FAKE Labubu dolls – dubbed Lafufus – could pose a serious danger to children, government officials say.
The viral toy has become so popular, a wave of knockoffs have hit the market.
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But many of them are so poorly made that children could choke on doll parts, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The toothy little monster keychains are being seized by the thousands across the globe due to the threat it poses to kids, according to both US and UK agencies.
The toys were originally characters created by Kasing Lung, an artist.
The consumer frenzy for genuine Labubu dolls has led to the keychains selling out consistently in retailers.
Counterfeit toys have tried to fill that gap.
“No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing,” CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman said in a release on the fake dolls.
“These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal, and have no place in American homes.”
Pop Mart, the primary company to sell real Labubus, did not immediately respond for comment.
The CPSC has “identified multiple shipments of these lookalikes attempting U.S. entry from China,” and said that they are requesting the seizure of thousands of Lafufus.
“Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers,” Feldman said.
CPSC said that the fakes could block a child’s airway, posing a “serious risk of choking and death to young children.”
The United Kingdom is joining the crackdown, too.
According to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, officials have also seized the lookalike monsters.
“In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland,” the organization wrote.
Fake Labubu signs
Government agencies are warning consumers of fake Labubus – infamously dubbed Lafufus – that have hit the market. Here are the signs of a fake.
- A good deal: due to their extreme popularity, buyers have been looking for a bargain when buying their fluffy keychain. But big discounts could mean it’s a Lafufu.
- Pop Mart markings: Pop Mart, the primary company that sells the toys, has multiple markers made to determine authenticity. Real dolls have a holographic Pop Mart sticker, a QR code linking to the company’s website, and, on newer versions, a small UV stamp on one of the doll’s feet.
- Appearance differences: Real Labubus have nine teeth, while fake ones may have more or less. Bright colors could also indicate a Lafufu.
- Check who is selling it: When purchasing, make sure you’re buying from an authentic marketplace, whether that be online or in-person.
- Check for safety labels: When toys have small parts, they will have choking hazards or other safety certification marks.
Source: CPSC
“Many of these items were discovered after tip-offs from concerned parents.”
Feet, eyes, hands, and more may pop off the stuffed animals due to the low quality of the fakes.
“Counterfeit Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe,” the UK agency said.
“Loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation.”
Both countries say that Lafufus are breaking regulations, which are strict for children’s toys.
The US agency said that it will continue to crack down on shipments coming into the country as it tries to wrangle the fakes making it to the market.
It says that there are a few ways to spot a fake Labubu while buying.
Real Labubus have nine teeth, and Lafufus usually have brightly colored fur that is different from the authentic ones.
A QR code on the Pop Mart box can also verify the product, and new ones even have a small UV stamp on one of its feet to verify real Labubus.
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