Illegal fake Labubu dolls flood Dutch stores despite health risks
Dutch stores are selling large numbers of counterfeit Labubu dolls, known as Lafufu, despite warnings that the toys are illegal and may pose health risks, AD reported. The small, rabbit-costumed figures are popular among children and collectors.
Dutch Customs says fake Labubu dolls are flooding the market. “Many of the dolls entering the Netherlands are counterfeit and infringe on intellectual property rights. Pop Mart figures are extremely popular among young people,” officials said.
Counterfeit dolls are often packaged in transparent boxes, unlike authentic Labubu figures. They may have rigid hands and feet, slightly different faces, irregular teeth, and lower-quality fabric. Genuine dolls carry a Pop Mart QR code and an official collector’s booklet.
Authorities warn the knockoffs could be hazardous. “The hairs on counterfeit dolls can come loose, and chemical substances in the materials could cause health complaints,” Dutch Customs said.
Retailers, however, show little concern. One Rotterdam shopkeeper said, “Kids don’t care if it’s real or fake. They see a Labubu and want it. People say things are dangerous or toxic, but that’s nonsense. They just want to avoid competition for Pop Mart.” According to AD, many stores admitted they would sell the dolls at lower prices but avoided discussing authenticity further.
Saskia Bierling of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets said consumers also bear responsibility. “If it’s obvious something is fake — from its appearance, price, or an untrustworthy seller — consumers must be cautious. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
The ACM monitors misleading products, while the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority enforces rules on unsafe goods. Counterfeit Labubu dolls could fall under both.
