**Parents Urged to Steer Clear of Hazardous Labubu Toys Following Major Seizure in Wales**
Parents across Wales are being urged to exercise extreme caution after local authorities confiscated a large haul of counterfeit Labubu toys in a major crackdown. Newport City Council’s trading standards team recently seized 1,289 fake Labubu dolls in just one week, highlighting the scale of a growing problem tied to the viral popularity of these peculiar designer figurines.
The Labubu craze, which has swept across social media platforms, has made these “so-ugly-they’re-cute” monster toys a must-have among children and collectors alike. Originally created by designer Kasing Lung and retailed by popular Chinese brand Pop Mart, genuine Labubu products have spawned huge queues in stores, notably in Cardiff, as fans strive to get their hands on authentic pieces.
However, this surge in demand has been rapidly exploited by unscrupulous manufacturers and sellers, who are circulating vast quantities of lower-priced imitations—referred to by some as “Lafufus”—through markets in towns including Neath, Swansea, and Rhondda Cynon Taf. Trading standards officials warn that these knock-offs are not just poorly made but could also pose real safety hazards to young children.
Inspections conducted by Newport City Council revealed that many of the counterfeit items were devoid of proper safety standards, with alarming flaws such as detachable parts. In one instance, a doll was found with a loose eye, presenting an obvious choking risk. Authorities have made it clear that all confiscated products will be destroyed to prevent them from reaching consumers.
Businesses are also in the spotlight. Officials have announced they will not hesitate to take firm action against traders found selling imitation Labubu items, whether knowingly or not. Councillor Mark Spencer, who oversees communities and sport for Newport City Council, reiterated the importance of vigilance for both consumers and retailers. “We want parents and children to be safe—always buy from trusted retailers and verify the product’s authenticity,” said Cllr Spencer. He continued, “If a deal appears suspiciously cheap, it’s almost certainly a counterfeit.”
The council’s trading standards team have also offered constructive guidance to outlets, aiming to educate before turning to more punitive measures. “Our officers are available to advise businesses and, where possible, work with them before moving towards formal enforcement,” added Cllr Spencer. However, he noted, “Firms persisting in selling dangerous fakes will face consequences.”
Experts recommend several steps for spotting a genuine Labubu toy. Authentic versions typically arrive in a matte-finished box with a smooth texture and display a QR code linking to the manufacturer’s website. Customers are urged to check the finer details: real Labubus sport ears that tilt slightly inwards, nine pronounced teeth, expressive open eyes, and peach-toned complexions. Genuine toys should also feature soft, seamless fur and bear the Pop Mart logo stamped on a foot—on newer models, a UV-light-only stamp is an added security feature.
Crucially, compliance markings such as the UKCA or CE mark, as well as the name of the official UK importer, should be present on the product’s packaging or label. However, trading standards stress that these signs alone should not be relied upon—additional checks are strongly advised before making a purchase.
Social media has played a significant role in fuelling the Labubu phenomenon, but parents are encouraged to balance enthusiasm with a healthy dose of scepticism. Imitation products, while tempting due to their low price, can harbour hidden dangers that may put children at risk.
As the city and trading standards teams intensify their monitoring efforts, officials are hopeful that increased awareness will curb the tide of dangerous counterfeit toys flooding the market. For families and businesses alike, the message is clear: be vigilant, stay informed, and only buy Labubu products from reputable sources to keep children safeguarded from harm.