Warning for Reading Christmas Shoppers as Fake ‘Labubu’ Dolls Found For Sale

CHRISTMAS shoppers in Reading are being warned about the sale of fake ‘Labubu’ dolls after the removal of nearly 100 from town centre shops following visits by Council Trading Standards officers. 

The viral plush toys – quirky, fang-toothed “monster elf” figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collectors’ craze and are a particularly popular ‘must have’ toy for Christmas stockings this year. 

POP MART pulled Labubu toys from the UK market in May 2025, over safety concerns. However, their popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, which are otherwise known as ‘Lafufus’ - with many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and local shops that are breaking the law. 

In October 2025, Reading Trading Standards visited 12 retailers in the town centre. All were found to be selling Labubu dolls in some form, but could not provide invoices for their stock to verify they were genuine. 

A total of 103 toys were inspected by officers, using official POP MART guidance. 93 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. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on bogus versions. 

The genuine concern is that the fake dolls often breach the UK’s Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, it is unknown if their materials may contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers. 

Cease and Desist letters were hand delivered to the 10 retailers found to be selling the counterfeit toys, and follow-up enforcement visits a week later found all had successfully removed the toys from sale.  

Cllr Karen Rowland, lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said:  

“It’s worrying that these harmful toys could have gotten into the hands of children this Christmas.

"I’d like to thank our Trading Standards officers for their proactive approach in working with our local retailers to ensure there is no harm to our children as a result of these bogus goods.

"We would strongly urge any parent looking for a bargain this festive period not to “toy” with any child’s safety this Christmas. These impish creatures can be extremely dangerous for young children.” 

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Reading Trading Standards is warning shoppers about the dangers of cheap, unsafe toys still flooding the UK marketplace. 

Before buying, consumers should check: 

• Safety marks – CE or UKCA visible 

• Seller details – UK-based with a name and address 

• Platform – Are you buying direct or via a third-party seller? 

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) also advise carrying out safety checks on toys: 

• Read all warnings and instructions 

• Avoid toys with small parts or strangulation hazards 

• Ensure toys are age-appropriate 

• Check that button batteries are secure behind a screwed-down flap 
• Look for product recalls at https://productrecallcampaign.gov.uk 

Cllr Karen Rowland added: 

“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.

"Even though they appear to be sold by popular and reputable retailers, always do your research.” 

“At best, you may be disappointed with the quality – at worst, they could be dangerous to you and your family. It really isn’t worth the risk.” 

For consumer advice or to report unsafe products, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. 

ENDS