Search Here

Federal safety officials are warning parents about counterfeit Labubu dolls that could put young children at serious risk.

On Monday, August 18, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an urgent recall notice for fake Labubu toys, often sold online under the name "Lafufu."

Regulators say the knockoff dolls and keychains are small enough to block a child's airway and may also break apart into dangerous pieces.

"These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal and have no place in American homes," said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman.

"No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers."

According to CBS News, the recall comes as the popularity of Labubu dolls, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, continues to grow worldwide.

Produced by Chinese retailer Pop Mart, the authentic toys usually sell for under $30, though rare versions can reach thousands of dollars in resale markets.

This demand has fueled a flood of cheap imitations, many of which fail basic safety checks.

Parents Urged to Spot Fake Labubus After Safety Alert

The CPSC is urging parents to carefully inspect their toys to ensure they're authentic. Signs of a counterfeit include:

Unusually low prices – deep discounts can signal a fake.
Missing safety markers – authentic Labubus feature a holographic Pop Mart sticker, a scannable QR code, and in newer models, a UV stamp on one foot.
Wrong number of teeth – real Labubu dolls always have nine.
Overly bright colors – many knockoffs look unnaturally vibrant compared to official products.

Parents are advised to immediately stop using any fake dolls they may already own and keep them out of children's reach.

Labubu dolls are meant to be collectible art toys, but for many families, they double as playthings for kids.

Regulators say that's where the danger lies: a toy that seems harmless can quickly become a choking hazard if it's not built to safety standards, USA Today reported.

The CPSC's warning highlights a growing concern as counterfeit toys flood online marketplaces.

While authentic Labubu dolls are tested for safety, fake versions are unregulated and may bypass consumer protection laws.

For now, the agency's advice is simple: purchase only from trusted sellers, check for the Pop Mart authenticity marks, and avoid deals that look too good to be true.