False Labubo for Millions: How China is fighting copies in Lafufu style

In China and the US, there is an incredible demand for labub dolls, but more and more people are choosing their cheap analogues – Lafufu. Thus, despite the Chinese authorities’ attempts to stop forgery, Lafufu diverges thousands and gradually becomes part of a culture of consumption.

At the bazaar in the Chinese province of Hebei, Labuba is no longer exposed in showcases, packed in large packages, or put in a car for sale. However, it is not about the original POP Mart dolls, but about their copies, which received a joking name – Lafufu. Collectors have invented several other names for analogues, such as Lagoho, Lababa, and Lapup.

In June, POP Mart reported a striking increase in profit by almost 400% in the first half of 2025. At the same time, sales of counterfeit products also increased, leading to a wave of memes and videos on social networks.

Most copies are made in Guandun and Hebi; they can be found in stores all over China, as well as abroad. Although the United States and the United Kingdom warn of the danger of small details in these toys, the demand for Lafuf remains strong.

Chinese authorities have been attempting to control the situation, but since the beginning of the year, over 1.8 million fake dolls, intended for export, have been confiscated. State media urge the protection of more intellectual property rights, as fakes harm China’s reputation as a country of innovation.

The reasons for the popularity of Lafuf are varied. For example, 50-year-old Daniel Horres from Texas said, “These are the sweetest, most creative creatures I have ever seen.” Her 11-year-old daughter bought Lafufu at a flea market for only $ 20, and the family even gave a toy name-Gary.

Their availability attracts Lafufu, because the prices for them are much lower than the original. In addition, many dolls have the opportunity to sing and dance – functions that are not present in real labub.

Mao, a 29-year-old from Fujian, believes that the original Labuba has become too expensive. If its price was 99 yuan, it has increased significantly. On the official site, POP Mart offers simple models starting at 499 yuan, and more popular series are even more expensive, which they cannot afford.

In the secondary market, the cost of some dolls that cost 199 yuan has increased to 2000. In the US, prices are even higher, which also increases the demand for used options.

In Labub’s social networks, they have become a symbol of fashion – they are attached even to expensive Birkin bags. However, Chorres chooses her own style: “I don’t want to be part of a trend with Labubu and Birkin. I am for Lafufu and Birkin with Walmart.”

The volume of fake sales is striking: one of the Dunguan manufacturers reported that in July, it sold 160,000 counterfeits, receiving 2 million yuan. About half of exports are directed to the United States.

Despite the efforts of the authorities to strengthen control, China remains the primary source of counterfeiting. In 2023, 84% of the cost of counterfeit goods withdrawn from the United States was related to Chinese production.

Last year, more than 21,000 cases were broken in the country, but the scale of the problem leaves much to be desired.

The Dunguan factory also produces a lagoga – a variant with light ears for 18.8 yuan. Up to 40,000 such toys go from the conveyor every month. The factory manager assures that Lagoho is not a fake, because it does not copy the brand. However, Lafufu is another story, as their appearance is similar to the originals.

In June, China’s customs officers confiscated tens of thousands of Lafufa with the Pop Mart logo, and the company itself applied for registration of the Lafufa brand to protect its interests.

Two Lafuf manufacturers reported that after arrests of colleagues, they were forced to act more carefully, and a local bazaar in Hedbeau, where they sold fakes, was completely closed on July 2.

However, while consumers, such as Mao Mao, are not ready to pay for expensive originals, the fake market will continue to exist.

“Fakes have become so high quality that it is difficult to notice the difference. And they cost many times less,” Mao adds, claiming that Lafufu is a way to say no to “no” fashion trends.