A warning has been issued to remind families of the danger of counterfeit toys amid a rising number of fake Labubu dolls being seized at the border.

The warning from the Home Office and Border Force yesterday revealed that over 260,000 counterfeit toys were seized at the border this year, with ‘dangerous imitations’ of Labubus constituting 90%, or nearly 240,000, of the total number.

In addition to fake Labubu dolls, counterfeit versions of items such as Jellycat toys, PlayStation controllers, and Pokémon figurines were also seized at the border, usually being destroyed after their identification.

According to the Government, 75% of fake toys do not pass safety tests and can be hazardous to children, prompting Border Force to partner with the Intellectual Property Office to increase shipment searches ahead of Christmas and help prevent risk of harm.

Several councils released statements about the surge of fake Labubu dolls earlier this year and highlighted the choking hazard associated with counterfeit toys, which can break more easily due to their poor quality.

The Government has said that counterfeit toys can also include ‘unsafe electrical wiring’ and banned chemicals linked to cancer, emphasising that organised criminals use the imitation items ‘to profit from and prey on families, with no regard for the harm they could cause to children’.

Furthermore, they ‘undermine legitimate retailers and toy manufacturers who invest in safe, high-quality products during the crucial Christmas trading period’, the statement reads.

Adam Chatfield, Border Force Assistant Director said: ‘Preventing cheap knock-off toys entering Britain isn’t about stopping fun at Christmas.

‘Serious organised criminals use profits from dangerous counterfeit goods to fund their evil activities – exploiting parents and families. Every product seized disrupts criminal networks threatening our border security, spares children from harm and protects legitimate British businesses.’

Helen Barnham, Intellectual Property Office Deputy Director of Enforcement Policy added: ‘This Christmas, check before you buy. Be wary of unfamiliar sellers and deals that seem too good to be true. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t let your child be the product tester.’