Watch out there’s lots of UNSAFE and FAKE Labubu’s about and selling one could land you in hot water!
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards team has been on a ‘monster’ hunt this week and has safely locked up or seized over 32 keyrings and 95 boxes of counterfeit Labubu’s (also known as Lafufu’s) from the Pontypridd area.
If you’re not already aware there is a new toy trend taking over the internet—Labubus*. Labubus are so-ugly-they’re-cute monster toys and keychains that sell out in seconds.
It’s possible to buy them from resellers, but you run the risk of receiving an unsafe, fake, counterfeit Labubu (which are sometimes called a Lafufu).
These are expensive products when bought genuinely and were found on sale for £2.99 and £3.99. The message is clear if it seems too good to be true or cheap it’s likely to be fake – we advise people to purchase them from a reputable supplier.
Fakes of the globally popular Pop Mart Labubu dolls seized recently are "potentially dangerous", according to Trading Standards officers.
The elf-like creature from Chinese toy maker Pop Mart are the latest craze in collectibles and have gone viral on social media.
But the Council are warning consumers and businesses to be alert, following the seizure of "counterfeit and potentially dangerous" versions of the toys.
The Council’s Trading Standards team are here to offer advice to keep businesses and the public safe and will always look to work with businesses to put things right before any enforcement action is taken. But the message is clear, if any business is selling FAKE ‘Labubu’s’ then they need to stop and return them to their suppliers – or they will be seized and they will face enforcement action!
Following the discovery the items will now be destroyed and recycled by the Trading Standards team.
Rhian Hope, Head of Public Protection and Regulatory Services at RCT Council said:
“Following the discovery of counterfeit toys, we want to alert consumers and particularly parents to be extra vigilant.
"These counterfeit toys can seem like a bargain compared with trying to source the genuine toy, especially when they are a much-sought-after item, but they are potentially dangerous."
“Counterfeit toys can potentially pose significant dangers to young children such as chemical exposure and choking hazards.
"These products routinely lack proper safety testing and we encourage anyone concerned about the safety of toys they've purchased to get in touch with us via Consumer Advice."
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:
“Bargain hunters need to be aware that fake, substandard toys can break and cause injuries or pose choking hazards, toxic materials can cause burns and serious harm, while illegal electrical toys can lead to fires or electrocution.
“These counterfeiters are cashing in on the latest craze and prioritising profit over safety. As well as infringing the genuine products trademark, they are not carrying out the required testing to ensure the product is safe”.
“These products are attractive to children but can pose significant dangers. Small parts can come loose and become choking hazards and exposure to certain chemicals, which are banned in genuine toys, can be harmful”
“Enforcement is always a last resort, that is only undertaken when they believe a law has been broken that would cause harm to the public – but the message is clear if you are found selling these items we will take action!”
Trading Standards continues to inspect local businesses and are removing the non-compliant products from sale. This can also result in prosecution of traders who knowingly breach the law.
How to spot a fake
- Packaging: Real Labubu’s come in a box with a matte finish and smooth feel.
- QR code: Newer Labubu’s have a QR code that takes you to Pop Mart’s website and confirm if they are real of fake. On the actual product label there will be another QR code that will take you to fwsy.popmart.com, if any other website pops up the product is fake.
- Features: Real Labubu’s have ears that point slightly inward, 9 teeth, bright and lively eyes (not closed) and pale, peachy faces.
- Quality: Real Labubu’s have soft fur and seamless stitching.
- Foot stamp: Labubu’s have a Pop Mart logo on their right foot and the newer models have a stamp on their left foot only visible under UV light. Counterfeit products either lack these mark(s) entirely or have a mark that is overly obvious—visible without the need for special lighting or angle.
- UKCA/CE Mark: MOST IMPORTANT - there should be UKCA/CE mark on the product itself (unless too small – in which case must be supplied with the item, e.g. on box) and there needs to be a name of importer into the UK (i.e. a UK on the label). However, it should not be solely relied upon, buyers should also carry out other checks listed before deciding whether to purchase an item.
If businesses or the public have any concerns about Toy Safety, further information is available on Business Companion Toys | Business Companion and at the Child Accident Prevention trust Toy Safety or you can also report issues to your local trading standards service by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 123 1133 or email tradingstandards@rctcbc.gov.uk.
Posted on 16/07/2025