I can reassure this... you are incorrect by stating the above. US, UK, EU, ASIA, ANTARTICA or even MARS...it doesnt matter. Mr Howard doesn't alter the federal governments policies on import taxes just because he is licking Georgy Bush's sphinxta. You will pay duty & import taxes on any items entering our shores that are considered taxable.
I have had ample experience in this area and more often than not it lies with the discretion of the duty officer/manager whether or not your russian blow up dolls get charged duty or not.