Labubu fakes pose choking risk, collectors told to check nine teeth

Start with the teeth

The fastest Labubu authenticity check is the one counterfeiters most often get wrong: count the teeth. Genuine Labubu figures are known for nine teeth, and that tiny detail has become one of the most useful point-of-purchase checks for collectors trying to separate a grail from a Lafufu before money changes hands.

That small visual cue matters because Labubu is not just another cute vinyl face in a crowded blind-box world. Kasing Lung created the character in 2015 as part of The Monsters universe, inspired by Nordic mythology, and Pop Mart describes Labubu as a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth. When a listing photo is blurry, the teeth, ears, and overall sculpt can tell you more than a seller description ever will.

Check the packaging before you check out

The box is part of the product, and authentic Labubu packaging carries markers that are hard to fake perfectly. CPSC guidance says real Pop Mart Labubu dolls should feature a holographic Pop Mart sticker, a scannable QR code that links to the official Pop Mart site, and, on newer editions, a subtle UV stamp on one foot. If those details are missing, sloppy, or inconsistent with the specific release, that is a warning sign.

POP MART’s own authenticity-check system adds another layer: buyers can scratch off a box-label code and verify it on the official verification page. That means packaging is not just for shelf appeal, it is a built-in authentication tool. If a seller refuses to show the box, sends only cropped photos, or waves away requests for the code and QR sticker, treat that as a red flag rather than a minor inconvenience.

Buy from a chain you can actually verify

The safest route is still the simplest one: buy through official sales channels, official stores, ROBOSHOP vending machines, or other authorized online platforms. POP MART says those purchases are guaranteed authentic and verifiable, which removes a lot of guesswork at the point of sale.

That matters even more in a blind-box market, where you often cannot inspect the exact figure before buying. If you are shopping resale, on social posts, at a pop-up, or through a seller who cannot explain where the item came from, you need more proof, not more hope. Ask for original packaging photos, the box-label code, and clear shots of the mouth, feet, and any stamp or sticker before you commit.

Treat suspicious pricing as a warning, not a bargain

A deal that looks dramatically cheaper than normal market prices is often the first clue that something is off. Counterfeiters rely on urgency and trend-chasing, especially when demand is hot and buyers want a quick win before stock disappears.

Good seller behavior is part of authentication. Reputable sellers should have clear return policies, be willing to show multiple angles, and answer basic questions about where the item was sourced. If the listing is vague, the photos are recycled, the price is far below what similar Labubu figures are going for, or the seller pushes you to pay immediately without inspection, walk away. In this hobby, impatience is expensive.

Why the warning is more than collector drama

On August 18, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an urgent warning about fake Labubu plush dolls and plush keychains, sometimes called Lafufu, saying they pose a serious choking risk to young children. The agency said the fakes can be small enough to fit in a child’s mouth and block the airway, and it also received reports that some break apart easily and release small choking hazards.

The message from regulators was blunt: do not buy the knockoffs and stop using them immediately. That is not just about protecting a collection’s value, it is about keeping dangerous products out of homes where children might reach them. A fake plush on a display shelf may look harmless, but if it sheds parts or fractures, it becomes a safety issue as well as a bad purchase.

The seizures show how widespread the problem is

The scale of counterfeit Labubu traffic is already visible in enforcement actions. In August 2025, Seattle Customs and Border Protection officers seized 11,134 counterfeit Labubu dolls valued at about $513,937.76. In November 2025, Norfolk Customs and Border Protection officers seized 17,634 counterfeit children’s items, including goods bearing Labubu branding, worth $776,562 at manufacturer’s suggested retail price if authentic.

Chinese customs authorities also reported repeated Labubu-related counterfeit seizures in 2025, which makes the picture bigger than any single resale platform. The problem is cross-border, fast-moving, and good at hiding inside ordinary shopping flows. That is exactly why collectors need a repeatable checkout routine instead of relying on vibes, trend hype, or a seller’s confidence.

The checkout routine that keeps you safe

That is the whole game in 2026: assume nothing, verify everything, and remember that authenticity is part of both safety and value. When the nine teeth line up, the packaging scans, and the seller can prove the path from factory to checkout, you can buy with confidence. If any of those pieces wobble, the safest move is still the easiest one: leave the Lafufu behind and keep your money, and your shelf, clean.