Labubu, a character from the viral toy craze “The Monsters” series by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, has exploded in popularity among children and collectors alike. But behind the hype, investigators say they’ve found illegal and potentially dangerous knock-offs on sale in local shops.
During recent inspections, the council’s Trading Standards team found toys being sold in Blackburn and Darwen that failed to meet UK safety standards, despite being falsely labelled with the CE and UKCA safety marks.
The key issues flagged included:
- No manufacturer or importer details — making the toys untraceable.
- Fur that pulled out easily — a choking risk for small children.
- Loose accessories like bottles on strings — also posing a choking hazard.
- Eyes that came off easily — another serious safety flaw.
Several of the fake dolls have now been seized, and businesses caught selling them have been warned.
Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Communities, said:
“Our Trading Standards team do vital work to keep our community safe by seizing dangerous products. Customers should be mindful about what they are purchasing, ensuring it’s not just a good deal.”
Parents are being advised to follow a few simple checks when buying toys:
- Always read the age recommendation.
- Check packaging for the manufacturer’s and importer’s name and address.
- Buy from trusted retailers — if the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
- Avoid bargain sites or unknown online sellers that may be selling unregulated stock.
If you’re unsure whether a toy is safe, or believe you may have bought a fake product, you can contact Citizens Advice for support and to be directed to Trading Standards.
Businesses are also being reminded to check their shelves and pull any non-compliant toys immediately.
With the popularity of Labubu showing no signs of slowing, this latest seizure is a timely reminder that not all toys on the shelves are what they seem — and it’s not just about quality, but safety too.
