Christmas warning after fake Labubu dolls seized

Ten retailers in Reading were found to be selling fake versions of the plush elf-like dolls

Christmas shoppers are being warned about the sale of fake Labubu dolls after the removal of almost 100 from shops in Reading.

Labubu is a quirky monster character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, and popularised through a collaboration with toy store Pop Mart.

Their popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, known as "Lafufus" - with many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and high street shops that are breaking the law.

Reading Trading Standards said cease and desist letters were delivered to the 10 retailers found to be selling the counterfeit toys.

Although they are mainly marketed as adult collectibles and fashion accessories, with some even stating they are only suitable for those over 15 on the box, they are very popular with children.

Reading Trading Standards visited 12 retailers in the town centre in October. All were found to be selling Labubu dolls in some form, but could not provide invoices for their stock to verify they were genuine.

Ninety three toys were confirmed to be fake, with 10 unable to be verified due to the "highly sophisticated packaging" that made them indistinguishable from the real thing.

Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count - authentic Labubus have nine teeth.

Trading Standards said without proper safety checks, it is unknown if their materials contained toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers.

Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services and community safety, said it was "worrying" the toys could have got into the hands of children.

"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."

Anyone buying a Labubu is urged to look for CE or UKCA safety markings on the toy.

• Seller: The official place to buy a real Labubu is the Pop Mart store and you will need to enter an online lottery to buy one. If you spot a Labubu for sale at a retailer that isn't associated with Pop Mart it may be a resale item or it could be fake.

• Packaging: Real Labubu boxes have a matt finish and muted colours. Look for a holographic Pop Mart sticker and a QR code.

• Teeth: Authentic Labubus have nine triangular teeth, resembling fangs.

• Quality: Real Labubus generally have higher quality fur, blush on their cheeks applied by airbrush and embedded glossy eyes and moveable but not 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.

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