90% of 260,000 knock-off toys seized at the border are counterfeit Labbus

Nearly 240,000 fake Labubu dolls have been seized at the UK border this year during a crackdown on counterfeit toys by authorities ahead of Christmas.

Border Force has stepped up shipment searches to stop children receiving knock-off toys as gifts after three quarters of them fail safety tests with risks including choking hazards and exposure to banned chemicals linked to cancer.

Of the more than 260,000 counterfeit toys seized in 2025, 90% were due to counterfeit versions of the viral Labubu figures.

Other counterfeit toys found include Jellycats, PlayStation controllers, Disney merchandise, etc. pokemon Statues.

Goods shipped by organized criminals are typically destroyed to protect legitimate retailers and manufacturers, according to home office,

Adam Chatfield, assistant director of Border Force, said: “Banning cheap knock-off toys from coming into the UK is not about stopping the fun at Christmas.

“Serious organized criminals use the profits from dangerous counterfeit goods to fund their evil activities – exploiting parents and families.

“Each product seized disrupts the criminal networks that threaten our border security, protects children from harm and protects legitimate British businesses.”

The Home Office said it was a record-breaking year for Border Force drug seizures, including £1bn worth of cocaine seized earlier this year.

Firearms and weapons were also intercepted.

working with border force Intellectual Property OfficeUsing intelligence to target high-risk shipments and train officers to identify counterfeit products.

Helen Barnham, deputy director of enforcement policy for the Intellectual Property Office, said: “With counterfeit toys, what you see is rarely what you get.

“These illegal and dangerous goods have bypassed every safety check required by law, and the packaging may hide choking hazards, toxic chemicals and unsafe electrical cords that put children in real danger.

“This Christmas, check before you buy. Beware of unfamiliar sellers and deals that seem too good to be true.

“If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. Don’t let your child become a product tester.”