- The Labubu Frenzy of 2026: Why the US Market Matters
- The Danger of Local Resellers: Why Your Money is at Risk
- Securing US Exclusives: The Official Path
- Navigating Taiwan Customs: The NT$2,000 Threshold Warning
- Avoiding the Assisted Purchase Error: Getting What You Want
- The 2026 Labubu Collector’s Checklist
The Labubu Frenzy of 2026: Why the US Market Matters
It is January 2026, and the obsession with Labubu—the mischievous monster from Pop Mart—has reached a fever pitch in Taiwan. While the figures themselves are iconic, the real status symbol this year is the Labubu Accessories line. From miniature designer outfits and tiny denim jackets to high-tech backpacks for your plush, these accessories allow collectors to personalize their monsters like never before.
However, many collectors in Taiwan are making a critical error: they are only looking at local shops or regional Asian releases. In 2026, many of the most coveted, limited-run Labubu accessories are being released as US-exclusives. If you aren't looking at North American stores, you are missing out on the most unique pieces of the year.
The Danger of Local Resellers: Why Your Money is at Risk
Many fans in Taiwan turn to social media marketplaces to find these US exclusives. This is where the danger lies. The market is currently flooded with high-quality counterfeits that look identical in photos but fall apart in person. Worse yet, some resellers are charging 300% markups for items they don't even have in stock.
By ignoring the direct-from-USA route, you risk losing your hard-earned money to scammers. The only way to guarantee authenticity is to shop directly from US retailers. But how do you get these items to Taiwan when many US stores don't ship internationally? This is where a professional freight forwarder like comGateway becomes your most valuable tool.
Securing US Exclusives: The Official Path
To stay ahead of the curve, you should be monitoring US-based toy boutiques and the official Pop Mart US store. These sites often drop accessory packs that are designated for the North American market only. To successfully purchase these, you will need a tax-free US address to avoid paying extra American sales tax on your luxury collectibles.
The Shipping Bottleneck: Avoiding Seized Packages
One of the biggest nightmares for a collector is having a rare package lost or seized due to poor logistics. Using a standard, unmonitored shipping method is a recipe for disaster. To ensure your limited edition Labubu gear arrives safely, you need a reliable international shipping service. Professional logistics providers offer tracking and insurance that local "buddy-shipping" schemes simply cannot match. Before you commit to a purchase, it is wise to use a shipping calculator to understand the weight-to-cost ratio, ensuring you don't overpay for the transit of tiny accessories.
Navigating Taiwan Customs: The NT$2,000 Threshold Warning
For collectors in Taiwan, the customs office is the final hurdle. Many people ignore the import regulations and end up with heavy fines or their packages stuck in limbo. Currently, Taiwan enforces a de minimis value of NT$2,000. If your combined package value (including shipping) exceeds this, you will be hit with customs tax.
Failure to register with the EZ WAY app or incorrectly declaring the value of your "toy accessories" can lead to lengthy delays. Check our guide on import duties to ensure you are declaring your Labubu haul correctly and avoiding the "red channel" at customs.
Avoiding the Assisted Purchase Error: Getting What You Want
Sometimes, US stores refuse Taiwan-issued credit cards, or the high-demand accessory drops sell out in seconds. If you try to navigate this alone, you will likely miss the drop. This is where many collectors fail—they don't have a backup plan. Using an assisted purchase or BuyForMe service allows experts in the US to buy the item on your behalf the moment it drops. If you are serious about your collection, you cannot afford to skip this step for high-heat releases. Check our guide on proxy shopping to see how to bypass store-level cancellations.
The 2026 Labubu Collector’s Checklist
| Step | Action | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verify Store | Avoids fakes and scams. |
| 2 | Use US Address | Saves 7-10% in US sales tax. |
| 3 | Check EZ WAY | Prevents customs seizures in Taiwan. |
| 4 | Insure Shipment | Protects against lost or damaged gear. |
Collecting Labubu accessories in 2026 is more than a hobby; it’s an investment in art. Don't let poor planning or a lack of logistics knowledge ruin your collection. By sourcing directly from the US and using a trusted comGateway account, you ensure your Labubu is the best-dressed monster in Taiwan without the headache of lost packages or counterfeit goods.