The Root Cause of Regional Scarcity
The phrase 71516429 No International Availability refers to a specific logistical reality facing collectors of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. While the base game is a global release, the Collector's Edition (CE) is not. Ubisoft has produced a hard-capped run of these physical bundles, meaning once the allocated stock for a specific region is sold, no restocks are planned. The disparity between North American and European availability is stark. As of mid-2026, the Ubisoft EU/UK store displays a 'SOLD OUT' status with an explicit FAQ warning that 'since the quantities are limited, it won't be possible to get the Collector's Edition once your local retailers are out of stock.'
This scarcity is not a digital distribution error but a physical manufacturing constraint. The Collector's Edition includes a 31 cm Edward Kenway statue, a wearable metal brooch, a cloth map, and other heavy physical components. These items require significant production capacity and logistics, which Ubisoft has prioritized for its largest domestic markets. In the United States, Best Buy holds its own allocation under SKU 71516429, allowing US customers to purchase directly at MSRP. However, European and other international retailers have either never received significant allocations or have sold through their initial stock within days of the July 9, 2026 launch.
For international buyers, this creates a binary choice: pay a substantial premium on the secondary market or navigate the complexities of importing directly from the US source. The 'No International Availability' label essentially signals that the official retail channel in your region is closed, forcing buyers into the gray or import market.
Navigating the Secondary Market Premium
When official channels close, the secondary market immediately fills the void. For the Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Collector's Edition, this has resulted in significant price inflation for international buyers who do not wish to deal with import procedures. Analysis of European marketplace listings shows resellers asking approximately €319.99 for the Collector's Edition, compared to the original €199.99 MSRP. This represents a roughly 60% premium before you even account for shipping or taxes.
Understanding this pricing dynamic is crucial for making an informed decision. The secondary market operates on scarcity, not value. A reseller in Germany or France is not adding value to the product; they are simply acting as a middleman who secured stock when it was available. For the international buyer, this means the 'No International Availability' status effectively doubles the cost of the item if you choose the easiest route: buying from a local reseller.
Comparing Sourcing Options
| Sourcing Channel | Approximate Cost (NOK) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Reseller (EU/Norway) | 3,500 - 4,200 NOK | Immediate possession, no customs hassle | 60%+ price premium, no warranty |
| BAB Import (US Best Buy) | 3,950 - 4,850 NOK | Pay US MSRP, global SKU, trackable | 10-18 day wait, import taxes apply |
| Domestic Secondary (Finn.no) | Varies | No import tax, local hand-off | Limited stock, unpredictable pricing |
The table above illustrates the trade-offs. While the local reseller offers speed, the cost is prohibitive. The BAB import route, while slower, allows you to pay the original US retail price, albeit with added import fees. The key takeaway is that 'No International Availability' does not mean the product is unavailable; it means you must pay a 'convenience tax' or an 'import tax' to acquire it.
The Import Route: SKU 71516429 and Best Buy
For many international collectors, the most viable path to acquiring the Collector's Edition without paying secondary market premiums is to import directly from the US retailer, Best Buy. The specific SKU for this item is 71516429. This SKU is listed at $199.99 USD and is available for international fulfillment through proxy services like Big Apple Buddy, who purchases from US retailers and ships worldwide. This route is particularly relevant for buyers in regions like Norway, where domestic stock is virtually non-existent.
Why the US SKU is Ideal for Import
One of the biggest fears for international buyers is region-locking or regional exclusivity in physical goods. Fortunately, the PS5 is region-free for game discs, and the Collector's Edition physical items are worldwide-identical. The 31 cm Edward Kenway statue, the steelbook, the cloth map, and the digital bonus codes are the same in the US version as they are in any European version. There are no US-exclusive art variants or EU-exclusive bonuses. This means importing SKU 71516429 guarantees you receive the exact same product as a US collector, without any functional or aesthetic compromises.
Furthermore, the digital components, including the Blackbeard's Crimson Pack pre-order bonus code, are region-agnostic. A code from a US Best Buy box will redeem perfectly on a Norwegian or European Ubisoft Connect account. This eliminates the need for creating multiple regional accounts or using VPNs to unlock content, making the import process straightforward from a gameplay perspective.
However, the ease of use is masked by the complexity of customs. Because the item is sourced from the US, it is subject to import duties and taxes in the destination country. For example, in Norway, the 25% MVA (VAT) applies from the first krone of declared value, and a fortollingsgebyr (customs clearance fee) of 278 NOK is charged for shipments over 3,000 NOK. Buyers must factor these costs into their budget, as they are not included in the US retail price.
Calculating the True Landed Cost
When evaluating the 'No International Availability' of the Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Collector's Edition, the sticker price is irrelevant. The true cost is the landed cost—the total amount paid to get the item to your doorstep, including taxes and fees. For international buyers, this calculation is critical to determine if importing is actually cheaper than buying from a secondary market reseller.
Breakdown of Import Costs
Using a US Best Buy price of $199.99 as the baseline, here is how the costs accumulate for a typical international shipment, such as to Norway:
- Product Cost: $199.99 USD (approx. 2,100 NOK).
- Shipping & Service Fees: Proxy services like Big Apple Buddy charge a service fee plus international shipping. For a heavy item like the CE, this can range from $80 to $150 USD (approx. 840 - 1,575 NOK).
- Declared Value: The total value declared to customs is the product cost plus shipping. This lands the parcel in the 'over 3,000 NOK' bracket for customs purposes.
- VAT/MVA: 25% is applied to the declared value. On a landed value of ~3,500 NOK, this adds approximately 875 NOK in tax.
- Customs Handling Fee: Posten Bring (or equivalent local postal service) charges a fixed fee for processing the import. For shipments over 3,000 NOK, this is typically 278 NOK.
Summing these up, the total landed cost can range from 3,950 to 4,850 NOK (approx. $375 - $460 USD). While this is higher than the US MSRP, it is often still competitive with or cheaper than the €319.99 (approx. 3,500 NOK) asking prices on European marketplaces, especially when you consider that local resellers may not offer warranties or return policies.
It is also worth noting that video games are tariff-free into most countries, including Norway. There is no additional customs duty on the game itself, only the VAT and handling fees. This makes the import route more predictable than importing other types of collectibles that might attract higher duty rates.
Strategic Steps for International Buyers
Given the limited availability and complex import landscape, international buyers need a strategic approach to acquiring the Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Collector's Edition. Relying on a single source or assuming immediate availability will likely result in disappointment. Instead, follow a structured process to maximize your chances of securing the item at a reasonable price.
1. Verify Domestic Stock First
Before committing to an import, check major local retailers. In Norway, for example, Elkjøp is one of the few retailers that still lists the Collector's Edition (product ID 1094926). However, stock is extremely limited, and the item may show as 'out of stock' or 'expected' with a distant date. If you find it in stock locally at MSRP, purchase it immediately. This is the cheapest and fastest option.
2. Check Secondary Marketplaces
If domestic retail is dry, check local resale platforms like finn.no in Norway or eBay in other regions. Norwegian pre-order buyers who over-ordered or changed their minds sometimes flip their copies within the launch month. These listings avoid import taxes and can sometimes be found at prices closer to MSRP, though they will likely rise as scarcity increases. Always verify the condition of the box and the statue before purchasing.
3. Initiate the Import Process
If both local retail and secondary markets are exhausted, turn to the import route. Use a reliable proxy service like Big Apple Buddy to purchase SKU 71516429 from Best Buy US. Provide the exact product URL to avoid confusion with the Standard or Deluxe editions. Be prepared to pay the landed cost upon arrival, which will be notified via SMS or email from your local postal service.
4. Redeem Codes Immediately
Once the package clears customs and arrives, do not delay. The Blackbeard's Crimson Pack code is time-boxed. While it is currently valid, Ubisoft may close the redemption window at any time. Log into your Ubisoft Connect account and redeem the code from the physical logbook as soon as the box is opened. This ensures you get the exclusive costume, sword, and pistol perks without risk of missing out.
