Federal safety regulators issued a warning about counterfeit Labubu dolls, known as Lafufus, due to a choking hazard.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission urged consumers to avoid buying fake Labubu dolls sold online and elsewhere as they may pose a “serious risk of choking and death to young children. The counterfeit dolls, sold as plush figures and plush keychains, have entered the market as demand for the PopMart Labubu’s has skyrocketed in recent months.
Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, have become a popular collectible item a decade after the toothy monsters were first introduced.
The safety agency said it received reports of the fake dolls breaking apart easily and release small pieces that could be a choking hazard. Additionally, the dolls and keychains are small enough for a child to fit in their mouths and block their airway.
Consumers are urged to stop buying the knockoff products and to stop using them immediately.
Safety regulators have flagged multiple shipments of these lookalike dolls entering the US from China and “requested seizure of thousands of units” after confirming they violate federal regulations for toys with small parts,
the release said.
“These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal, and have no place in American homes,” CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman said in a statement. “No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers.”
A similar warning was issued by a safety agency in the United Kingdom, CPSC said.
How to spot a fake Labubu doll
The CPSC issued tips on how to spot a “Lafufu” along with the consumer warning.
Here’s what to look for:
- Consumers should beware of deeply discounted dolls as they can signal fake products.
- Official Labubu dolls have holographic Pop Mart stickers, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart site and on some a subtle UV stamp on one foot.
- Fake dolls often have bright colors or wrong number of teeth. The Labubu dolls are known for having nine teeth and many fake dolls have a different number.
- Consumers are urged to buy from known sellers, trusted marketplaces and stores.
- Toys will small parts should have choking hazard warnings and independent safety certification marks.
Discover more from MaplesTime
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
