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The Labubu Obsession in 2026
As of early 2026, the fervor surrounding Labubu, the mischievous monster from the Pop Mart universe, shows no signs of slowing down. In Malaysia, physical stores often see queues forming hours before opening, and popular series sell out within minutes. This scarcity has created a predatory reseller market where prices for a single blind box are marked up by 300% or more.
While most Malaysian fans feel trapped by local stock levels, savvy collectors have shifted their gaze toward the United States. US-based retailers like Pop Mart US, NTWRK, and various boutique designer toy shops often maintain stock longer or receive different allocations than the Southeast Asian market. However, the biggest barrier for Malaysians isn't the distance—it's the misconception that getting these items across the ocean is a logistical nightmare.
Myth: US Shipping is Too Complex for Malaysians
The most common myth circulating in the Malaysian collector community is that US stores won't ship to your doorstep, or if they do, the cost will exceed the value of the toy. While it is true that many US retailers do not offer direct international shipping to Malaysia, or charge exorbitant flat rates for it, this does not mean the market is closed to you.
Many fans also mistakenly believe that their packages will inevitably be stuck in customs for weeks. In reality, the logistics infrastructure in 2026 is highly streamlined. By using a specialized freight forwarder, you can bypass the limitations of direct shipping and gain access to a US-based address that works just like a local one. This effectively turns the entire US e-commerce landscape into your personal shopping mall.
Why Serious Collectors Source from US Retailers
Why bother with the US when Malaysia has its own Pop Mart outlets? It comes down to three factors: variety, timing, and "Proxy Shopping" opportunities. US retailers often run exclusive promotions or have "Buy for Me" services that allow access to limited drops that never reach Asian shores. Furthermore, the US secondary market on platforms like eBay often features "open box" confirmed characters at more competitive prices than Malaysian Facebook groups or Carousel listings.
If you find a US-exclusive Labubu release, you don't need to wait for a local distributor to pick it up. You can take control of the process yourself. If you are worried about the technicalities, you can always check the how it works section on a professional shipping platform to see just how simple the hand-off process is between the US store and your Malaysian home.
Using a Freight Forwarder to Bridge the Gap
To shop like a US resident, you need a middleman. This is where comGateway comes into play. They provide you with a tax-free US shipping address (usually in Oregon), which you enter at the checkout of the US store. Once your Labubu blind boxes arrive at the warehouse, you can decide when to ship them to Malaysia.
One of the biggest advantages of using a freight forwarder is the ability to consolidate multiple orders. If you buy three boxes from Pop Mart US and a rare plush from a US collector on eBay, you can combine them into a single package. This significantly reduces your international shipping rates compared to shipping each item individually. Before you commit to a purchase, it is always a smart move to use a shipping calculator to estimate the final landed cost. This prevents any "sticker shock" when the items are ready to leave the US.
Understanding Malaysia's Import Tax and Duties
Another major myth is that Malaysian customs will tax every single toy that enters the country. As of 2026, Malaysia maintains specific thresholds for Low Value Goods (LVG). While a 10% sales tax typically applies to imported goods valued under RM500, higher-value shipments may be subject to additional import tax and duties.
To avoid unexpected fees, you should familiarize yourself with the current regulations. Check our guide on import duties to understand how the de minimis value works and what documentation you need. Generally, for a few blind boxes, the process is straightforward, but for large bulk hauls or rare life-sized Labubu statues, the tax implications change. Knowing these rules beforehand allows you to stay within the tax-free or low-tax brackets by managing your shipment values through consolidation.
The 2026 Logistics Playbook: Step-by-Step
Ready to secure your Labubu? Follow this no-nonsense path:
- Step 1: Get Your Address. Register for a free account at a freight forwarder like comGateway to receive your US warehouse address.
- Step 2: Shop the US Stores. Visit US retailers and use your new US address at checkout. Pro tip: Shopping from stores that deliver to Oregon avoids US state sales tax.
- Step 3: Monitor and Consolidate. Once your items reach the warehouse, you will be notified. Use this time to check the international shipping options available.
- Step 4: Ship to Malaysia. Choose your preferred carrier. Whether you want the speed of DHL international shipping or the reliability of FedEx international shipping, you can select the service that fits your budget.
- Step 5: Unbox. Your Labubu haul arrives at your door in Malaysia, usually within 5-8 business days from the time it leaves the US warehouse.
If you ever run into trouble with a specific retailer not accepting your card, many forwarders offer a proxy shopping service where they buy the item on your behalf. For more common questions regarding package sizes or restricted materials, the help center is an invaluable resource for first-time shippers.
Stop letting local resellers dictate the price of your hobby. The US market is open, the logistics are ready, and your next Labubu is just a few clicks away.
