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Why I'm obsessed with the Great Gatsby Mansion
I have been following the LEGO Icons series for years, but the 2026 release of the 'Great Gatsby' Mansion (Set #10345) is on another level. As of May 2026, this set has become a massive hit in the US, primarily because it captures the Art Deco aesthetic of the Roaring Twenties with nearly 5,000 pieces. I noticed that while it is a US-exclusive early release, the demand in Europe and China has skyrocketed because it doubles as a high-end luxury decor piece.
We see collectors everywhere scrambling for this set, but since it isn't available at my local LEGO store in Brussels yet, I had to look across the Atlantic. I keep a close eye on US trends to spot these exclusives before they sell out, and this mansion is currently the top-tier item for any serious builder in 2026.
My experience buying from US stores
I found that many US retailers don't ship directly to Belgium, or if they do, the costs are astronomical. My solution was to use a comGateway account. This gave me a tax-free US address in Oregon, which is a major win because I avoided paying US sales tax on top of the retail price. I simply shopped at the US LEGO store and used my US address for the delivery.
On one occasion, my Belgian credit card was flagged by a US site. To solve this, I used the BuyForMe service. They handled the purchase on my behalf, ensuring I didn't miss out on the limited stock. It is a straightforward way to shop US stores that otherwise reject international payment methods.
Essential shipping specs and estimates
I needed to know exactly what I was getting into regarding size and weight. LEGO Icons sets like the Great Gatsby Mansion are notoriously heavy and bulky. I used the shipping calculator to get a baseline before I committed to the purchase.
| Specification | Estimate for Set #10345 |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) |
| Box Dimensions | 23" x 19" x 7" (58 x 48 x 17 cm) |
| Volumetric Warning | High. This box is bulky. Freight costs may be calculated based on size rather than actual weight. |
| Battery Check | No lithium batteries included. No special hazardous shipping rules apply. |
I highly recommend checking the prohibited items list before shipping any large collectors' items, though standard LEGO sets are generally safe. Because the box is quite large, I was prepared for the volumetric weight calculation, which is standard for international air freight.
How I managed Belgian customs and taxes
When the package arrives in Belgium, I have to deal with the local authorities. I always factor in the import duties and the Belgian VAT, which is currently 21%. Since 2021, the EU has removed the VAT exemption for low-value goods, so every import from the US is subject to tax.
My experience is that LEGO sets often fall under a 0% duty rate in the TARIC system, but the 21% VAT is calculated on the combined value of the item and the shipping cost. I make sure to keep my invoices ready to avoid any delays at the Bpost or customs hub. If you want to see how this works for other regions, you might also like our guide on global shipping taxes.
Pro tip: Consolidation
I didn't just ship the mansion. I bought a few smaller US-exclusive minifigures and had them consolidated into one box at the warehouse. This significantly reduced my overall cost per item. We found that consolidating items can save up to 60% on international shipping fees compared to shipping everything separately.
My step-by-step forwarding process
I followed these exact steps to get my set delivered to Antwerp safely:
- Step 1: I logged into my freight forwarder account to get my unique suite number.
- Step 2: I placed the order on the US LEGO shop using my Oregon address.
- Step 3: Once the package arrived at the warehouse, I received a notification and checked the weight.
- Step 4: I selected my preferred carrier (DHL or FedEx usually works best for Belgium) and paid the shipping fee.
- Step 5: I tracked the package across the Atlantic and handled the VAT payment through the carrier's online portal.
I received the LEGO Icons 'The Great Gatsby' Mansion in perfect condition. The box was pristine, which is vital for the resale value of these Icons sets. My advice is to always opt for extra padding or a 'repack' service if the original shipping box from the retailer looks flimsy.
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