Published Thursday 17 July 2025 at 10:57
After warnings about the safety of some Labubu dolls from Trading Standards teams across the country, an investigation conducted in Blackburn with Darwen has raised similar concerns.
Labubu is the name of a character in “The Monsters” toy series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and has become a viral craze with children and adults of all ages.
However, despite legitimate products being sold by Pop Mart, numerous concerns have been raised about a vast majority of illegitimate products being sold, that could cause a choking hazard.
As a result, the council’s Trading Standards team visited several shops in Blackburn and Darwen and found that the toys failed to meet the Toys Safety Regulations 2011.
Despite being marked with the UKCA/CE marks (which should indicate the safety of the toys), our Trading Standards team believe that they would fail safety testing and be considered unsafe, particularly for small children due to choking hazards. Therefore, it is unlikely that these products have been through stringent product testing and have been incorrectly or carelessly labelled with the UKCA/CE marks.
Other issues included:
- The toys were not marked with the required name and address of a manufacturer or a UK rep/importer – all of which are legally required for traceability.
- The fur could be pulled out easily, which could become a choking hazard for small children.
- The plastic coca cola bottle attached with a cord could also be pulled off easily and become a choking hazard.
- The eyes came out very easily, which again constitutes a choking hazard for small children.
As a result, these products and any similar products were seized, with one of the shops having a large variety of what are believed to be fake Labubu products.
Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Communities said:
As a council, one of our core missions is to build safer communities. 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. If you’re not sure whether what you’ve bought or intend to buy is safe, please contact Citizens Advice.
Before buying Labubu dolls or any other children’s toys, take note of the following top tips:
- Inspect the packaging carefully: Toys need to be marked with the name and address of a UK rep or importer, as well as name and address of the actual manufacturer (even if is not in the UK).
- Read the age recommendation before purchasing: Many products are not suitable for children under a certain age, due to the risk of choking. If you are purchasing for a loved one, be mindful that the product you are purchasing is suitable for their age; and ensure that these products are not passed on to younger siblings.
- Buy from trusted retailers: Purchasing from reputable and well-established sellers increases the chances of receiving safe products and makes it easier to return items if an issue arises.
- Be cautious of bargains: If the price seems unusually low, it could be a red flag. Extremely cheap products may not meet required safety standards.
If you’re concerned about the safety of toys you’ve purchased, get in touch with our Trading Standards team by contacting Citizens Advice.
And if you’re a business selling these products, you should check your stock and withdraw them for sale immediately if they do meet the regulation requirements. You can find information on Toy Safety on the Business Companion website.