My Labubu Year of the Horse collection almost cost me double in Italy because I ignored US stock availability

My obsession with the 2026 Labubu Year of the Horse

I have spent years collecting Pop Mart figures, but nothing prepared me for the chaos surrounding the Labubu Year of the Horse series. As soon as the calendar turned to 2026, my social media feeds were flooded with the distinct, mischievous grin of Labubu adorned in majestic equestrian-themed outfits. Living in Italy, I initially thought I could just wait for local shops to stock them, but I quickly realized that was a recipe for disappointment and empty pockets.

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I saw listings on local resale sites that were triple the original price. I felt the urge to panic-buy, but my experience told me to wait and look elsewhere. That is when I started tracking us trends to see where the actual stock was moving. I found that while Southeast Asia was sold out, the US market still had authentic units available at retail prices.

Why the February 2026 release changed everything

The February 2026 drop was special because it coincided with the lunar celebrations, and the design of this Labubu is arguably the most detailed yet. We are seeing high-quality embroidery and textures that make the previous years look simple. Because of this, the demand in Thailand skyrocketed, draining the global supply. I noticed that many collectors were overlooking US-based stores like the official Pop Mart US site or authorized boutiques, which is exactly where I focused my search.

The risk of ignoring US retailers for authentic units

I almost fell for a "too good to be true" listing from a random seller, but the fear of receiving a fake kept me away. I realized that if I ignored the US stock, I would likely end up with a counterfeit or a package seized by customs because of improper documentation. By deciding to shop us store directly, I ensured that my Labubu was 100% authentic.

I found that many of my friends in Milan were struggling with the same issue. They were looking at Asian marketplaces where shipping was astronomical. I suggested they check popular products in the US instead. The price difference, even when considering the journey across the Atlantic, was significant enough to make the US the superior choice for my 2026 collection.

How I used a freight forwarder to secure my haul

Since the official US stores often do not ship directly to Italy—or if they do, the costs are terrifying—I had to find a workaround. I decided to use comGateway to manage my delivery. By using their tax-free us address in Oregon, I saved on US sales tax, which I then put toward my shipping fees.

I was worried about the complexity, but the process of how to forward packages was surprisingly straightforward. I simply had my Horse series Labubus sent to my new US address, and they notified me the moment the boxes arrived. This allowed me to consolidate multiple figures into one shipment, which is a trick I use to lower my international shipping rates.

Shipping Estimates for the Horse Series

I want to help you avoid any surprises when you see the final bill. Based on my recent shipment of the Labubu Year of the Horse series, here is what you should expect for your logistics planning.

I always make it a point to check the shipping fees before I commit to a large order. You should do the same to ensure your budget remains intact. If you are curious about the current costs, you can view the international shipping table on the provider's site.

What I learned about Italy customs and VAT

My biggest fear was the Italian Dogana. I knew that ignoring the import rules would lead to my package being held at the border. In 2026, the rules for importing from outside the EU remain strict. I had to account for the 22% VAT (IVA) on my purchase. Because I used a freight forwarder, I was able to get clear documentation for the customs declaration, which sped up the process significantly.

I found that if the total value of the shipment is under €150, you usually only pay the VAT and a small handling fee. However, if you go over that, duties might apply. I managed to keep my Labubu Horse series order just under that threshold to keep things simple. If you are planning a massive haul, I suggest reading more on how to forward packages efficiently to manage these costs. You might also like to check out our other posts on tracking top us deals to make the most of your shipping space.