Ordering Joydolls pre-order and a warning

Joydolls is opening another pre-order. Joydolls is located in Rostov on don, Russia. Do I think Julia is personally contributing to the invasion of Ukraine? No. However, I still want to warn anyone in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and the EU to think very, very carefully before trying to pre-order a doll. I only have experience with the U.S., but for anyone living in Australia, New Zealand, or the EU - your laws are much stricter.

In the U.S.:
New investment in Russia (which could very well include an expensive pre-order) remains prohibited for U.S. persons. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a division of the U.S. Treasury, regulates transactions between the U.S. and Russia. Before you send money to Joydolls, call them and ask for guidance.

Even if OFAC says you may pay for a doll, you still need to deal with import laws: U.S. persons also need to ensure that any doll they order from Russia will be allowed into the country, which is governed by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

If you receive guidance from both agencies saying you may order a doll (and get something in writing), you still need to tell your bank before you try to send money, and you need to provide that written guidance to them. Banks are becoming increasingly paranoid about sending money to Russia. It's too risky, and if they make a mistake, it's very expensive for them.

What can happen if you don't do these things?
1. Your bank will take your money and hold it basically forever (the transaction will be "blocked").
2. Even if your money gets to Joydolls, the CPB could seize your doll at the U.S. border during the customs clearing process, and you'll never see it. They may very well destroy it.
3. You can get a nasty fine.
4. Your bank will close your accounts and force you to find another bank.
5. You can be criminally charged for violating U.S. laws - which can mean jail time.

Julia's dolls are achingly beautiful, but please think carefully before you buy, and make sure you are within your country's laws when you do so.

 

At LEAST.
I rarely waste energy on hating people in my senior years, but lawdy do I HATE that man.