**Parents Urged to Exercise Caution After Seizure of Over 90 Boxes of Counterfeit Labubu Toys in Pontypridd**
Concerns are mounting in south Wales after Rhondda Cynon Taf Council confiscated 95 boxes of suspected counterfeit Labubu toys in Pontypridd, igniting a warning to parents, carers and shoppers about the risks associated with imitation products. The toys, inspired by the hugely popular “Labubu” monster figurines and keyrings, have rapidly gained viral attention, especially among children and collectors following social media trends set by online influencers.
Labubu toys, originally imagined by the designer Kasing Lung and distributed globally by Chinese retailer Pop Mart, have become highly sought-after across the UK, with Cardiff seeing shoppers queueing along the pavement for official products in recent months. However, this soaring popularity has fuelled a flood of knock-offs – sometimes nicknamed “Lafufus” – at dramatically lower prices, appearing not only in Pontypridd but also in nearby Neath and Swansea. The surge in fake items has sparked alarm among local authorities due to potential safety hazards, most notably to young children.
Rhian Hope, Head of Public Protection and Regulatory Services at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, revealed that the counterfeit toys – including more than 32 keyrings alongside the 95 boxes – often lack the stringent safety standards required in the UK. “Counterfeit toys can certainly look like a tempting bargain compared to genuine versions, but what consumers may not realise is the hidden danger they carry,” Hope said. She made clear the risk of significant dangers, with fake toys presenting threats ranging from chemical exposure to choking hazards, as they typically bypass mandatory safety testing.
The council’s enforcement team discovered the fake Labubus selling for as little as £2.99 or £3.99 – a fraction of the nearly £25 usually charged for authentic Pop Mart figurines, and hundreds less than some toys listed on resale platforms. The stark price difference itself serves as a key warning signal to the public, council authorities suggested. “If the price seems unusually low, it’s probably not a genuine product,” Hope added, emphasising that only reputable retailers should be trusted with such purchases.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities at RCT Council, strongly underlined the risks. “Those seeking out so-called bargains should know that fake and substandard toys can easily break, posing a choking hazard, or even use toxic materials that can cause burns or other serious harm,” said Cllr Harris. Particularly troubling are reports of unauthorised electrical toys, which have the potential to cause fires or even electrocution incidents. “Counterfeiters are exploiting the latest craze with little regard for the safety of families,” he remarked.
In light of these findings, council officials acted swiftly, seizing the entire cache of counterfeit toys and arranging for their destruction and recycling by the Trading Standards team. Businesses caught selling these illegal goods have been told to halt immediately or face strict legal consequences. “We don’t take enforcement action lightly, but protecting the public is paramount. Clear action will be taken against anyone found selling dangerous products,” Cllr Harris stated.
The council continues to monitor retailers, promising regular checks to remove further non-compliant toys from the market. They also remind business owners that knowingly selling unsafe or counterfeit items may result in prosecution, as RCT Council is determined to prevent any risk to local families.
Parents, grandparents and guardians are being strongly advised to remain vigilant when buying Labubu figures. Officials recommend purchasing only from trusted, well-known suppliers and investigating products for signs of authenticity before purchase. As part of their effort to protect the public, the council issued several tips for identifying fakes: genuine Labubu boxes have a matte, silky finish, a QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and the toys themselves sport specific design features such as nine teeth, bright eyes, and a soft, seamless fur texture. A legitimate UKCA or CE mark is also required, along with importer information for UK sales.
This story highlights the ongoing tension between consumer demand for trendy collectables and the persistent dangers presented by the counterfeit market. As the craze surrounding Labubu toys continues, local authorities are urging consumers to err on the side of caution, remembering that the apparent savings of a cheap deal could come at a far greater cost to household safety.
For those worried about purchases they’ve made, the council encourages contacting their Consumer Advice team for further guidance and assurance. As always, the adage holds true: if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.