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Why Labubu is Trending in 2026
As we move through 2026, the obsession with designer art toys has reached a fever pitch in the UK. At the heart of this movement is Labubu, the mischievous, sharp-toothed forest monster created by Kasing Lung. What started as a niche collectible has exploded into a mainstream cultural phenomenon, driven by limited-edition drops and high-profile collaborations that sell out in seconds.
For collectors in London, Manchester, and beyond, the challenge isn't just finding these toys—it's getting them without paying exorbitant secondary market prices. This has led many savvy enthusiasts to look toward the United States, where stock levels are often higher and exclusive releases are more frequent. However, importing these vinyl treasures comes with a set of financial complexities that every collector should understand before hitting the "checkout" button.
Read more: The Cheat Sheet for Scoring Labubu Art Toys from US Stores
The US Market Advantage: Why Buy from America?
The US market remains the primary hub for many major art toy retailers. Stores like Pop Mart’s US flagship, Mindzai, and various boutique galleries often receive larger allocations of "blind boxes" and "mega" figures compared to UK retailers. In 2026, the price gap between a US retail drop and a UK reseller's price can be as much as 200%.
To take advantage of these prices, you need a reliable package forwarder. Since many US storefronts do not offer direct international shipping—or charge astronomical rates if they do—using comGateway allows you to have your items delivered to a US-based address first, which then facilitates the journey to your doorstep in the UK.
The Hidden Costs: VAT, Duties, and Fees
This is where many UK collectors get caught off guard. The price you see on a US website is rarely the price you end up paying. When shipping from USA to United Kingdom, you must account for the UK's import regulations.
Firstly, there is GST/VAT. In the UK, standard VAT is 20%. If your Labubu order is valued under £135, VAT is usually collected at the point of sale by the retailer (if they are registered) or handled by the courier. However, for high-value "Mega Labubu" figures or bulk orders exceeding £135, you will likely face import duties and additional customs tax upon arrival.
Don't forget the "handling fee" charged by local couriers (like Royal Mail or DHL), which can range from £8 to £12 just for processing the customs paperwork. To avoid being surprised by these financial traps, it is essential to research import duties beforehand.
Read more: Read This Before You Order Labubu from US Stores to the UK
How to Ship Labubu from the USA to the UK
If you have found a US store that has your dream Labubu in stock, the process is straightforward if you follow a step-by-step guide. Here is how it works:
- Sign up for a US shipping address through comGateway.
- Shop at your favorite US art toy retailers and use your new US address at checkout.
- Once your Labubus arrive at the US warehouse, you can choose to consolidate multiple packages to save on international shipping costs.
- Declare the value of your items and ship them to your UK address.
Read more: How Savvy UK Collectors Are Secretly Scoring US-Exclusive Labubu Drops Without the Markup
Calculating Your Total Landed Cost
To truly understand if a US purchase is a good deal, you need to calculate the "landed cost"—the total price including the item, US domestic shipping, international shipping, and UK taxes. You can use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost based on the weight and dimensions of the toy’s packaging.
Remember that Labubu boxes, especially the larger 400% or 1000% figures, can be bulky. Using the shipping calculator ensures you aren't surprised by the international freight charges after you've already committed to the purchase.
Overcoming Payment Hurdles with Assisted Purchase
Some US stores have strict payment policies and may not accept UK-issued credit cards or PayPal accounts with non-US billing addresses. If you find yourself unable to complete a purchase, you can use an assisted purchase option. The BuyForMe service acts as your local buyer in the US, purchasing the item on your behalf to ensure you don't miss out on a limited 2026 drop.
Maximizing Savings on Your Collection
While the hidden costs of importing can be daunting, there are ways to mitigate them. One of the best strategies for frequent collectors is to look into Prime membership benefits. Membership often includes discounted shipping rates and extended storage time at the warehouse, which is perfect for waiting until you have a full "set" of Labubus to ship together in one box.
Consolidating your packages is the single most effective way to reduce the impact of international shipping fees. By combining three or four blind box purchases into a single shipment, the "per unit" cost drops significantly, making the US import route much more viable compared to UK retail prices.
Final Thoughts for UK Collectors
In 2026, being a Labubu collector in the United Kingdom requires more than just luck during a drop; it requires a strategic approach to international logistics. By accounting for VAT, using a step-by-step guide for package forwarding, and utilizing tools to estimate shipping cost, you can grow your collection without falling into the common financial traps of international trade. Happy hunting!
