Labubu vs Lafufu: How to spot the fake dolls? Pop Mart warns collectors

Economic Times

2 days ago

Synopsis
Labubu is a plush toy character designed by Hong Kong–born Belgian artist Kasing Lung, recognised for its oversized eyes, tall rabbit-like ears, and signature serrated grin.
To verify if your Labubu toy is original, carefully examine the features, quality, and packaging of the box and the doll. Look out for the Pop Mart logo stamp, which will be present on the left foot, and a QR code will also be present on the box. Also, check for consistent colours, crisp printing, and seamless stitching.
(Image Credits: Pinterest) With the popularity of Labubu collectibles soaring globally, Chinese lifestyle toy company Pop Mart has issued fresh guidance to help fans distinguish genuine merchandise from counterfeit imitations known as 'Lafufu'. The company's advisory comes amid rising reports of fakes being sold both online and in physical markets, often at prices close to the real product. Labubu is a plush toy character originally created by Hong Kong-born Belgian artist Kasing Lung, known for its oversized eyes, tall rabbit-like ears and a serrated grin. First adapted into collectibles by Pop Mart in 2019, Labubus are typically sold as keychains with fur-covered bodies and bare hands and feet.
In contrast, Lafufu is the term collectors have adopted for counterfeit versions. These knock-offs often mimic the Labubu design but fall short on material quality, detailing and branding, as per a report by ABC. Counterfeit sellers range from street hawkers to unverified online vendors, some openly marketing the toys as replicas and others attempting to pass them off as originals.Pop Mart attributes Labubu's enduring appeal to 'sustained fan engagement and global expansion' rather than celebrity endorsements alone. A company spokesperson told PTI that strong collector communities, organic creator content and demand for a range of intellectual properties — from SKULLPANDA to Molly — have fuelled growth.Collectors say exclusivity and social influence add to the toy's appeal. 'When [Blackpink's] Lisa wore one on her purse, everyone noticed,' said collector Ensito, adding that owning a Labubu can feel as thrilling as acquiring high-end fashion accessories. As with many sought-after collectibles, the success of Labubu has drawn imitators. Lafufus have proliferated in markets worldwide, with some nearly identical to the authentic toys. In certain cases, counterfeiters reuse genuine Labubu boxes but swap out the toy inside, resealing it to mislead buyers.
The company emphasises that the most reliable way to secure an authentic Labubu is to purchase through official channels, including:
Pop Mart retail stores and the Pop Mart app
Robo Shops and the official TikTok Shop
Amazon's official Pop Mart storefront
Pop Mart booths at sanctioned events such as San Diego Comic-Con
Shopping from these outlets ensures quality, safety and authenticity, the spokesperson said.
For those buying from other sources, Pop Mart offers several tips to spot a counterfeit:
Paint Quality – Authentic Labubus feature precise sculpting and clean paint application, particularly around eyes, teeth and nose. Sloppy or chipped paint is a warning sign.
Branding and Packaging – Originals include official Pop Mart tags, artist attribution and correct spelling on labels. The Lafufu examined by PTI contained glaring spelling errors.
Stitching and Details – Inferior stitching, uneven seams and incorrect proportions — such as having more or fewer than the standard nine teeth — indicate a fake.
Security Features (Post-2024) – Genuine figures now include an engraved Pop Mart tag, the artist's name on the foot, and a QR code on the tag that links to Pop Mart's website for verification. Counterfeits rarely include these.
Interestingly, some dedicated Labubu enthusiasts collect standout Lafufus for their humour value, citing warped faces, odd body shapes and obvious errors as 'charming quirks'. However, Pop Mart warns that most fakes are designed to deceive and may lack durability or safe materials.'Fans should shop directly from Pop Mart and authorised partners to guarantee authenticity,' the company reiterated. The firm says it is continuing to enhance anti-counterfeiting measures to protect both collectors and the brand's reputation.Check for Pop Mart branding, the artist's name on the foot (for 2024 and later releases), a QR code linking to the official Pop Mart site, and flawless paintwork. Buying from official channels is the safest option.While laws vary by jurisdiction, Lafufus are unauthorised copies and violate intellectual property rights. Pop Mart discourages purchasing them, particularly from sellers attempting to pass them off as genuine.