Among the items recently seized by Chinese customs are hundreds of Labubu dolls – a series of fluffy toys with quirky faces and sharp teeth that have sparked a collecting frenzy in several countries, even leading to scuffles among buyers outside stores.
Even in China, where Pop Mart is headquartered and most of these plush toys are produced, fans find it challenging to get their hands on an authentic Labubu. At one point, in bustling Beijing malls, the shelves were completely empty, except for a few display models locked behind glass.
“Labubu usually sells out within seconds of the release,” Evelyn Lin, a fan, told CNN. “It’s almost impossible to purchase Labubu through official channels.”
(Photo: AFP)
With the scarcity, many fans turn to unofficial sources, including smuggled goods, to acquire their desired Labubu dolls.
According to CNN’s statistics based on official announcements, a total of 462 Labubu toys have been confiscated by Chinese customs officials from April to date. A video posted by the General Administration of Customs of China on social media showcased the seizure of Labubu dolls, captioned as “intended for resale at a profit,” and affirmed that such behavior is dealt with according to regulations. However, the announcement did not specify whether the smugglers would be prosecuted.
Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong-based illustrator Kasing Lung, who first introduced the character in 2015. Since then, it has cultivated a dedicated fan base. Recently, Labubu’s popularity skyrocketed, especially after celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from Blackpink adopted them as lucky charms.
During Paris Fashion Week 2025, Labubu was spotted as a fashionable accessory among the style-savvy attendees. An image of a guest carrying a Hermes bag adorned with a Labubu doll quickly circulated.
According to Cover News, a blind box from the latest Labubu 3.0 series originally retailed for 584 Chinese yuan (about $81), but it is now being resold on the secondary market for 1,000 to 2,000 yuan (approximately $139 to $278).
In its annual financial report, Pop Mart reported a global gross profit increase of over 125% in the past year. Revenue in mainland China exceeded $1.09 billion, a 34% surge compared to 2023.
The surge in cross-border resale of Pop Mart toys, especially rare editions with skyrocketing prices, blurs the line between buying on behalf of others and smuggling. Several Chinese customs authorities have noted instances of passengers carrying large quantities of undeclared toys, exceeding the permissible limit.
In recent months, Chinese customs officials have repeatedly intercepted the illegal transportation of Pop Mart toys, including popular lines such as Labubu and Molly, by passengers intending to resell them for profit.
In one instance, 318 toys were confiscated from three passengers at an international airport in Hunan Province. In another case, a passenger at Xinqiao International Airport in Hefei, Anhui Province, was found carrying 94 toys, all intended for resale, according to the General Administration of Customs of China.
Chinese law stipulates that transporting undeclared goods exceeding personal limits for profit is considered smuggling. If the evaded tax amount surpasses 50,000 yuan (approximately $6,960), the offense is subject to criminal prosecution, with potential penalties including life imprisonment.
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