Getting the Labubu Year of the Horse series to the Netherlands without retail markups
Analyzing the Labubu Year of the Horse hype
The Pop Mart Labubu 'Year of the Horse' series, released in February 2026, has quickly become the most coveted collectible of the year. While the craze is most visible in Thailand, collectors in the Netherlands are finding it increasingly difficult to source these items locally without paying massive secondary market premiums. This specific series celebrates the 2026 zodiac with intricate designs that blend Labubu's mischievous aesthetic with traditional equine motifs.
Because the demand in Asia has exhausted local supplies, the US market has emerged as the most reliable source for authentic units at retail prices. However, Dutch collectors face the "hidden barrier" of geographical shipping restrictions and the complexity of transatlantic logistics.
Finding US inventory for the 2026 series
To secure a complete set or specific blind boxes, shopping at US-based retailers is your best strategy. Official outlets and specialized toy boutiques in the United States often have stock allocations that are separate from the depleted Asian markets. To access these stores, you need a tax-free us address provided by a reliable freight forwarder like comGateway. This allows you to shop like a US resident, avoiding local state taxes and gaining access to retailers that do not offer direct international shipping to Europe.
Reviewing shipping estimates for the Netherlands
Before you place your order, it is important to understand the logistics profile of these collectibles. Using a shipping calculator can help you budget for the total cost of delivery from the US to your doorstep in the Netherlands.
| Item Type | Estimated Weight | Box Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Single Blind Box | 0.25 kg (0.5 lbs) | Small (approx. 10x10x15 cm) |
| Full Case (12 units) | 1.8 kg (4 lbs) | Medium (approx. 30x20x20 cm) |
| Mega Labubu 1000% | 6.5 kg (14 lbs) | Bulky (approx. 80x45x35 cm) |
Volumetric weight warning
While standard blind boxes are light, the larger "Mega" or plush versions of the Labubu Year of the Horse series are prone to volumetric weight charges. If the box is large but light, carriers like DHL or FedEx will charge based on the space the package occupies rather than its actual weight. Always check if your international shipping service offers package consolidation to minimize these costs.
Battery and electronic components
The 2026 Year of the Horse series consists primarily of PVC and plush materials. These items do not contain lithium batteries, meaning they are not subject to the strict "Dangerous Goods" regulations that apply to electronics. You can ship them through standard air freight without additional battery handling fees.
Solving payment blocks with proxy shopping
A significant obstacle for Dutch collectors is the payment wall. Many US retailers, including the official Pop Mart US store and major toy distributors, often block international credit cards or decline orders if the billing address does not match a US domestic location. Even if you have a valid forwarding address, your order may be cancelled at the checkout stage.
The solution to this problem is proxy shopping. Through comGateway’s "BuyForMe" service, we handle the transaction for you. We use a US-issued payment card to purchase the Labubu figures on your behalf, ensuring the order is accepted. This is the safest way to guarantee your limited edition Year of the Horse figures are secured before they sell out. This service eliminates the frustration of regional payment blocks and ensures you don't miss out on the 2026 zodiac drop.
Calculating Dutch import tax and VAT
When importing goods from the United States to the Netherlands, you must account for import tax and Value Added Tax (VAT). As of 2026, the Netherlands applies a standard VAT rate of 21% on all commercial imports from outside the EU. Packages are also subject to customs clearance fees charged by the local courier, such as PostNL or DHL.
To avoid surprises, you should read our guide on import tax and duties. For high-value collectibles like the Mega Labubu series, ensure you have the original invoice ready for customs inspection to prevent delays at the Schiphol logistics hub.
Following the step-by-step forwarding process
If you are new to US-to-Netherlands shipping, follow this how it works step-by-step guide to get started. The process is straightforward: you receive your US address, shop at your favorite stores, and once your Labubu figures arrive at the warehouse, you select your preferred international shipping service for the final leg of the journey.
By using a freight forwarder, you gain the ability to consolidate multiple orders into one box, which significantly reduces the price compared to shipping each blind box individually. This is especially useful if you are also sourcing other US-exclusive merch from brands like Nike or Sephora that are difficult to find in the Netherlands. Start by visiting comGateway to set up your account and prepare for the 2026 Year of the Horse release.
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