Fans beware! Fake Labubu dolls in Sweden found to contain hazardous chemical
Authorities in Sweden have issued a health warning after thousands of counterfeit Labubu dolls were found to contain dangerously high levels of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a toxic chemical used to soften plastics, media reports said.
The Swedish Chemicals Agency confirmed that the fake dolls, seized by customs officials, contained DEHP at levels far exceeding safe limits.
Around 5,300 counterfeit dolls have been confiscated so far.
DEHP, a colorless and nearly odourless liquid, is commonly added to plastics to increase flexibility.
However, multiple studies and health agencies have linked the substance to serious health risks, including potential harm to the reproductive, renal, and nervous systems.
“These counterfeit dolls pose a clear danger, especially to children who may handle or play with them,” the agency warned.
Celebrity-favourite toy turned counterfeit craze
Originally designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, the Labubu doll gained international fame for its quirky, expressive design and limited-edition appeal.
Sold by Pop Mart, the dolls retail between ₹1,744 ($20) and ₹3,488 ($40) in blind boxes, where buyers do not know which figurine they will receive until opening.
The toy’s cult following, which includes celebrities like Rihanna, Cher, and Kim Kardashian, has fueled massive demand and a flood of pirated copies on global markets.
The craze has also propelled Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning into China’s billionaire elite-he is now ranked as the 10th richest person in the country and the youngest among China’s wealthiest, alongside TikTok founder Zhang Yiming, Xiaomi’s Lei Jun, and Nongfu Spring’s Zhong Shanshan.
How to spot a fake Labubu?
Collectors and parents are being urged to verify their Labubu dolls using the following checks:
Tooth Count: A genuine Labubu has exactly nine teeth.
Face Colour: Real dolls feature a peach-pink matte finish; counterfeits tend to look shinier or paler.
Packaging: Authentic versions come in matte blind boxes with a scannable QR code; fake ones often have glossy or blurred printing.
Foot Seal: True Labubus have a UV-reactive seal on the right foot, missing in counterfeits.
Accessories & Stitching: Real dolls use high-quality fabric and clean stitching, while knock-offs show poor craftsmanship and mismatched accessories.
The Swedish Chemicals Agency has urged consumers to purchase toys only from verified retailers and avoid online marketplaces known for counterfeit goods.
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