Labubu, the highly sought-after monster from Pop Mart's "The Monsters" series, has unfortunately become a prime target for counterfeiters. The market is flooded with imitations, often affectionately termed "Lafufus." For collectors, distinguishing an authentic Labubu from a fake is crucial to ensuring the value and integrity of their collection. This guide outlines comprehensive methods to help you identify a real Labubu.

The Importance of Authenticity

The overwhelming popularity and high resale value of certain Labubu figures have made them attractive to those who produce fakes. These counterfeits can range from obvious poor-quality copies to highly sophisticated imitations that can deceive even experienced collectors. Understanding how to authenticate your Labubu protects your investment, prevents disappointment, and supports the legitimate artist and brand.

Key Authentication Checkpoints

When evaluating a Labubu figure, a meticulous examination of several key areas is necessary. It is advisable to look for multiple inconsistencies, as relying on just one factor might not be sufficient, especially with increasingly clever fakes.

1. Packaging Assessment

The packaging provides the first layer of defense against counterfeits.

• Finish and Feel: Authentic Labubu boxes typically have a matte finish and a smooth texture. The colors printed on the box are usually muted or pastel. In contrast, fake packaging often has a glossy or shiny appearance, with overly vibrant or bright colors, and sometimes a rough or textured feel.
• Print Quality: Genuine boxes feature crisp, clean printing with sharp details. Counterfeit boxes might display blurry images, pixelated graphics, or fuzzy text. Examine small details like the trash can symbol on the back of the box; on an authentic box, the arrow within this symbol often has rounded corners, while fakes might show square corners.
• Holographic Sticker: Most official Labubu boxes include a holographic POP MART sticker, often with a QR code, serving as an authenticity seal. On a genuine product, this sticker is of high quality; the "POP MART" text is neatly printed with a subtle 3D or holographic effect. On a fake, the hologram may appear cheap, with flat or distorted lettering and a lack of depth or shine.
• Text and Spelling: All logos and text on the box, including "POP MART" and "The Monsters," should be perfectly spelled and well-aligned. Any typos, misaligned logos, or general poor print quality are strong indicators of a counterfeit.

2. QR Code Verification

Pop Mart uses a QR code system for product verification, which is a powerful tool.

• Location: The QR code is usually found on the box, sometimes on a hang tag, or on an accompanying authenticity card.
• Scanning Process: Use your smartphone's camera or a QR code scanner app to scan the code. A legitimate Labubu's QR code should direct you instantly to Pop Mart's official verification page. The legitimate URLs typically include fwsy.popmart.com or m-gss.popmart.com.
• Beware of Redirects and Delays: Be extremely cautious if the QR code leads to any website that is not ^{an official Pop Mart domain, or if it produces an error. Some counterfeiters create fake QR codes that redirect to imitation sites or unexpected webpages. A1} significant red flag is if the QR code initially opens a blank or odd page and then, after a noticeable delay, redirects to the real Pop Mart site. Genuine codes should take you directly to Pop Mart's page without strange redirects or lag.
• Code Clarity: The QR code printing on genuine boxes is sharp and crisp. On fakes, the code may appear blurred or pixelated^{, indicating lower print quality. If a code is too blurry to scan properly,2} it is suspicious.
• Older Models: It is important to note that some older authentic Labubu releases, especially those prior to approximately 2023, did not incorporate QR codes. If your Labubu lacks a QR code but is an older series, this might be normal, and you will need to rely more heavily on other authentication signs.

3. Figure Details: Face, Teeth, and Build

The Labubu figure itself holds crucial clues to its authenticity.

• Face and Finish: A real Labubu's face has a smooth, matte finish with crisp, precise paint lines. The eyes are typically glossy and appear to be inset into the vinyl. The blush on the cheeks is usually soft and airbrushed, blending seamlessly. Fake Labubus often have sloppy paintwork, unpolished or uneven features, and blush that is dark, poorly applied, or streaky.
• Teeth: Authentic Labubu figures typically have exactly nine teeth. These teeth may vary slightly in shape and size but should grow directly from a blue line with clear, distinct gaps between each tooth. Counterfeits often have fewer or more than nine teeth, or the teeth might be poorly painted, connected without distinct spacing, or show a noticeable gap between the blue line and the teeth.
• Material Quality (Vinyl Figures): Genuine vinyl figures feel substantial and have a smooth, consistent finish. Fakes may feel lighter, have a plasticky or rough texture, and show inconsistencies in the molding, such as visible seams or rough edges.
• Material Quality (Plush Dolls): Authentic Labubu plush dolls feature soft, fluffy fur with seamless, clean stitching. Counterfeits often use coarse, cheap materials, have visible stitches, and frayed threads.

4. Foot Markings and UV Light Test

Specific markings on the figure's feet and a UV light test can provide strong evidence.

• Pop Mart Logo Stamp: Many genuine Labubu figures have a clear Pop Mart logo embossed or printed on the left foot. This marking should be crisp, correctly spelled, and well-aligned. If there is no logo, a blurry imprint, or misspellings, it is a red flag.
• UV Light Test (for newer models): For recent editions of Labubu (typically from 2024 onwards), a seal on the right foot is detectable only by UV lighting. Shining a black light on the foot should reveal a silhouette of the specific Labubu version you have (e.g., a sitting Labubu silhouette for the "Have a Seat" series). The nose of some authentic Labubu figures may also glow under UV light, while fakes generally show no reaction or glow. It is important to note that while some advanced fakes may attempt to replicate UV markings, they are often less sharp or defined.

5. Identity Card and Inclusions

Authentic Labubu figures usually come with additional items.

• Identity Card: Real Labubu figures often include a well-printed identity card in pastel tones, with sharp and clear print quality. Fakes may lack this card or provide one with blurry, low-quality prints.
• Desiccant Packet: Authentic products often include a desiccant packet with clear, dark logos. Fakes may omit this or have poor-quality packaging for the desiccant.

Where to Purchase to Minimize Risk

The most reliable way to ensure you are buying an authentic Labubu is to purchase from trusted sources:

• Pop Mart's Official Website: This is the most direct and reliable source for new releases and restocks.
• Official Pop Mart Retail Stores: Visiting a physical Pop Mart store guarantees authenticity.
• Authorized Retailers: Pop Mart partners with authorized retailers globally. Look for official Pop Mart branding and confirm the retailer's legitimacy.
• Reputable Secondary Marketplaces with Authentication Services: Platforms that offer their own rigorous authentication processes for collectible items can provide an added layer of security, though no system is entirely foolproof.

Final Advice for Collectors

• Record Unboxing Videos: Always record a full unboxing video from the moment you receive a sealed package. This serves as important evidence if you need to dispute an inauthentic product.
• Compare with Verified Images: When in doubt, search for images of the authentic figure online from reputable sources and compare them meticulously with the one you are considering. Look for even subtle differences.
• Be Skeptical of "Too Good to Be True" Prices: If a price for a Labubu figure seems significantly lower than its typical market value, it is a major red flag.
• Consult the Community: The Labubu collecting community on platforms like Reddit and dedicated Facebook groups is an invaluable resource. Members are often willing to offer advice, share their experiences, and help identify fakes.

By adopting a meticulous approach and using these detailed checkpoints, collectors can significantly increase their confidence in identifying genuine Labubu figures and safeguarding their collection from counterfeits.