ROUGH DRAFT IN PROGRESS
Identifying Genuine Pop Market Labubu's
In todays post we will be covering a manufacturers provided guide to identifying genuine Labubu Pop Market collectable figurines
From niche art toy exhibitions to global social media dominance, POP MART’s Labubu, the charming, long-eared monster created by artist Kasing Lung, has captured the hearts of a worldwide audience. This surge in popularity has transformed Labubu from a simple collectible into a cultural phenomenon, driving immense demand from both passionate individual collectors and commercial retailers alike.
However, with great popularity comes a significant and unavoidable risk: the proliferation of illegal counterfeit products. While many may use the common term “fake,” it is crucial to understand that these items are technically counterfeits—unauthorized replicas manufactured with the specific intent to deceive consumers and infringe upon intellectual property rights. These illicit products not only dilute the market but also pose tangible risks to fans and businesses.
This definitive guide is created to serve as your most trusted resource. We will provide a systematic, in-depth comparison to empower you—whether you’re a dedicated collector making a personal purchase or a B2B buyer securing inventory—to confidently distinguish official Labubu figures from sophisticated counterfeits and protect your investment.
Counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated, but their products inevitably fail when subjected to a detailed, multi-point inspection. Genuine POP MART products are defined by their commitment to quality control, a standard that illicit copies cannot reach.
Use this forensic checklist to systematically examine any Labubu product you acquire. We will move from the physical figure to its packaging and, finally, to the definitive digital verification methods.
Start with a close inspection of the vinyl figure. The subtlest details often reveal the truth.
1. Facial Details (Eyes, Teeth, and Brow)- Genuine: The eyes are lively and appear natural. The brow bone is slightly pronounced, creating facial depth. The figure features nine clean, white teeth with sharply defined edges. All printed elements, like eyes, nose, and cheek blush, are applied with natural-looking precision.
- Counterfeit: The eyes often look dull or lifeless. The brow area is flat, lacking a distinct ridge. Tooth count can vary (8-10) and their edges are blurry. Facial colors appear unevenly applied or splotchy.
2. Head Shape (Side and Back Profile)- Genuine: The head exhibits a natural, smooth curvature on both the side profile and the back of the head.
- Counterfeit: The head often appears flattened on the sides and back, lacking a gradual, organic curve.
3. Hand Construction- Genuine: The hands are smooth, with no visible seams from the vinyl molding process.
- Counterfeit: A clear mold line or seam is often visible on the hands, indicating a cheaper manufacturing process. The parts of the hand can look segmented.
4. Hair/Fur Texture- Genuine: The fur, especially noticeable on the figure’s back, is smooth with a uniform, orderly direction. It feels fine to the touch without any catching, and it sits tightly against the body with no loose edges.
- Counterfeit: The fur texture is chaotic and disordered, with tufts that may be crossed or pointing upwards. Some areas might be sparse or matted. It feels coarse and dry when touched.
5. Toes and Foot Paint Application- Genuine: Each foot has three distinct toenails with even, clean paint application and a sharp border. Crucially, the paint does not bleed or stain onto the sole of the foot.
- Counterfeit: The toenail paint is uneven with poorly defined borders. Paint often smudges or bleeds onto the sole, leaving visible marks.
6. The Sole of the Foot – Stamps & Security- Genuine: One sole will reveal a hidden security pattern when illuminated with a fluorescent (UV) light. The other sole features a clear, embossed stamp reading “POP MART” and “© Kasing” on a separate line. The debossed text has sharp edges and a smooth finish. The copyright symbol © clearly contains the letter ‘c’. (Note: The Labubu Exciting Macaron series uses black printed text instead of an embossed stamp; this method applies to most other series).
- Counterfeit: No fluorescent security pattern is visible under UV light. The embossed stamp, if present, is distorted with blurry edges and a grainy texture in the empty spaces. The copyright symbol © often appears as just a solid circle without a ‘c’ inside.
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Next, examine the items that accompany the figure.
7. The Sewn-in Label (Wash Tag)- Genuine: The text printed on the tag is a natural, solid black with sharp, clear characters. The edges of the tag are smoothly cut.
- Counterfeit: The printed text often appears faded or light gray, and the edges of the tag can be rough or frayed.
8. The Metal Clasp/Ring- Genuine: The metal hardware has a natural, consistent metallic luster.
- Counterfeit: The metal appears dull, lacking shine, and is made from a visibly lower-quality material.
9. The Paper Collector Card- Genuine: The entire card has a distinct, tangible texture across its surface. The printed colors are vibrant and natural.
- Counterfeit: The card feels smooth and lacks texture. The printed colors are often dull or muted.
10. The Desiccant Packet- Genuine: The text printed on the desiccant packet is clear, with a crisp, grayish-black font.
- Counterfeit: The printing on the packet appears grainy and less defined.
The box and internal wrapping are your first chance to spot a fake.
11. The Laser Anti-Counterfeit Sticker- Genuine: The sticker is clear and reflects light sharply.
- Counterfeit: The sticker is often blurry or poorly printed.
12. Box Color and Print Quality- Genuine: The box features vibrant, natural colors. The main character image on the front has a strong sense of dimension and depth.
- Counterfeit: The colors are often muted or dark, and the character art looks flat and lacks dimensionality.
13. The Sealed Inner Plastic Bag- Genuine: This is a critical checkpoint. The inside surface of the sealed bag is printed with a repeating pattern, often the series name in a stylized font (e.g., “Big into Energy”) or the POP MART logo.
- Counterfeit: The inner plastic bag is completely plain and unprinted, usually just a simple silver foil. To date, counterfeiters struggle to consistently replicate this internal printing, making it a powerful tell.
Physical tells are strong indicators, but the QR code system is POP MART’s definitive proof of authenticity.
14. The Dual QR Code System (Box & Wash Tag)- The Golden Rule: The Verification Code generated from scanning the QR code on the outer box must be identical to the one from the QR code on the figure’s sewn-in wash tag. A mismatch is a definitive red flag.
- The Verification Page: When you scan the QR code, carefully inspect the URL of the webpage it opens.
- Official Domain: The ONLY official verification system is hosted at: m-gss.popmart.com
- Deceptive Domains: Counterfeiters use visually similar domains to trick you, such as
popmarti.com, popmari.com, or popmart.pw. These are fake.
- The Verification Result: A brand-new, authentic product should display a message like: “Genuine. First Time Verification.” If it shows it has been verified multiple times, proceed with caution. This can indicate that an authentic QR code was stolen and is being reused on counterfeit products.
In an environment where counterfeit technology is constantly evolving, it is essential to use a holistic approach. Rely on a combination of these checkpoints to make an informed judgment. Currently, the internal bag printing and the QR code verification system remain the two most decisive methods for identifying counterfeits.
popmarti.com, popmari.com, or popmart.pw. These are fake.Part 1: The Figure Itself – Examining the Craftsmanship
Part 2: Accessories & Tags – The Supporting Evidence
Part 3: The Packaging – Your First Interaction
Part 4: The Ultimate Verification – The Digital Fingerprint
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