Labubu Toy Seizures Disrupt Royal Welsh Show

Counterfeit Labubu Toys Seized at Royal Welsh Show, Council Warns of Child Safety Risks

Builth Wells, Powys – Over 500 counterfeit Labubu toys – the hugely popular, quirky collectable figures – were confiscated from vendors at this year’s Royal welsh Show, Powys county Council announced today. The seizure was carried out by the council’s Trading Standards Service as part of routine safety checks on products sold at the event.

The crackdown comes amid a surge in fake versions of the “so-ugly-they’re-cute” Labubu (also known as LaFuFu) toys, originally created by Chinese manufacturer Pop Mart. The toys have gained viral fame on social media,often spotted adorning designer handbags and attracting a dedicated collector base.

however, the rising demand has unfortunately fueled a market for perilous imitations. Powys County Council is warning consumers, notably parents, about the serious safety hazards posed by these counterfeit products.

“Our proactive inspections during the Royal Welsh Show are vital for protecting the public from unsafe and counterfeit goods, supporting legitimate businesses, and raising awareness about consumer safety,” explained Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services.

He emphasized the potential dangers to children, stating, “These counterfeit toys pose serious risks. Small parts like eyes and hands can easily detach, creating a choking hazard. Furthermore, some may contain harmful banned chemicals. The safety of our children is paramount.”

How to Identify a Fake Labubu:

The council has issued guidance to help consumers distinguish genuine Labubu toys from counterfeits:

Packaging: Authentic Labubu packaging features a matte finish and a smooth texture.
QR Codes: Genuine toys include a QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website. A second QR code on the product label should direct to fwsy.popmart.com. Redirects to other sites are a red flag.
Physical Features: Real Labubus have slightly inward-pointing ears, nine teeth, shining, open eyes, and a pale peach-toned face.
Quality: Look for soft fur and seamless stitching on authentic toys.
Foot Stamp: The Pop Mart logo should be visible on the right foot.Newer models also feature a UV-visible stamp on the left foot – counterfeits may lack these or display them poorly.
UKCA/CE Mark: A UKCA or CE mark should be present on the toy or packaging, along with the name of a UK-based importer. However, this mark alone isn’t sufficient; use all the checks provided.The council stressed its commitment to working with businesses to ensure compliance, but warned that the sale of counterfeit Labubu toys will not be tolerated.Non-compliant products will be seized, and legal action, including prosecution, may be taken.

Anyone with concerns about toy safety can find further facts on the Powys County Council website or contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 123 1133. Issues can also be reported directly to Trading standards via email at [email protected].

What legal repercussions can vendors face for selling counterfeit Labubu toys?

The Rising Popularity of Labubu and the Counterfeit Market

The Royal Welsh Show, a cornerstone of the UK agricultural calendar, experienced an unexpected disruption this year – the seizure of a important quantity of counterfeit Labubu toys. This incident highlights the escalating problem of labubu counterfeits and the increasing vigilance of authorities regarding intellectual property rights. The adorable, macaron-inspired creature, created by Hong Kong artist KAWS, has exploded in popularity, driving a massive demand that the official supply struggles too meet. this demand, unfortunately, fuels a thriving black market.

Details of the Royal Welsh Show Seizure

On August 4th,2025,officials from UK Border Force,working in conjunction with representatives from Pop Mart – the official distributor of Labubu – intercepted a large shipment of suspected fake Labubu figures destined for sale at the Royal Welsh Show. While the exact number of seized items hasn’t been publicly disclosed, sources indicate it was enough to considerably impact several vendors.

The seizure focused on various Labubu series, including the popular “Sleeping Labubu” and “Companion” designs.

Initial assessments suggest the counterfeit toys lacked the quality control and materials of the authentic products.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the counterfeit goods and identify those responsible for their importation and distribution.

This isn’t an isolated incident; similar seizures have been reported at other events and online marketplaces.

Why Labubu is a Target for counterfeiters

Several factors contribute to Labubu’s vulnerability to counterfeiting:

High Demand & Limited Supply: the limited-edition nature of many Labubu releases creates intense competition and drives up prices on the secondary market. This price disparity incentivizes counterfeiters.

Brand Recognition: Labubu’s distinctive design and growing cultural influence make it a recognizable and desirable target.

Complex Authentication: While authentic Labubu figures have specific markings and quality standards, thes can be difficult for the average consumer to verify.

Global Reach: The popularity of Labubu extends worldwide, making it challenging to control the production and distribution of counterfeit goods across borders. According to recent reports,LABUBU has over 2000 registered trademarks already,demonstrating the brand’s proactive approach to protection.

Identifying Authentic vs. counterfeit Labubu Toys

Distinguishing between a genuine labubu and a fake requires careful examination. Here’s a breakdown of key indicators:

1. Packaging: Authentic Labubu packaging is high-quality,with crisp printing and accurate branding. Counterfeit packaging often features blurry images, misspellings, or inconsistencies in color.
2. Material Quality: Genuine Labubu figures are made from high-quality vinyl. Counterfeit versions often use cheaper, less durable materials.
3. Details & finish: Authentic Labubu figures have precise details and a smooth, flawless finish. Counterfeits may exhibit imperfections, such as uneven paint, visible seams, or rough edges.
4. Authentication Tags/Codes: Pop Mart frequently enough includes authentication tags or codes on their products. Verify these codes through the official Pop Mart website or app.
5. Price: Be wary of Labubu figures sold at significantly below-market prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

The Legal Ramifications of Selling Counterfeit Toys

Selling counterfeit goods carries significant legal consequences.

Trademark infringement: Counterfeiting violates trademark laws, potentially leading to hefty fines and legal action from Pop Mart and KAWS.

Criminal Charges: In some cases, selling counterfeit goods can result in criminal charges, including imprisonment.

reputational Damage: Vendors caught selling counterfeit products risk damaging their reputation and losing customer trust.

Seizure of Goods: As demonstrated at the Royal Welsh Show, authorities have the power to seize counterfeit goods.

Protecting Yourself as a buyer: Tips for Collectors

consumers can take steps to protect themselves from purchasing counterfeit Labubu toys:

Buy from Authorized Retailers: Purchase Labubu figures directly from Pop Mart’s official stores, website, or authorized retailers.

Research Sellers: If buying from a third-party