'Fake toys, real harms': Authorities warn Dacorum parents of dangerous counterfeit Labubu dolls and goods this Christmas

Frighteningly, almost 90 per cent of counterfeit products entering the UK fail safety tests according to Trading Standards, who are warning of a big influx of fake goods aimed at children, including dangerous counterfeit Labubu dolls.

An estimated 350 million pounds of sales were lost by legitimate traders due to fake imports of consumer goods such as toys in recent years.

Now the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is warning shoppers to avoid counterfeit products after thousands of unsafe goods were seized across the UK this time last year.

With a Trading Standards report from last Christmas warning that almost 90 per cent of counterfeit consumer goods entering the UK had failed safety tests, the RoSPA say it’s vital to choose decorations and gifts carefully.

To highlight the issue, RoSPA is working with the Intellectual Property Office to support the Fake Toys, Real Harms campaign which showcases examples of items that could be mistaken for genuine, safety tested toys – including Labubu dolls.

Defective and potentially dangerous toys included failings such as detachable small parts, sharp points and choking hazards, as well as incorrect labelling, and were made from unknown, untested materials. IPO research found nearly half (46 per cent) of those who purchased counterfeits reported safety concerns ranging from toys breaking almost instantly to unsafe labelling, toxic smells and even reports of illness in children.  

The UK faces an influx of counterfeit items during peak shopping periods, with millions spent on fake goods each year. IPO research revealed that almost one in three people asked (29%) have purchased counterfeit goods in the past. However, more than half of toy buyers (58%) would think twice about buying a counterfeit if they knew the safety risks, and 52% would welcome tools to help identify genuine products. 

RoSPA has issued importance guidance for safe Christmas shopping:

• Buy from trusted retailers – Avoid unknown websites or social media sellers.
• Check for safety marks – Look for CE or UKCA markings on electrical items.
• Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true – They often are.
• Inspect packaging and instructions – Poor spelling or missing details can signal fakes.
• Report suspicious goods – Use official channels to help enforcement agencies act.

RoSPA say it will continue working with organisations such as the IPO, Office for Product and Safety Standards (OPSS) and Trading Standards to raise awareness and share practical guidance for spotting fake goods.

Fact goods including Labubu dolls flooding to UK

• 259,000 fake toys worth over £3.5m have been seized at the UK border so far this year - equivalent to 24 tonnes of goods
• 90% of these - 236,000 items - were counterfeit Labubu dolls, seized before they could reach UK consumers
• 75% of seized counterfeit toys fail safety tests with banned chemicals and choking hazards found, while 46% of those purchasing them experienced serious safety issues
• With seven in ten toy buyers motivated by cost, and just 27% citing safety as a purchase consideration, a new campaign aims to highlight the hidden harms of fake toys

Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy, said: "Counterfeit items present a clear risk to consumers looking for toys this Christmas. These goods look convincing, but can pose serious dangers, putting families at real risk.

"We’re committed to working with government and other organisations to tackle counterfeit goods and protecting consumers. Counterfeit goods are not just a financial scam, they are a safety threat, so RoSPA urges everyone to buy smart and stay safe this Christmas. The promise of a bargain is not worth risking children’s safety for.”

The IPO’s 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.”