An urgent safety recall has been issued for thousands of counterfeit Labubu toys just days before Christmas, with officials warning the popular fakes pose a serious risk of strangulation and choking to children.
Safety Alert Issued for Popular Fakes
The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) took action on 24th December 2025, issuing recall notices for three separate Labubu-style products. The move comes at the peak of the toy's popularity, fuelled by celebrity endorsements from figures like Rihanna, David Beckham, and Kim Kardashian.
Originally a craze from China that went global after being shared by Blackpink's Lalisa Manobal, the demand for the furry, grinning monsters has led to a flood of dangerous counterfeits entering the market.
Specific Hazards Identified
The recalled items include a Brown Plushie Labubu, where the zip pull can detach, creating small parts that present a choking hazard. A green soft-filled toy with a spinning tail pull cord has also been recalled because its keyring attachment and right foot can come loose easily.
Furthermore, a brown wrist strap toy has been pulled from sale. Its eyes can detach, posing a choking risk, and it contains an easily accessible battery pack in its head. The OPSS noted this product lacked the required age warnings and correct labelling.
All affected toys have been seized from the distributor and will be destroyed. Consumers are being told to stop using them immediately.
How to Spot a Dangerous Fake Labubu
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute has provided clear guidance to help parents identify counterfeit toys. Following these steps is crucial for ensuring child safety.
Check the packaging and markings: Genuine products should display a UKCA or CE mark and list a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Proper warnings and usage instructions must be present.
Look for official authenticity markers: Authentic Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic sticker and a scannable QR code that links to the official Pop Mart website. Newer editions also have a UV stamp on one foot.
Examine the product's appearance: Be wary of overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or an incorrect number of teeth. Authentic Labubus have nine teeth.
Be sceptical of bargains: Counterfeit toys are often sold at suspiciously low prices. These fakes may contain toxic materials or, as seen in this recall, have dangerous design flaws leading to choking hazards.
Buy from reputable retailers: Avoid unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on marketplaces. Purchasing from trusted, established shops is the safest way to ensure you are getting a genuine, safe product.
This pre-Christmas recall serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by counterfeit goods, especially those intended for young children. Parents are urged to inspect any Labubu toys received as gifts this festive season.
