More than 600 counterfeit Labubu dolls have been seized from shops and market stalls across Powys, amid warnings that the toys pose a choking hazard to children.

The county council’s Trading Standards team said the latest confiscations follow the removal of over 500 fake versions of the viral toys from sale at this year’s Royal Welsh Show, bringing the total seized to more than 600.

Labubu dolls - quirky, elf-like figures made popular by Chinese brand Pop Mart - have become a global collector’s item, often seen on social media and celebrity handbags. But their popularity has also fuelled a wave of cheap, unsafe imitations.

Tests carried out on the seized toys confirmed they were counterfeit and contained small detachable parts that could cause choking, breaching UK safety standards.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “We’re committed to protecting consumers, especially children, from unsafe and illegal products.

“While often cheaper, counterfeit version of Labubu Dolls may pose significant risks to children’s health and safety. If you’ve bought one of these toys recently, please check it carefully.”

Trading Standards officers are urging parents and shoppers to check any Labubu dolls they have bought or plan to buy. Genuine Pop Mart versions should feature a UKCA or CE mark, clear warnings and usage instructions, and details of a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Authentic dolls also include a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and, on newer editions, a UV stamp on one foot.

Signs of a counterfeit include overly bright colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth - authentic Labubus have nine. Officers also warned that suspiciously low prices are often a red flag.

To report concerns, contact [email protected] or call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 123 1133.