If you haven't heard, there is a LEGO Pick a Brick North America pause on standard elements... and many in the North America LEGO builder community are feeling a bit bummed - and understandably so. Due to changes in how tariffs are handled, thousands of Standard elements have suddenly disappeared from US and Canadian PaB stores, leaving many builders scrambling to adjust their plans and collections.
What’s Happening with PaB?
Based on a post made by New Elementary, Standard elements, which are typically shipped from LEGO’s European warehouse, were removed. This is due to a new regulation coming out today requiring customs duties, taxes, or tariffs to be paid on packages valued under $800. This means mail carriers must collect these fees, and in the midst of short notice and complex logistics, shipments are being halted or delayed. LEGO itself has yet to issue a clear statement, adding to the uncertainty for fans who rely on PaB for their building needs.
The Impact on Custom Builders
For those ordering for their custom builds, this situation is a real bummer. Many people found their carts suddenly emptied or their orders hanging in the balance. Plans to build those perfect snowy scenes - with special roof tiles and festive accessories - are now stalled. It's left people wondering how to fill the gap.
With that, there are also those who are worried about their current and/or pending orders. There's also a general frustration over lack of clear communication and timing from The LEGO Group and mail services.
What Can You Do Now?
Until LEGO sorts out the logistics, consider these tips:
- Explore Bestseller elements, which are still available in North America
- Connect with your local LEGO fan community for trading or borrowing parts
- Keep an eye out for updates directly from LEGO regarding PaB availability
Join the Conversation
How are you adapting your Winter Village plans during this pause? What creative hacks or alternatives have you found? Share your stories and suggestions below - this community’s strength always shines through, especially when things get tricky!
Let’s keep the joy of building alive, no matter what the supply chain throws at us.