Fake Labubu toys seized on the Royal Welsh Show

5 August 2025

Over 500 counterfeit Labubu toys have been faraway from sale at commerce stands throughout this yr’s Royal Welsh Show, Powys County Council has mentioned.

The pretend toys have been seized by the council’s Trading Standards Service, which carried out spot checks to make sure that merchandise being bought, particularly toys, meet authorized security requirements.

Labubu toys – often known as LaFuFu – are quirky, elf-like collectable figures made widespread by Chinese toy producer Pop Mart. These “so-ugly-they’re-cute” characters have gone viral on social media, with celebrities usually seen attaching them to designer purses.

However, the recognition of those toys has additionally led to a surge in harmful counterfeit variations.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services, mentioned: “Our proactive inspections during Royal Welsh Show help protect the public from unsafe or counterfeit goods, support legitimate businesses, and raise awareness about consumer safety.

“These counterfeit toys pose severe dangers to kids. Small elements, reminiscent of eyes and palms, can detach and change into choking hazards. Some might also include banned chemical substances which are dangerous to well being. The security of our kids should at all times come first.

“We urge parents and collectors to be vigilant when purchasing these toys. If you bought one at the Royal Welsh Show – or elsewhere – please check it carefully using the guidance below.”

How to Spot a Fake Labubu

• Packaging – Genuine Labubu toys are available in a matte-finish field with a clean texture.
• QR Code – Authentic toys embody a QR code linking to Pop Mart’s web site. On the product label, a second QR code ought to direct you to fwsy.popmart.com. If it leads elsewhere, it is doubtless a pretend
• Features – Real Labubus have barely inward-pointing ears, 9 enamel, vibrant open eyes, and pale peach-toned faces
• Quality – Authentic toys have delicate fur and seamless stitching
• Foot Stamp – Look for the Pop Mart brand on the proper foot. Newer fashions even have a UV-visible stamp on the left foot. Fakes might lack these or show them too clearly.
• UKCA/CE Mark – This mark ought to seem on the toy or its packaging, together with the identify of a UK-based importer. However, this alone will not be sufficient—use the opposite checks too.

The council’s Trading Standards Service is dedicated to working with companies to make sure compliance.

However, the message is obvious: if you’re promoting pretend Labubu toys, cease instantly and return them to your provider. Non-compliant merchandise might be seized, and enforcement motion – together with prosecution – might comply with.

If companies or the general public have any issues about toy security, additional data is out there at:

Alternatively, you can even report points to your native buying and selling requirements service by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 123 1133 or e-mail buying and selling.requirements@powys.gov.uk