Why Smart Malaysian Collectors Are Sourcing Labubu Secretly from the US in 2026

The Labubu Phenomenon in 2026

It has been several years since the mischievous, serrated-toothed forest elf first captured our hearts, but in 2026, the obsession with Labubu has reached a fever pitch in Malaysia. Created by Kasing Lung and popularized by Pop Mart, these designer toys are no longer just collectibles; they are cultural icons. From the classic blind boxes to the massive 1000% figures, the demand in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru often far outstrips the local supply.

While local flagship stores often see overnight queues and instant sell-outs, a growing community of savvy collectors has discovered a "hidden gem" strategy: sourcing their figures directly from the United States. By looking toward the US market, collectors are finding exclusive editions and restocks that never even hit the shelves in Southeast Asia.

Why US Stores are the Secret for Malaysian Collectors

You might wonder why anyone would buy a toy from across the Pacific when Pop Mart has a presence in Malaysia. The answer lies in inventory diversity and release timing. US-based retailers like Mindzai, Myplasticheart, and the official Pop Mart US webstore often receive different allocations than the Asian market. In 2026, we are seeing more "US-Exclusive" colorways that are highly coveted by the global community.

Furthermore, many US collectors focus on different designer toy lines, meaning that a "Sold Out" item in Malaysia might sit on a shelf in a boutique shop in New York or Los Angeles for weeks. Accessing these stores is the ultimate secret weapon for any serious collector looking to complete their set without paying exorbitant reseller prices on the local secondary market.

Shipping Your Labubu from the USA to Malaysia

The biggest hurdle for most Malaysians is that many of these niche US toy boutiques do not offer international shipping, or if they do, the costs are prohibitively high. This is where the strategy of shipping from USA to Malaysia becomes essential. By using a US-based address, you can unlock stores that previously seemed off-limits.

Check our guide on: Read more: The Secret US Sourcing Strategy for Labubu Collectors in Malaysia

Choosing a Reliable Package Forwarder

To navigate the US market effectively, you need a reliable package forwarder. We recommend using comGateway. They provide you with a sales-tax-exempt US shipping address (typically in Oregon), which allows you to save significantly on US domestic costs. Since most designer toys are lightweight but can be bulky in their original packaging, having a forwarder that offers repacking and consolidation services is a game-changer.

Before you commit to a purchase, it is always wise to use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost. This ensures that your "hidden gem" find remains a bargain even after international transit fees are applied.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Purchase

If you are new to international shopping, here is a simple how it works step-by-step guide to get your Labubu home safely:

• Step 1: Register for a free account at comGateway to receive your unique US suite address.
• Step 2: Shop at your favorite US toy retailers and enter your comGateway address at checkout.
• Step 3: Once your package arrives at the US warehouse, you will be notified. You can then choose to ship it immediately or wait for other items to arrive to consolidate them.
• Step 4: Pay for the international shipping to Malaysia.
• Step 5: Track your package as it makes its way to your doorstep in Malaysia.

You might also like... Read more: Mastering the US Sourcing Strategy for Labubu Collectors in Malaysia

Understanding Malaysian Import Duties and Taxes

When bringing goods into Malaysia in 2026, it is crucial to stay informed about local regulations. The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has specific rules regarding import duties, GST/VAT (or the prevailing Sales and Service Tax), and customs tax. For many low-value goods, there may be a simplified tax structure, but high-value collectors' items or large bulk shipments might incur additional fees.

To avoid any surprises at the border, we recommend visiting the dedicated section on import duties. This will help you understand the de minimis values and how the 2026 tax landscape affects your hobby. Generally, keeping your individual shipments below a certain threshold can help minimize these costs, which is another reason why the consolidation services of a forwarder are so valuable.

Pro Tips for Rare Figure Hunting in 2026

Sourcing from the US is about more than just finding a store; it is about timing and strategy. Many US retailers announce their drops on Instagram or Discord. Setting up alerts for these time zones (usually 12 to 15 hours behind Malaysia) is key.

If you encounter any issues during the checkout process—such as a store not accepting a Malaysian credit card—many forwarders offer a "Buy For Me" service to assist. For more common troubleshooting, you can always visit the FAQ, help center, or contact support for personalized assistance.

Check our guide on: Read more: Mastering the Labubu Hunt: Advanced Strategies for Sourcing Rare Figures from the US to Malaysia

By leveraging the US market and using a professional forwarding service, you can bypass the local stock shortages and build a Labubu collection that is the envy of every collector in Malaysia. Happy hunting!