Did you snag a Labubu at the Minnesota State Fair? You might want to check its authenticity! These ‘ugly-cute’ collectibles have a dark side, with dangerous fakes flooding the market. Authorities are seizing thousands of counterfeit dolls due to serious safety risks. What’s hiding in your blind box?
The bustling Minnesota State Fair, a hub of unique attractions and consumer delights, recently found itself at the center of a burgeoning global trend: the overwhelming popularity of Labubu dolls. These “ugly-cute” collectibles, often discovered in blind boxes, have captivated fairgoers and become an unexpected sensation, driving crowds to vendors eager to acquire the latest must-have toy. However, beneath the surface of this charming craze lies a serious issue threatening consumer safety and product authenticity at the fair and beyond.
Originating from the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, Labubu dolls surged into international prominence after being spotted with high-profile celebrities such as K-pop superstar Lisa from Blackpink and music icon Rihanna last year. This celebrity endorsement catapulted the quirky figures into mainstream desire, creating a fervent demand that quickly outstripped supply and fueled a lucrative market for both authorized resellers and, more troublingly, illicit counterfeiters.
The immense demand for authentic Labubu dolls has unfortunately given rise to a parallel, darker industry: the proliferation of fake versions, colloquially known as “Lafufus.” These imitation products flood the market, capitalizing on the Labubu brand’s success but often failing to meet quality or safety standards, posing significant risks to unsuspecting consumers, particularly children.
International authorities have taken notice of this alarming trend. Chinese customs officials are reportedly seizing fake Labubus on an almost daily basis, highlighting the sheer scale of the counterfeit operation. In just one month, June alone, these authorities confiscated hundreds of thousands of units, as detailed in a recent report by the New York Times, underscoring the relentless battle against these illicit goods.
The problem of counterfeit toys is not confined to overseas borders. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has also intensified its efforts, seizing thousands of units of counterfeit dolls at various ports of entry across the United States. The CPSC has issued stern warnings, specifically noting that these fake Labubu dolls, or Lafufus, often present a “serious risk of choking and death” due to their poor construction and potentially hazardous components.
Acting CPSC Chairman Peter A. Feldman minced no words in his assessment of the danger posed by these dangerous products. He emphatically stated, “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,” a clear call for increased consumer vigilance against counterfeit toys.
In response to inquiries about the authenticity of products sold, Minnesota State Fair officials issued a statement affirming that each vendor independently selects the items they offer for sale. While not directly addressing specific counterfeit concerns, the fair recommended that all guests “inquire about any product they choose to purchase to make sure it meets their expectations,” placing the onus on the consumer to verify the collectible blind boxes.
This widespread issue of Pop Mart fakes serves as a critical reminder for attendees at popular events like the Minnesota State Fair and for consumers everywhere. Ensuring consumer safety means being diligent about the origins of products, especially collectible blind boxes and other items for children, and always opting for purchases from authorized and reputable vendors to avoid the hidden dangers of counterfeit merchandise.
