The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Monday issued an urgent consumer safety alert for look-alike Labubu plush dolls and key chain versions.
Often called “Lafufus,” some of these knockoffs are small enough to block a young child’s airway and can break apart into choking-size pieces, and the CPSC urged consumers to stop buying or using them immediately.
Why It Matters
The CPSC says the fake Labubu plush figures and plush key chains are small enough that a young child could put one in their mouth and block their airway, creating a risk of choking and death.
The agency also reported instances of the counterfeit toys breaking apart and releasing small pieces that could become ingestion or choking hazards.
What To Know
The imitation products were identified as lookalike versions of Pop Mart’s Labubu character.
- Product named: Lookalike Labubu dolls, sometimes referred to as “Lafufu.”
- Hazard: Small size and breakage risk can obstruct airways or produce small parts that are choking hazards.
- Consumer action: Do not buy these knockoffs and stop using any you already have.
- Enforcement: CPSC investigators identified multiple shipments attempting U.S. entry from China and requested seizure of thousands of units for violating federal toy safety regulations.
- Product safety warning number: 25-438.
How to Spot a Fake Labubu and Stay Safe
The CPSC recommends the following checks to help distinguish authentic Pop Mart Labubu products from counterfeit versions: Look for a holographic Pop Mart sticker and a scannable QR code that links to Pop Mart’s official site.
Newer authentic editions may include a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Authentic dolls also have nine teeth, while fakes may show a different number or overly bright colors.
Shoppers should also be wary of unusually deep discounts. For toys with small parts, check for choking hazard warnings and independent safety certification marks.
The CPSC also noted that a similar warning was issued by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute in the United Kingdom.
What People Are Saying
CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman said in a statement: “These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal, and have no place in American homes. No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers.”
Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “Labubu dolls have certainly gained a huge following in recent months and are at the top of many children’s wish lists. At the same time, it leads to concerns over fraud, as some look to take advantage of their popularity with fake items. In this situation, the fake dolls in question could pose a health hazard, as their smaller size make them easier to cause severe breathing difficulties if a child puts one in their mouths.”
What Happens Next
The CPSC said it will continue “aggressive enforcement” at U.S. ports to block dangerous imports before they reach American families, and reiterated that federal law prohibits the importation and sale of consumer products that fail to meet CPSC safety standards.
Consumers are asked to report incidents involving injury or product defects at the agency’s SaferProducts.gov portal or call the CPSC hotline.
“It’s pivotal parents pay attention to this situation to ensure their children don’t find themselves in a scary situation,” Beene said.
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