Introduction: The Rise of Labubu and the Challenge of Counterfeits
From niche art toy exhibitions to global social media dominance, POP MART’s Labubu, the charming, long-eared monster created by artist Kasing Lung, has captured the hearts of a worldwide audience. This surge in popularity has transformed Labubu from a simple collectible into a cultural phenomenon, driving immense demand from both passionate individual collectors and commercial retailers alike.
However, with great popularity comes a significant and unavoidable risk: the proliferation of illegal counterfeit products. While many may use the common term “fake,” it is crucial to understand that these items are technically counterfeits—unauthorized replicas manufactured with the specific intent to deceive consumers and infringe upon intellectual property rights. These illicit products not only dilute the market but also pose tangible risks to fans and businesses.
This definitive guide is created to serve as your most trusted resource. We will provide a systematic, in-depth comparison to empower you—whether you’re a dedicated collector making a personal purchase or a B2B buyer securing inventory—to confidently distinguish official Labubu figures from sophisticated counterfeits and protect your investment.
Why Authenticity is Non-Negotiable: The Stakes for Collectors & Businesses
Before diving into the forensic details of verification, it’s essential to understand why the pursuit of authenticity is paramount. The implications of dealing with counterfeit goods extend far beyond a simple transaction, affecting value, safety, and reputation.
For the Collector (B2C)
For an individual fan, ensuring a product is genuine is foundational to the entire collecting experience.
- Preserving & Enhancing Collection Value: Authentic POP MART items are assets. They hold their value and, in many cases, appreciate over time, especially rare or “secret” editions. Counterfeits have no secondary market value and dilute the worth of a genuine collection.
- Superior Craftsmanship & Detail: Official Labubu figures are the result of a meticulous design and quality control process. Authenticity guarantees you receive the product as the artist intended, with sharp paint lines, high-quality materials, and precise detailing that counterfeits can never truly replicate.
- Ensuring Material Safety: POP MART adheres to international safety standards for its materials (typically PVC/ABS). Genuine products are tested to be non-toxic and safe. The materials used in counterfeit items are unregulated and could pose health risks.
- Honoring the Artist: Purchasing authentic merchandise is the only way to ensure that the creator, Kasing Lung, and the POP MART brand receive recognition and compensation for their creative work. It’s a direct vote of support for the art you love.
For the Retailer/Wholesaler (B2B)
For a business, the consequences of unintentionally or intentionally trading in counterfeit goods are severe and can be catastrophic.
- Protecting Business Reputation & Customer Trust: Reputation is your most valuable asset. Selling a single counterfeit item can irreparably damage customer trust, leading to negative reviews, chargebacks, and a loss of repeat business. A reputation for authenticity is a key market differentiator.
- Mitigating Critical Risks: Legal, Financial, and Customs Seizure: Counterfeit goods are illegal. Trafficking them carries significant legal and financial penalties. Furthermore, customs authorities in both the exporting and importing countries are increasingly vigilant. Shipments identified as containing counterfeits are subject to seizure and destruction, resulting in a total loss of investment.
- Ensuring Supply Chain Integrity: A clean, verifiable, and transparent supply chain is the backbone of a sustainable retail or distribution business. Committing to authentic-only sourcing builds a resilient business model that is immune to the risks and volatility of illicit trade.
The 14-Point Authenticity Checklist
Counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated, but their products inevitably fail when subjected to a detailed, multi-point inspection. Genuine POP MART products are defined by their commitment to quality control, a standard that illicit copies cannot reach.
Use this forensic checklist to systematically examine any Labubu product you acquire. We will move from the physical figure to its packaging and, finally, to the definitive digital verification methods.
Part 1: The Figure Itself – Examining the Craftsmanship
Start with a close inspection of the vinyl figure. The subtlest details often reveal the truth.
1. Facial Details (Eyes, Teeth, and Brow)
- Genuine: The eyes are lively and appear natural. The brow bone is slightly pronounced, creating facial depth. The figure features nine clean, white teeth with sharply defined edges. All printed elements, like eyes, nose, and cheek blush, are applied with natural-looking precision.
- Counterfeit: The eyes often look dull or lifeless. The brow area is flat, lacking a distinct ridge. Tooth count can vary (8-10) and their edges are blurry. Facial colors appear unevenly applied or splotchy.
2. Head Shape (Side and Back Profile)
- Genuine: The head exhibits a natural, smooth curvature on both the side profile and the back of the head.
- Counterfeit: The head often appears flattened on the sides and back, lacking a gradual, organic curve.
3. Hand Construction
- Genuine: The hands are smooth, with no visible seams from the vinyl molding process.
- Counterfeit: A clear mold line or seam is often visible on the hands, indicating a cheaper manufacturing process. The parts of the hand can look segmented.
4. Hair/Fur Texture
- Genuine: The fur, especially noticeable on the figure’s back, is smooth with a uniform, orderly direction. It feels fine to the touch without any catching, and it sits tightly against the body with no loose edges.
- Counterfeit: The fur texture is chaotic and disordered, with tufts that may be crossed or pointing upwards. Some areas might be sparse or matted. It feels coarse and dry when touched.
5. Toes and Foot Paint Application
- Genuine: Each foot has three distinct toenails with even, clean paint application and a sharp border. Crucially, the paint does not bleed or stain onto the sole of the foot.
- Counterfeit: The toenail paint is uneven with poorly defined borders. Paint often smudges or bleeds onto the sole, leaving visible marks.
6. The Sole of the Foot – Stamps & Security
- Genuine: One sole will reveal a hidden security pattern when illuminated with a fluorescent (UV) light. The other sole features a clear, embossed stamp reading “POP MART” and “© Kasing” on a separate line. The debossed text has sharp edges and a smooth finish. The copyright symbol © clearly contains the letter ‘c’. (Note: The Labubu Exciting Macaron series uses black printed text instead of an embossed stamp; this method applies to most other series).
- Counterfeit: No fluorescent security pattern is visible under UV light. The embossed stamp, if present, is distorted with blurry edges and a grainy texture in the empty spaces. The copyright symbol © often appears as just a solid circle without a ‘c’ inside.
Part 2: Accessories & Tags – The Supporting Evidence
Next, examine the items that accompany the figure.
7. The Sewn-in Label (Wash Tag)
- Genuine: The text printed on the tag is a natural, solid black with sharp, clear characters. The edges of the tag are smoothly cut.
- Counterfeit: The printed text often appears faded or light gray, and the edges of the tag can be rough or frayed.
8. The Metal Clasp/Ring
- Genuine: The metal hardware has a natural, consistent metallic luster.
- Counterfeit: The metal appears dull, lacking shine, and is made from a visibly lower-quality material.
9. The Paper Collector Card
- Genuine: The entire card has a distinct, tangible texture across its surface. The printed colors are vibrant and natural.
- Counterfeit: The card feels smooth and lacks texture. The printed colors are often dull or muted.
10. The Desiccant Packet
- Genuine: The text printed on the desiccant packet is clear, with a crisp, grayish-black font.
- Counterfeit: The printing on the packet appears grainy and less defined.
Part 3: The Packaging – Your First Interaction
The box and internal wrapping are your first chance to spot a fake.
11. The Laser Anti-Counterfeit Sticker
- Genuine: The sticker is clear and reflects light sharply.
- Counterfeit: The sticker is often blurry or poorly printed.
12. Box Color and Print Quality
- Genuine: The box features vibrant, natural colors. The main character image on the front has a strong sense of dimension and depth.
- Counterfeit: The colors are often muted or dark, and the character art looks flat and lacks dimensionality.
13. The Sealed Inner Plastic Bag
- Genuine: This is a critical checkpoint. The inside surface of the sealed bag is printed with a repeating pattern, often the series name in a stylized font (e.g., “Big into Energy”) or the POP MART logo.
- Counterfeit: The inner plastic bag is completely plain and unprinted, usually just a simple silver foil. To date, counterfeiters struggle to consistently replicate this internal printing, making it a powerful tell.
Part 4: The Ultimate Verification – The Digital Fingerprint
Physical tells are strong indicators, but the QR code system is POP MART’s definitive proof of authenticity.
14. The Dual QR Code System (Box & Wash Tag)
- The Golden Rule: The Verification Code generated from scanning the QR code on the outer box must be identical to the one from the QR code on the figure’s sewn-in wash tag. A mismatch is a definitive red flag.
- The Verification Page: When you scan the QR code, carefully inspect the URL of the webpage it opens.
- Official Domain: The ONLY official verification system is hosted at: m-gss.popmart.com
- Deceptive Domains: Counterfeiters use visually similar domains to trick you, such as
popmarti.com,popmari.com, orpopmart.pw. These are fake.
- The Verification Result: A brand-new, authentic product should display a message like: “Genuine. First Time Verification.” If it shows it has been verified multiple times, proceed with caution. This can indicate that an authentic QR code was stolen and is being reused on counterfeit products.
In an environment where counterfeit technology is constantly evolving, it is essential to use a holistic approach. Rely on a combination of these checkpoints to make an informed judgment. Currently, the internal bag printing and the QR code verification system remain the two most decisive methods for identifying counterfeits.
B2B Procurement Intelligence: Identifying High-Risk Suppliers
For B2B buyers, importers, and retailers, the ability to vet a supplier is just as crucial as the ability to authenticate a product. High-risk suppliers often use sophisticated tactics to offload counterfeit goods. Here’s how to analyze a potential partner and spot the warning signs.
Understanding the ‘Labubu Premium’: A Pricing Analysis
The first red flag is often price. Due to the immense global demand for Labubu products far outstripping the official supply, a significant price premium has developed in the secondary market. Consequently, the authentic wholesale and retail prices are now considerably higher than the original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) listed on POP MART’s official sites.
A reliable method for gauging legitimate market pricing is to reference the official POP MART store on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon in the US. As a general rule of thumb for this product category, the legitimate import cost for a reseller (excluding tariffs and platform fees) is typically in the range of 45%-55% of the final Amazon retail price.
For example, if a Labubu product is listed at $80 USD on Amazon, a reasonable import cost would likely be around $40 USD. If a supplier offers you a price that is drastically lower than this benchmark, it is an almost certain indicator that the products are counterfeit.
Disclaimer: This ratio is provided as a reference for estimation purposes only and is not an exact calculation.
Red Flags in Sourcing Claims & Verifiable Credentials
Be wary of suppliers who use vague sourcing claims like “factory direct,” “overstock,” or “customs surplus.” A legitimate supplier should be able to provide transparent and verifiable proof of their procurement process.
Demand to see evidence that their stock comes from official channels. Key credentials include:
- Official Invoices or Purchase Receipts: Documents showing legitimate purchase transactions.
- Photos of Official Logistics Boxes: Images of their inventory arriving in POP MART’s distinctly branded logistics turnover boxes.
A supplier’s refusal or inability to provide such evidence is a major red flag.
Seller Deception and the Importance of a Money-Back Guarantee
Unscrupulous sellers may intentionally mix counterfeit items in with genuine stock to increase their margins. To protect your business and your investment, it is critical to partner only with suppliers who offer a clear, unambiguous, 100% money-back guarantee specifically covering authenticity issues. This policy demonstrates confidence in their own supply chain and provides you with essential commercial protection.
DEBUNKED: The Myth of the “Authorized Wholesale Distributor”
This is one of the most critical pieces of information for any B2B buyer in the POP MART ecosystem. There is a pervasive and dangerous myth of the “Authorized Distributor” that needs to be debunked.
The core fact is this: Any entity claiming to be an “Authorized Wholesale Distributor” of POP MART products for overseas markets is making a false statement.
This is not an opinion; it is based directly on POP MART’s official business model and policies.
- Official Corporate Policy: POP MART’s official corporate cooperation page (
popmart.com.cn/home/cooperation) explicitly states that the company is not currently open for any franchise or distribution partnerships for its overseas business (including product supply). - POP MART’s Overseas Model: The brand’s international expansion relies on directly-operated channels: physical flagship stores, Robo-Shop vending machines, official country-specific websites (e.g., popmart.com/us), and official brand stores on major platforms like Amazon and Shopee. There is no third-party wholesale distribution layer in this model.
- Lack of a Verifiable List: If official distributors existed, POP MART would maintain a public, verifiable list on one of its official domains for partners to check. No such list exists.
Therefore, any “Authorization Letter” or certificate a supplier presents to you is almost certainly a forgery. These documents are created to build false trust and lure unsuspecting B2B buyers into purchasing from an unverified source.
The Real Gold Standard: Partnering with a Transparent & Verifiable Supplier
Given that official wholesale distributorships don’t exist, what is the real gold standard for sourcing authentic POP MART products? The answer lies in two key principles: Transparency and Verifiability.
Instead of searching for a non-existent “authorized” partner, B2B buyers should seek out an independent, expert supplier who demonstrates the following qualities:
- Honesty and Transparency: A trustworthy partner will be upfront about their status. They will not lie or make false claims about being “officially authorized.” Their business is built on trust and expertise, not deception.
- A Verifiable Supply Chain: While they may not be “authorized,” a reliable supplier can prove the legitimacy of their inventory. They should be willing and able to provide the types of procurement evidence discussed in section (IV), proving their products originate from legitimate sources.
- Professional Expertise: A valuable partner does more than just sell boxes. They understand the market, provide insights, and are committed to protecting their clients from the risks of the counterfeit trade.
Ultimately, the safest way to procure inventory is to choose a partner who is committed to proving the authenticity of every item they sell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Labubu Authenticity
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from both collectors and business clients regarding Labubu authenticity.
For Consumers (B2C)
“What should I do if my QR code doesn’t work or shows it’s been scanned before?”
If a QR code is invalid or has been previously scanned, treat it as a major red flag. A brand-new product should always show a “First Time Verification” message from the official m-gss.popmart.com domain. If it doesn’t, you should question the item’s authenticity and contact your seller immediately.
“I bought a Labubu from a marketplace like eBay or Vinted. How can I be sure it’s real?”
When buying from secondary marketplaces, it’s crucial to perform the entire 14-point checklist outlined in this guide. Pay extremely close attention to the seller’s reputation, their own photos of the item (not just stock images), and whether they can prove its origin. The risk on these platforms is significantly higher.
“Can a fake Labubu look almost identical to a real one?”
Yes, the best “super fakes” can look very convincing at a glance. That is why a multi-point inspection is necessary. Counterfeiters might get a few details right, but they consistently fail on key points like the internal bag printing, the quality of the foot stamp, and the official QR code verification system.
For Businesses (B2B)
“So, are you an ‘official’ or ‘authorized’ POP MART distributor?”
No, and this is a critical point of transparency. As we’ve explained, POP MART does not currently operate an overseas authorized wholesale distributor program. Any business claiming this title is being dishonest. We are a reliable, independent supplier that proves our legitimacy through a fully transparent and verifiable sourcing process, not through false claims of authorization.
“How does a supplier like Zebraup guarantee the authenticity of a bulk shipment?”
We guarantee authenticity through a strict, multi-layered sourcing and verification protocol. We procure our inventory only from legitimate channels and can provide verifiable proof of origin. Our commitment is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee for any authenticity-related issues, ensuring our clients operate with zero risk.
“Are there specific Labubu series that are more commonly counterfeited?”
Generally, the most popular and in-demand series are the primary targets for counterfeiters. This includes blockbuster series like The Monsters – Tasty Macarons and other highly sought-after collaborations. However, buyers should assume that any series can be targeted and apply the same rigorous verification standards to all products.
Conclusion: Your Knowledge is Your Best Defense
In the exciting world of POP MART collectibles, navigating the market can be as challenging as it is rewarding. As we’ve detailed, counterfeiters are a persistent threat, but they are not invincible.
Your greatest asset is knowledge. By mastering the 14-Point Authenticity Checklist—paying special attention to the decisive tells like the internal bag printing and the official QR code system—you can confidently identify the vast majority of fakes. For business buyers, this knowledge must extend to your procurement intelligence: analyzing market pricing, demanding verifiable proof of origin, and, most importantly, seeing through the pervasive myth of the “Authorized Distributor.”
While these inspection skills are powerful, the ultimate security and peace of mind come from partnering with a supplier who prioritizes transparency above all else. A trustworthy partner doesn’t hide behind false claims; they build confidence by proving the integrity of their supply chain.
Your collection and your business deserve the assurance of 100% authenticity. Use this guide as your permanent resource, and you will always be equipped to make smart, safe, and valuable investments in the Labubu universe.
