China’s Labubu Plush Toy Frenzy: Customs Seizures and Smuggling Rise
A recent surge in demand for Pop Mart’s Labubu plush toys has led to a significant increase in customs seizures and smuggling in China. According to CNN, Chinese customs agents have confiscated hundreds of the highly sought-after toys in recent months.
In a recent display, two Chinese customs agents unveiled a stash of seized Labubus, including dozens of the toothy, fluffy figurines that have sparked buying frenzies around the world. The toys were seized as part of a crackdown on smuggling, with authorities stating that they were intended "for profit by resale" and were seized in accordance with the law.
The popularity of Labubu has been soaring in recent months, with stars including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink wearing the toys like lucky charms. The toys were even spotted at Paris Fashion Week this year. However, this increased demand has led to a shortage of the toys in China, where Pop Mart is based and most of its toys are made.
When CNN recently visited a Pop Mart store at a bustling shopping mall in downtown Beijing, Labubu dolls were nowhere to be found on shelves, with only display samples remaining in glass cabinets. Longtime Pop Mart fan Evelyn Lin told CNN that Labubus are typically "sold out in seconds" when released.
"It’s almost impossible to get a Labubu via the official channels," she said. Fans are instead turning to unusual sources, including buying from smugglers. A total of 462 Pop Mart toys have been confiscated by customs authorities across China since April, according to a CNN compilation of multiple official posts.
Details and footage of one seizure were posted by China’s Customs Administration on social media, which stated that the toys were seized in accordance with the law. However, the post did not say whether any of the Labubu smugglers faced other legal consequences.
Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, and it has quietly built a loyal following since its 2015 debut. But in recent months, the bunny-bodied, elf-faced creature — equal parts grotesque and adorable — has soared in popularity.
According to Chinese state-owned media outlet Cover News, a blind box from the latest Labubu 3.0 series, originally priced at 584 yuan ($81), has been selling for between 1,000 ($139) and 2,000 yuan ($278) on the second-hand market.
Pop Mart’s annual results show that the company’s global gross profit surged by over 125% last year, while its revenue in mainland China reached more than $1.09 billion, 34% higher than 2023.
However, buying from resellers carries risks. Kate Yang, a Beijing resident and Labubu enthusiast, told CNN that her two last purchases from resellers both turned out to be fakes.
"Because they are not available on official platforms, if you’re in a rush to get a gift for a friend, you just can’t manage to get the popular ones in time," said Yang. "You can only pay extra to buy from resale platforms."
The rise of Labubu smuggling and customs seizures highlights the challenges faced by consumers in getting their hands on the highly sought-after toys. As demand continues to soar, it remains to be seen how Pop Mart and authorities will respond to the growing trend.
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For more news and updates on the Labubu plush toy frenzy, visit CNN.
Sources:
- CNN
- China’s Customs Administration
- Cover News
- Pop Mart
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