Counterfeit Labubu Shipments Seized at Seattle-Tacoma Airport
Over 11,000 counterfeit Labubu dolls, disguised as LED bulbs, were intercepted at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. This significant bust took place on August 26 when officers were inspecting incoming air cargo.
The shipment originated in Korea and contained 11,134 fake dolls valued at approximately $513,937.76 if they were genuine. Officials noted that this shipment violated intellectual property rights laws and involved prohibited goods.
Interestingly, the cargo was labeled incorrectly as “LED bulbs.” There are indications that arrests may follow this discovery.
These fake dolls, often referred to as Roughfass, have been flooding online markets, especially given the growing demand for the authentic versions made by Pop Mart.
Other Recent Seizures
In a related incident, a border officer in St. Louis found over 400 counterfeit Super Bowl rings. The rise in counterfeit items has raised concerns about safety, especially concerning fake dolls, which the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Board (CPSC) warns may pose choking hazards due to small parts and potentially dangerous chemicals.
Earlier this month, authorities in London also alerted consumers about similar products, citing risks associated with toxic substances in these dolls.
Increased Vigilance
Following Germany’s legalization of cannabis, Austrian police are reportedly increasing border checks. This move likely represents a broader initiative to crack down on illegal imports, including counterfeit products.
For those looking to distinguish real Labubu dolls from fakes, collectors often advise looking for overly bright colors and missing holographic Pop Mart stickers. Authentic dolls typically have unique features, like clear identification markings.
CBP officials have expressed appreciation for the diligence shown during this operation. In a light-hearted remark, Brian Humphrey, CBP’s Seattle Operations Director, commended his team for their meticulous work and added a note of humor about the unwelcomeness of counterfeit dolls in the U.S.
