Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service removed more than 500 counterfeit Labubu toys from sale at trade stands during this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

The spot checks aimed to ensure all toys on sale met legal safety standards, protecting consumers from unsafe or fake products.

Labubu toys, also known as LaFuFu, are quirky, elf-like collectible figures made popular by the Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart. These “so-ugly-they’re-cute” characters have become a viral sensation on social media, with celebrities often attaching them to designer handbags.

However, their rising popularity has led to a surge in dangerous counterfeit versions.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services, said: “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 serious risks to children. Small parts, such as eyes and hands, can detach and become choking hazards. Some may also contain banned chemicals that are harmful to health. The safety of our children must always 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.”

How to Spot a Fake Labubu

• Packaging – Genuine Labubu toys come in a matte-finish box with a smooth texture.

• QR Code – Authentic toys include a QR code linking to Pop Mart’s website. On the product label, a second QR code should direct you to fwsy.popmart.com. If it leads elsewhere, it’s likely a fake.

• Features – Real Labubus have slightly inward-pointing ears, nine teeth, bright open eyes, and pale peach-toned faces

• Quality – Authentic toys have soft fur and seamless stitching

• Foot Stamp – Look for the Pop Mart logo on the right foot. Newer models also have a UV-visible stamp on the left foot. Fakes may lack these or display them too obviously.

• UKCA/CE Mark – This mark should appear on the toy or its packaging, along with the name of a UK-based importer. However, this alone is not enough—use the other checks too.

The council stressed that businesses must stop selling fake Labubu toys immediately and return them to suppliers. Non-compliant products will be seized, and enforcement action, including prosecution, may follow.

Anyone with concerns about toy safety can report issues to the local Trading Standards service by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 123 1133 or emailing: [email protected]