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On August 18, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an urgent warning to collectors of Labubu dolls after reports of dangerous counterfeit versions flooding the market. Officials stressed that fake products, often sold online or through unauthorized retailers, pose potential safety hazards, especially for children. With the global popularity of these quirky figures surging, regulators are urging buyers to stay vigilant.
CPSC Warning
The CPSC alert highlighted counterfeit Labubu dolls being sold across the U.S. without proper safety testing or labeling. According to the agency, these fakes may contain hazardous materials, small detachable parts, and packaging that fails to meet federal safety standards.
Collectors and parents are being advised to purchase only from authorized Pop Mart sellers and to report any suspected counterfeit products immediately.
What Is Labubu?
Labubu is a spiky-haired, wide-eyed character created by Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company known for its “blind box” collectible figurines.
Since its debut, Labubu has become a global sensation, drawing comparisons to other collectible crazes like Beanie Babies and Funko Pops.
Fans often line up for hours to snag new releases, and rare editions have resold for hundreds, even thousands, of dollars online.
Lafufu: The Fake Labubu
Not all Labubus on the market are genuine. A growing number of counterfeits, known as “Lafufus,” have emerged—often imitating Pop Mart’s designs but at a fraction of the price. Business Insider reports that these fakes sometimes look nearly identical to authentic versions, making it difficult for buyers to distinguish them.
However, unlike Pop Mart products, Lafufus don’t go through safety checks, leaving buyers exposed to hidden risks.
Thriving Fake Labubu Market
CNN recently reported that counterfeit Labubu dolls are booming across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Due to the collectibles’ skyrocketing demand, knockoffs have quickly become a lucrative black-market business. In some cases, counterfeiters have created entire product lines, complete with fake packaging and branding.
Experts warn that this underground economy not only deceives collectors but also undermines Pop Mart’s intellectual property rights.
Concerns About the Fakes
Consumer protection agencies across the UK and the U.S. have raised alarms about the risks posed by fake Labubu dolls. Trading Standards in the UK reported seizing hundreds of counterfeit toys in Scotland, many of which contained small, detachable pieces that could pose dangers to children.
Beyond health risks, collectors risk losing money by buying counterfeit products marketed as rare editions.
Choking Hazard for Kids
One of the most alarming dangers comes from reports that Lafufu dolls can break apart easily, creating small pieces that are choking hazards for young children. NBC News noted that these fake dolls have been linked to serious health risks, with experts warning they could even be fatal if swallowed.
Pediatric groups have reiterated the importance of choking prevention and urged parents to carefully inspect toys before giving them to children.
How to Spot a Fake Labubu
Experts recommend buyers pay close attention to packaging, branding, and pricing when shopping for Labubus.
Authentic Pop Mart products usually feature holographic security stickers, official trademarks, and consistent quality across figures. Counterfeits, on the other hand, may have spelling errors, lopsided faces, faded colors, or unusually low prices.
Forbes also warns that scams often target collectors through social media ads and unauthorized online marketplaces.
Final Thoughts
As Labubu’s popularity continues to rise, so does the spread of dangerous counterfeits. Regulators stress that while collecting can be fun, safety should remain the top priority, especially for families with children. Buying only from verified retailers and learning how to identify fakes can help protect both collectors’ investments and children’s health.