Labubus Dolls Face Labour Scandal: Underage Workers, Blank Contracts Exposed
Remember Labubus? Those furry dolls with oversized eyes and a mischievous grin captured the internet's heart in 2025. They are making headlines again, but for troubling reasons this time. A labour rights NGO has exposed exploitative practices at a factory producing these quirky toys.
Factory Violations Uncovered in Jiangxi Province
China Labor Watch, a New York-based organisation, investigated Shunjia Toys in Xinfeng county, Jiangxi province. The factory employs over 4,500 workers who make only Labubus dolls. Investigators found multiple labour violations during a three-month probe in 2025.
They interviewed more than 50 employees, including three under 18 years old. The factory hired 16- and 17-year-olds without providing legal protections required for young workers. These underage workers did not understand the contracts they signed. They had no clear concept of their legal status.
Blank Contracts and Unrealistic Targets
Workers routinely signed blank labour contracts at Shunjia Toys. They received no more than five minutes to complete the process. Management told them explicitly not to read or fill in other sections. Employees also faced unrealistic production targets.
Teams of 25 to 30 workers had to assemble at least 4,000 Labubus toys per day. Chinese law limits monthly overtime to 36 hours. Workers reported frequently exceeding 100 extra hours each month. The pressure on employees was immense.
Production Capacity and Market Demand
Shunjia Toys has an official annual production capacity of 12 million units. The factory planned to expand to 33 million by late 2025. CLW's findings suggest actual production already surpasses official figures. Two teams alone produce more than 24 million units annually.
Li Qiang, executive director of CLW, explained this gap. "When market demand rises rapidly, production often expands well beyond planned levels," he said. "The resulting pressure is borne directly by workers." This situation is not uncommon in China's manufacturing sector.
Pop Mart's Response and Sales Figures
Labubus dolls are part of Pop Mart's "Monsters" line. They generated 4.8 billion yuan in sales during the first half of 2025. Pop Mart's CEO Wang Ning said the company was on track to reach 20 billion yuan in revenue for the year.
A Pop Mart spokesperson responded to the report. "We take the welfare and safety of workers at our OEM factories very seriously," the spokesperson stated. The company conducts regular, standardised audits of its supply chain partners. These include annual independent third-party audits by internationally recognised firms.
Pop Mart is currently investigating the matter. The company will strengthen supply chain audit and oversight mechanisms going forward. Should the findings be substantiated, Pop Mart will require partners to implement comprehensive corrective actions.
Broader Labour Issues in Chinese Manufacturing
CLW's report noted that such labour issues are common in China's manufacturing sector. Workers often endure long hours and low pay across many factories. The case highlights ongoing challenges in global supply chains.
Consumers who adore Labubus dolls now face a moral dilemma. The cute, collectible toys come with a hidden human cost. This scandal puts pressure on Pop Mart to ensure ethical production practices.
