Counterfeit Labubu figures have flooded the market. With fakes getting better every month, knowing how to authenticate is no longer optional—it is essential. This guide covers every verification method available in 2026, from packaging checks to the new NFC tags.
Step 1: Packaging Verification
Box quality: Authentic Pop Mart boxes use matte-finish cardboard with precise dimensions and UV-resistant ink. Counterfeits typically use glossy, flimsy cardboard that reflects light unevenly.
Hologram sticker: Check the upper-right corner. Genuine seals show sharp, multi-layered POP MART logos that shift in depth when tilted. Fakes flatten or blur the image.
QR code: Scan through the Pop Mart app. A green "Authentic" tick confirms legitimacy. If the code leads nowhere or shows an error, it is fake.
Step 2: NFC Tag Verification (2025+ Figures)
Since spring 2025, Pop Mart has embedded NFC tags under the bottom flap of all blind boxes. Tap with your phone to launch the verification portal. This is the most reliable method for recent releases—counterfeits cannot replicate NFC chips cost-effectively.
Step 3: Physical Tests
- Weight: Genuine 4-inch Labubu figures weigh 182–187 grams. Fakes typically weigh 168–175g or 194–203g.
- Sound: Tap with a fingernail. Authentic figures produce a dull, substantial thunk. Counterfeits rattle or ring.
- Paint quality: Examine eyes and teeth closely. Authentic figures have clean, sharp paint lines. Fakes show bleeding, uneven coverage, or visible brush strokes.
- Joint flexibility: Authentic Labubu has smooth, springy movement with 120° rotation at shoulders and hips. Counterfeits show stiff movement or audible grinding.
Step 4: UV Light Test
Recent 2024-2025 figures have a micro-silhouette of Labubu on the right foot visible only under UV light. This anti-counterfeiting mark was added after 2023 and is extremely difficult to replicate.
Step 5: Serial Code Verification
Authentic figures have laser-etched serial codes on the base. Fake codes are inkjet-printed and will smudge if you rub with an alcohol swab. The serial number on the base must match both the QR code and the box bottom code.
Where to Buy Safely
The safest channels are Pop Mart's official stores, the Pop Mart app, and authorized specialty retailers. Avoid marketplace sellers without verified authorization badges. For independent plush brands like Labubu Box, buy from our official store where every item is authenticated and photographed before shipping.
