchases from unknown suppliers, especially those offering unusually low prices or unbranded packaging.
• Consult Trading Standards if unsure about the legitimacy of a product before putting it on sale.

Selling counterfeit goods not only risks consumer safety but may also result in enforcement action, fines, and reputational damage.

Councillor Bernie Bentick, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and public protection, said:

“These counterfeit toys are not just illegal, they’re potentially dangerous. We’re proud of the swift action taken by our Trading Standards team to remove unsafe products from sale in Shropshire. I urge residents to be cautious and to report any suspicious items they come across to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, on 0808 223 1133.”

Pop Mart has issued guidance to help consumers identify genuine Labubu products:

•  Packaging integrity: Genuine dolls come in sealed blind boxes with intact packaging. If the box and bag are separated, it’s likely a fake.
• Trademark markings: Authentic Labubu dolls have a trademark embossed on the sole of the foot. Absence of this mark is a red flag.
• Stitching and finish: Counterfeits often have heavy stitching marks on the forehead and poor-quality materials.
• Anti-counterfeit codes: Genuine packaging includes a scannable code that links to Pop Mart’s verification site. If the code fails or redirects elsewhere, the product is likely fake.

Shropshire Council encourages anyone who suspects that counterfeit Labubu dolls — or other unsafe or non-compliant products — are being sold locally to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. Reports can be made anonymously and will be handled in accordance with the council’s information governance policies.

Shropshire-based businesses seeking guidance on how to avoid purchasing or selling counterfeit goods should consult the free resources available on Business Companion. For further tailored advice, traders can contact Shropshire Trading Standards directly on 0345 678 9000.