Key Points
- Bolton families have been urgently warned about counterfeit Labubu dolls being sold in the region, particularly in Greater Manchester.
- Bolton Council's trading standards and other UK authorities have seized fake Labubu dolls that fail to comply with safety regulations, presenting choking risks to children.
- Imitation dolls feature loose components, such as detached eyes, hands, feet, and poor stitching, all creating potential hazards.
- Counterfeit toys lack CE or UKCA markings and required safety information.
- Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls are in high demand, leading to a surge in fakes sold at cheaper prices.
- Warnings have extended beyond Bolton, with seizures and alerts issued in Blackpool, Isle of Man, Northumberland, and Blackburn.
- Parents, guardians, and the wider public are advised to be vigilant, inspect packaging, and report suspicious toys to authorities.
- Bolton Council and the Office of Fair Trading urge anyone who suspects they may have purchased fakes to contact Trading Standards.
- Experts stress the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals from untested counterfeits.
Families in Bolton and across Greater Manchester have been issued an urgent warning by local authorities following the seizure of hazardous fake Labubu dolls—viral collectibles that are exposing children to significant safety risks. The alarm comes amid a national wave of clampdowns on counterfeit toys, as councils and trading standards teams race to protect young consumers from defective and potentially dangerous imitations flooding the market.
Why Have Bolton Families Been Warned About Fake Labubu Dolls?
As reported by Yahoo News, citing statements from Bolton Council’s regulatory services overseen by Councillor Hamid Khurram, Bolton’s trading standards team uncovered and confiscated counterfeit versions of the popular Pop Mart Labubu dolls in local stores. These fake dolls, long sought after as the collectible craze continues, failed vital safety checks and were discovered with detachable parts—specifically, eyes, hands, and feet—as well as poorly stitched seams exposing choking hazards. Councillor Khurram stated that
“the consumer enthusiasm for these dolls has led to a profitable counterfeit market,”
warning that
“these products do not undergo the necessary safety evaluations, and small parts can become detached, creating a choking risk for young children.”
What Are the Dangers Associated With These Counterfeit Labubu Dolls?
BBC News coverage on counterfeits found in Blackpool and the Isle of Man highlights that the fake dolls can pose “significant safety risks,” particularly to children due to small and loose components that can become detached and put in their mouths. Jennifer Wood, Senior Trading Standards Officer of the Isle of Man, explained to BBC that “counterfeit toys are not only unlawful, but they can also be perilous,” as they often skirt safety evaluations and may even contain harmful chemicals. Blackpool’s trading standards reinforced that imitation products “bypass safety regulations, rendering them unsafe and possibly harmful.”
How Can Families Identify a Fake Labubu Doll?
Reporting for Northumberland County Council, Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, offered key tips:
“Inspect packaging carefully. Look for a CE or UKCA mark, and ensure the product lists a UK-based supplier. Warnings and usage instructions should be included.”
He further explained that some fake dolls can be spotted by the number of teeth—genuine Labubu dolls from Pop Mart feature nine teeth, whereas counterfeits may show inconsistencies. Another tell-tale sign is overly bright colouring and missing legally required markings.
What Is the Extent of the Problem Beyond Bolton?
According to the BBC and local trading standards, the wave of counterfeits has spread throughout the UK. More than 200 counterfeit Labubu dolls were confiscated from stores in Douglas, Isle of Man. Fake dolls were also detected in Blackpool, Northumberland, and Blackburn—prompting authorities in Blackburn with Darwen to issue similar warnings after seizing fraudulent toys locally. Northumberland’s teams are actively visiting stores to
“ensure that Labubu dolls suspected of being counterfeit are removed from sale.”
Why Are These Counterfeits Becoming So Prevalent?
As described by legal news outlet Marks & Clerk, the Labubu dolls’ growing viral popularity has fuelled a surge in demand, enticing unscrupulous manufacturers to flood the market with fakes.
“With any counterfeit product, crucial safety checks are usually not carried out … very often, such products are dangerous and present risks such as choking hazards and exposure to harmful chemicals. This is particularly concerning when the products are aimed at children,”
notes the Marks & Clerk team. The dolls, produced by Pop Mart and based on the character by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, retail for about £13.50 each—and much more for rare editions—whereas fakes are sold at cut prices, making it more difficult for buyers to discern a good deal from a dangerous knock-off.
What Advice Do Trading Standards and Councils Give Parents and Consumers?
A spokesperson for Bolton’s trading standards shared with Yahoo News that anyone worried about the safety of toys they have purchased should contact the council for support. Northumberland Trading Standards echoed this advice, suggesting families report any suspicions to tradingstandards@northumberland.gov.uk or, if outside the area, contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. Councillor Khurram recommended that
“those purchasing these dolls should be wary of anything that does not have proper CE or UKCA safety marking, as well as the name and address of a UK supplier.”
Jennifer Wood (BBC) urged:
“Exercise caution when purchasing toys from unknown or unverified vendors,”
while Tim Glover MHK, Chairman of the Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading, reiterated, “Safeguarding our residents, particularly children, from unsafe products is a top priority.”
What Should Shoppers Do If They Suspect Counterfeit Dolls?
Advice from trading standards is unequivocal. Inspect your toy’s markings, check for proper safety labels, and ensure the packaging has all proper instructions and supplier details. Look for a scannable QR code leading to Pop Mart’s official website to verify authenticity. If you suspect a doll is fake, cease using the product immediately, report the issue to your local authority, and do not offer it to children.
Are There Any Statements From Toy Manufacturers or Further Developments Expected?
While Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind the Labubu dolls, has not provided a direct statement to UK media within the current reporting window, legal analysts and trading standards teams are urging continued vigilance. According to the Marks & Clerk legal team, staying aware of the risks and developing anti-counterfeiting strategies are important as “counterfeit products will always follow viral trends.”
Authorities nationwide, from Blackpool to the Isle of Man, are sustaining their efforts to seize dangerous toys, conduct further shop inspections, and issue community advice as needed to combat the influx of imitations.
This warning remains in force as back-to-school shopping surges and the summer toy market peaks. Families across Greater Manchester and the UK are asked to stay vigilant, check their purchases, and contact authorities with any concerns—ensuring that their children’s beloved collectable toys do not turn into hidden hazards.