Parents warned: fake Labubu dolls could put children at serious risk

Labrabus are the latest craze, and increasingly, authorities are warning parents that they should be careful about which and where they purchase them. With record-breaking sales and a rapidly increasing market value, Labubu dolls, designed by Kasing Lung for Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, have transitioned from a niche novelty to a sought-after international collectible. The playful-looking monster elf figures debuted in 2015 but gained significant popularity after Pop Mart joined in 2019. Over the last year, the company’s stock has surged nearly 200%, driven by the viral popularity of this unique character.

Be aware of off-brand Labubus

A report by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) examining the market for the highly sought-after toy revealed that off-brand versions, often priced lower, can pose a choking hazard to small children.

“Counterfeit Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe,” warn the authors, adding that the most significant threat is the small detachable parts.

The Lead Officer for Product Safety, Christine Heemskerk, explained that the “fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises.” One must be very careful not to purchase counterfeit versions of the toy that do not undergo the same quality control checks.

To ensure that your Labubu is real, you will want to check for the “holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer editions) a UV stamp on one foot,” says CTSI.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.