The Quick Cheat Sheet for Buying Authentic US Labubu Drops from China

Why Labubu is Still Dominating the Global Scene in 2026

If you have spent any time on social media recently, you know that Labubu, the mischievous yet adorable monster created by Kasing Lung, is more than just a toy—it is a cultural phenomenon. While the craze started in Asia, the 2026 market has seen a massive shift toward exclusive US-based releases. Many collectors in China are finding that while local stocks vanish in seconds, US retailers often have unique colorways and limited-edition collaborations that are much easier to snag if you know where to look.

The appeal lies in the thrill of the hunt. Labubu’s 'The Monsters' series has evolved significantly this year, with more intricate designs and high-fashion crossovers. However, for those living in China, the challenge remains: how do you get your hands on these US exclusives without paying exorbitant reseller prices? This cheat sheet provides the roadmap to becoming a global collector.

The Secret to Accessing US Retailers

Many US-based hobby shops and official retailers do not offer direct international shipping to China, or if they do, the costs are prohibitive. This is where using a reliable package forwarder becomes essential. By using a service like comGateway, you get a dedicated US shipping address. This allows you to shop at any US online store as if you were a local resident, bypassing the usual shipping restrictions.

Once your items arrive at the US warehouse, they can be consolidated and shipped to your doorstep in China. If you are new to this process, you can check out this how it works step-by-step guide to understand how simple it is to bridge the gap between US stores and your home.

Essential Tools for the Savvy Collector

Success in the Labubu market requires preparation. You don't want to find the perfect blind box only to be surprised by shipping costs later. Use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before you commit to a purchase. This helps you budget effectively and decide if a particular drop is worth the investment.

Furthermore, if you are a frequent shopper, you should look into Prime membership benefits. Members often get access to discounted shipping rates and extended storage times, which is perfect when you are waiting for multiple Labubu drops to arrive at the warehouse so you can ship them all at once.

Managing Customs and Import Regulations in China

Shipping collectibles into China requires an understanding of local customs regulations. To ensure your Labubu collection doesn't get stuck at the border, always review the list of prohibited items and restricted goods. Generally, vinyl toys are perfectly fine, but keeping an eye on the total value of your shipment is key to managing import duties.

For common questions regarding delivery times to China or how to handle insurance for high-value items, the FAQ section is an invaluable resource for first-time international shoppers.

Pro Strategies for Sourcing Rare Labubu

To truly master the art of collecting, you need to go beyond the basic search bar. US retailers like Pop Mart US, Mindzai, and various boutique designer toy shops often have different release schedules than those in China. Timing your purchases to coincide with US holidays or specific store anniversaries can lead to significant savings.

You might also like to dive deeper into specific sourcing strategies with our dedicated guides:

• Read more: The Lazy Person’s Guide to Snagging Authentic Labubu Drops from the USA Without the Stress
• Read more: The Insider Playbook for Sourcing Rare Labubu Drops Directly from US Retailers
• Read more: Mastering the Labubu Market: Advanced Strategies for Sourcing Exclusive US Drops from China

Comparison: US vs. China Labubu Market (2026)

By leveraging a comGateway account, you effectively eliminate the geographical barriers that keep you from the most coveted Labubu figures. Whether it's a giant 1000% figure or a rare blind box series, the US market is now open to you. Happy hunting in 2026!