TikTok Trend Sparks Dangerous Fake Dolls

The viral popularity of Labubu dolls on TikTok has inadvertently spawned a thriving counterfeit market, raising significant safety concerns among authorities and consumers. These elf-like creatures, originally created by Chinese toy maker Pop Mart, have become a global sensation, with the company's revenue more than doubling to £1.33 billion last year.

However, this success has attracted the attention of criminal networks, leading to a flood of counterfeit products entering the market. Trading Standards officers have conducted raids, uncovering vast quantities of fake Labubu dolls, colloquially known as 'Lafufus'. These counterfeits pose serious safety risks, particularly to young children, as they are poorly constructed and prone to disintegration.

The Intellectual Property Office warns that counterfeiters often use hazardous materials in their rush to capitalize on trends, potentially exposing consumers to toxic plastics and chemicals. Authorities are urging consumers to exercise caution, advocating for purchases from reputable sources to ensure product authenticity and safety. The surge in counterfeits not only threatens consumer safety but also highlights the broader issue of intellectual property infringement in the toy industry.