The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent warning about counterfeit Labubu dolls known online as "Lafufus," citing severe risks of choking and death for children.
"These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal, and have no place in American homes," said Peter A. Feldman, acting chairman of the CPSC. "No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers."
The commission said investigators identified multiple shipments of knockoffs entering the U.S. from China and requested seizure of thousands of units. The dolls, styled as plush figures or keychains, have been found to break apart easily, releasing small parts that can obstruct a child's airway.
Federal law prohibits the import and sale of products that fail to meet CPSC safety standards. "CPSC has also received reports of fake Labubu dolls that break apart easily, releasing small pieces that can become choking hazards," the agency noted in its alert.
Labubu dolls, created by Chinese company Pop Mart, surged in popularity over the summer. Sold in "blind boxes," they became a social media phenomenon as consumers filmed unboxing videos. Rising demand led to high prices on secondary markets-and a flood of counterfeits.
Authentic Labubu toys feature several safety markers:
- A holographic Pop Mart sticker.
- A scannable QR code linking to Pop Mart's official site.
- On newer editions, a subtle UV stamp on one foot.
Feldman emphasized that deep discounts or unreliable sellers are red flags for counterfeits. Social media users have already reported that some fakes lose eyes or heads after minimal handling.
The CPSC urged parents to check toys for proper labeling, including choking hazard warnings and independent safety certification marks. The agency also encouraged consumers to report product incidents at SaferProducts.gov.
The advisory comes as Labubu continues to trend globally. But officials warned that the dangers of fakes-sometimes distinguishable by overly bright colors or even the wrong number of teeth-are real.
