Labubu toys 'can be identified by teeth,' as counterfeits rise

A Chinese customs official said genuine Labubu toys can be identified by their nine sharp teeth, as the Pop Mart (9992) flagship figurine frenzy has sparked a counterfeit wave.

Wang Lingjun, deputy director of Chinese customs authority, said on Monday that Labubu knockoffs often have fewer teeth due to mold imperfections.

He noted that in the first four months of 2025, China's exports of dolls and animal-themed toys jumped 9.6 percent year-on-year to over 10 billion yuan (HK$10.95 billion), reflecting the strength of the sector. 

But the surge in popularity has also attracted counterfeiters.

Wang said that in the first half of the year, customs authorities seized 11,000 batches of suspected fake goods totaling 38.7 million items, including imitation Labubu figures.

STAFF REPORTER