Toxic Toys: Why Israel is Banning Specific Models of the Popular Labubu Doll

The Ministry of Economy and Industry has issued a severe warning to the public regarding the safety of several models of the Labubu doll, a collectible toy that has become a global phenomenon over the past year. Following a series of sample tests conducted by the Commissioner of Standardization through the Standards Institution of Israel, authorities determined that multiple versions of the popular doll fail to meet the official Israeli safety standards for toys. The ministry has ordered an immediate halt to the use of these specific models, citing significant risks to the health and safety of consumers, particularly young children.

The investigation revealed multiple critical failures in the manufacturing and labeling of the products. Specifically, several models were found to contain illegal levels of phthalates, specifically DBP and DEHP. These chemical substances are known to have adverse effects on human health and are strictly regulated in products intended for children. Furthermore, a specific model carrying the barcode 6952478331657 was found to possess small detachable parts and long loops. These design flaws present a high risk of choking or strangulation for children under the age of three.

Another major concern raised by the Commissioner is the lack of proper labeling. Many of the problematic dolls were marketed without any importer or manufacturer details and lacked mandatory Hebrew labeling. Israeli law requires all toys to display the importer's information, a recommended age for use, and specific safety warnings. The absence of this information often indicates that the product has bypassed the rigorous testing required for official import. The Ministry of Economy emphasized that under the Standards Law of 1953, it is illegal to manufacture, sell, or import any product that does not comply with these safety requirements.

The Labubu doll, which originated as an art project by a Hong Kong illustrator and is produced in China, has grown into an international consumer trend worth hundreds of millions of dollars. However, the Commissioner of Standardization warned that the popularity of the toy does not exempt it from safety laws. The Standardization Administration will continue to carry out proactive inspections of products subject to official standards, and those who fail to comply may face administrative and criminal sanctions. Members of the public who possess these dolls are urged to check the labeling and barcodes immediately and stop using any models that do not meet the legal requirements.