Urgent Labubu warning as fake toys laced with horror chemicals that can kill

Parents have been warned to be extra careful when purchasing Labubus as the craze for the viral plushies continues.

With the official bag charms flying off the shelves like hotcakes, they are often impossible to get your hands on. Plus, the novelty toys are pretty pricey even if you're lucky enough to buy one.

The demand has seen a huge spike in fake Labubus - or 'Lafufus' as they are often called - hit the market, with many parents plumping for the next best thing ahead of Christmas.

However, such bargains can come at a serious cost. So far this year, an eyewatering 259,000 fake toys have been seized at the UK border, worth more than £3.5 million.

Out of the items seized before reaching, 90 per cent were counterfeit Labubu dolls, reflecting the ongoing popularity of this trend. Unfortunately, these fakes can differ from the originals in much more concerning ways than simply appearance.

Worryingly, 75 per cent of seized counterfeit toys failed safety tests with banned chemicals and choking hazards found, while 46 per cent of those buying them reported serious safety issues

READ MORE: How to spot a fake Labubu doll as urgent safety warning is issued

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) found that some counterfeit toys contained banned chemicals linked to cancer, as well as dangerous choking hazards, and other alarming risks. This was even found with toys marketed at toddlers and babies.

This same body of research discovered that, while 92 per cent of toy buyers in the UK are aware of counterfeit products, money saving currently trumps safety in this regard.

It's reported that seven in ten toy buyers prioritise cost, while 43 per cent will buy items in response to children's demands. Other significant factors that influence decision-making include quality (48 per cent) and brand recognition (46 per cent).

However, when it comes to safety, just 27 per cent of consumers cite this as an influential decision-making factor.

Safety, however, ranks far lower in consumers’ consideration: only 27 per cent of toy buyers cite this as a factor that influences their decision. With this in mind, experts are keen to highlight the very real risks of such a seemingly innocent purchase.

As IPO launches its 'Fake Toys, Real Harm’ campaign, in collaboration with toy retailers, local authorities and social media influencers, Deputy Director of Enforcement, Helen Barnham said: “With counterfeit toys, what you see is rarely what you get. Behind the packaging can be hidden choking hazards, toxic chemicals and faulty parts that put children in real danger.

"These products have bypassed every safety check the law requires, which is why we’re working with our partners to keep these dangerous fakes out of UK homes. Our ‘Fake Toys, Real Harm’ campaign aims to raise awareness among parents and present buyers of the hidden harms associated with counterfeits. Child safety must come first, so we’re urging parents – please don’t let your child be the tester.”

Parenting influencer, Budgeting Mum, stated: “As a parent, you just want the peace of mind that the toys you buy are safe for your children. What looks like a bargain can turn out to be something unsafe or even dangerous.

"With so many people buying toys online now, it can be even harder to spot the fakes. You can’t hold the toy in your hands or check the packaging properly. That’s why this campaign matters: it gives parents like me the confidence to know what to look for, so we can protect our kids.”

How to dodge buying counterfeit toys

Before buying:

• Stay with trusted retailers or official brand websites and exercise caution when it comes to third-party sellers on marketplaces.

• Read through any reviews carefully, making sure to look beyond the five-star ones and take in any negatives.

• If a price appears “too good to be true”, this may well be the case. Counterfeits are often far cheaper than the real deal.

• Search both the brand and the product name to make sure the toy hasn't been recalled.

Once the toy arrives:

• Check out the packaging for a UKCA or CE safety mark and a UK or EU contact address.

• Make sure the packaging appears professional and that it includes age warnings.

• Inspect the toy and make sure there are no loose small parts, stuffing, or unsecured batteries.

If you realise you have a Counterfeit or unsafe toy:

• Do not give this to your child, and return it immediately.

• Warn other parents by leaving a review.

• Report the seller in question to the platform you used.

• Get in touch with Trading Standards to help prevent dangerous toys from getting into other family households.

You can find out more here

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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