Full Answer
What are the rules for shipping alcohol?
There are some universal rules for shipping alcohol that include:
- Alerting the carrier that a shipment contains alcohol
- Paying a special alcohol package fee
- An adult that is 21 or older must sign for the package
What do you need to know about shipping alcohol?
UPS alcohol shipment rules include:
- You have a UPS account number
- You have signed an alcohol shipping agreement contact with UPS
- You have a federal license to ship alcohol
- You have the correct permits to ship alcohol in the states your sending to
- You must follow the guidelines set in both the sending and receivers state
- You must use inner packaging of EPS foam or molded fiber tray
Where can I ship alcohol?
- Direct Shipping License or Permit: (b) In order to receive a license to ship wine to an Alabama resident, the applicant for a direct wine shipper license shall do all ...
- N. Mariana Islands. Ohio Rev. ...
- A. Samoa. ...
- U.S. Virgin Islands. ...
Can You ship alcohol domestically?
Alcohol can be a tricky thing to ship. Different carriers have different rules. So we’ll cover three of the major carriers that you’re most likely to use: USPS, UPS, and FedEx. USPS. There is absolutely no alcohol allowed for any USPS shipment, domestically or internationally. On top of this, if you plan on using packaging that was once ...
Can you ship someone a bottle of alcohol?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) prohibits sending alcoholic beverages through the mail, but you can ship alcohol via couriers, such as FedEx or UPS if you're a licensed alcohol shipper.
How can I ship alcohol as a gift?
To safely ship alcoholic beverages, you should use strong cardboard boxes that have trays inside of them that provide sections for each bottle. This will keep the bottles separate and prevent them from smashing into one another. You can also wrap the bottles in bubble wrap for additional safety.
Can I send alcohol thru the mail?
USPS prohibits all shipments of beer, spirits, and wine both domestically and internationally. USPS also has strict laws on the packaging for shipments that previously carried alcohol. If a package has any labels or branding of an alcohol company, USPS will not process the shipment and reject it.
What happens if you get caught shipping alcohol?
That being said, it is important to know that there are consequences if you are caught and that shipping alcohol is at your own risk. Typically, you'll get a written warning on an initial violation. Subsequent violations could lead to fines and or, gulp, jail time, so be mindful and be smart.
Can I mail alcohol through FedEx?
As an individual, you may not ship alcohol, including wine, beer, liquor, or champagne, through the FedEx network. If you'd like to send alcohol as a gift to a friend or family member, you'll need to have it shipped from the licensed retailer or winery you purchased it from.
Can you mail beer to a friend?
Is it legal to ship beer in the US? The short and direct answer would be “No” unless you have the proper license and paperwork to do it. Shipping any alcoholic beverage is against the policies of most shipping companies—all kind of liquid products on glass bottles; it is considered dangerous for shipping.
How can I ship wine to a friend?
How To Ship Wine To A FriendCheck your state laws and those of your friend (if out of state). Alcohol shipments are carefully regulated, whether you're sending within the same state or out of state. ... Select a shipping company. ... If possible, ship in late spring or early fall. ... Package the wine safely and effectively.
How do you send a bottle of wine to someone?
With Drizly, you can send friends and family members their favorite beer, wine, or liquor – delivered right from their local liquor store.
Does USPS have xray packages?
Is Mail X-Rayed? Some of the mail that is sent through the United States Postal Service will pass through an X-Ray machine. There are no specific guidelines as to what may or may not be x-rayed, though mail sent to or through larger cities is likely to pass through an X-Ray machine.
Can you mail unopened alcohol?
There is absolutely no alcohol allowed for any USPS shipment, domestically or internationally. On top of this, if you plan on using packaging that was once used to carry alcohol, all labels or branding associated with alcohol must be covered or taken off in order to properly process the package.
Will USPS confiscate alcohol?
USPS entirely prohibits the shipment of alcohol, while FedEx and UPS allow for it with some restrictions. Therefore, if you're looking to ship alcohol, we suggest going with either UPS or FedEx.
Will FedEx ship liquids?
USPS, UPS and FedEx allow shipping of liquids. You need to use a waterproof container. Follow all regulations for your liquid, especially if it is flammable or hazardous. Not all countries and states allow direct shipping of alcohol.
Why is shipping alcohol so complicated?
Here's a little history lesson as to why shipping alcohol is so darn complicated: it dates back to Prohibition, when alcohol was banned under the 18th Amendment. Luckily, fast forward a few years, and the 21st Amendment undid that awful idea—with a caveat: it gave states the power to enact their own laws regarding the production, distribution, ...
What to send a friend for a congratulatory bottle?
When you're sending something closer to home, you have one more shipping option: use alcohol e-commerce sites, such as Drizly or Minibar for example, to mail your friend a congratulatory bottle of wine or a thank-you six-pack of beer by taking advantage of their in-town delivery options, some free.
Can you ship alcohol from a distributor?
For example, some states may prohibi t the shipment of more than one bottle at a time, or how many bottles of alcohol can be shipped to a person each year , says Mahesh Lekkala, owner of New York- and New Jersey-based Wine Legend. A good retailer will know these rules.
Can you ship Weinberg products through a distributor?
Once again, it's probably best to go through a retailer or distributor. Weinberg also recommends that you confirm with the retailer or distributor if any taxes or duties need to be paid on the product you intend to ship. If so, they should be able to advise you on how to pay them, and how much they will cost you.
Does FedEx ship alcohol?
FedEx's alcohol shipping policies can be read here, while UPS's alcohol regulations—much the same as FedEx's—can be found here (though the latter is broadening its scope a bit). Some of those universal rules? You must advise the carrier your package contains alcohol. A surcharge will be applied to the shipment.
Can you wrap a bottle of booze as a gift?
In short, as much as you might like to personally pick up, wrap and send a bottle of booze as a gift, this is one task better left to professionals.
Can you buy alcohol in one state?
Most—though not all—alcohol that can be purchased in one state can be found somewhere in another, so if you're dying to ship your brother a new brew, hit the web first to see if you can find a retailer in his state that carries the beverage, recommends Lekkala.
Why is it so difficult to ship alcohol across state lines?
That its because you now must meet the requirements and regulations in both the state you’re shipping from and the state you’re shipping to.
Does each state have different shipping laws?
Each state has different laws for shipping alcohol in-state, between states, and internationally, as well as treating beer, spirits, and wine differently. To help break down each state’s alcohol shipping laws, here is a breakdown by state:
Is alcohol a prohibited item in Mississippi?
PROHIBITED. All types of alcohol shipments to consumers is prohibited in the state of Mississippi – with no provisions or special requests allowed.
Can you ship wine to Kentucky?
ON-SITE ONLY. All types of out-of-state alcohol shipments to consumers are prohibited. However, there are some state laws that indicate that wineries that acquire a permit for DtC delivery orders of wine to Kentucky residents.
Is Hawaii a liquor delivery state?
ALLOWED. Hawaii has relaxed laws for alcohol delivery fulfillment, due in part to its remote location away from the US mainland. You will need to become compliant for mailing alcohol to consumers in Hawaii, as well as be aware of local and city laws.
Is California a state of compliance for alcohol delivery?
California is responsible for the largest market for alcohol delivery, and the state’s compliance laws are very relaxed, especially for in-state fulfillment. You will need to become compliant for mailing alcohol to consumers in Arizona, as well as be aware of local and city laws.
Can you ship alcohol in Arizona?
ALLOWED. Arizona has relaxed shipping laws for alcohol. In 2017 Arizona removed a rule limiting the number of bottles alcohol distributors could send to consumers, making the state even more alcohol-delivery friendly. You will need to become compliant for mailing alcohol to consumers in Arizona, as well as be aware of local and city laws.
What is shipping alcohol internationally?
Shipping alcohol internationally is when shipping requirements and preparations become even more complicated. International shipments are when taxes get added, regulations need to be checked, and both parties need to be prepared for send-off and receipt. While packaging will look very similar, the steps for shipping alcohol internationally are:
What shipping companies accept alcohol?
There are four major shipping companies that are most commonly used by sellers shipping alcohol: UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL. All carriers that accept alcohol shipments will have a few things in common. First and foremost, you must indicate that the shipment contains alcohol, as a surcharge will be added to the delivery.
What is DHL shipping?
DHL is a shipping service that specializes in international shipments. The requirements for shipping alcohol through DHL will include: Must sign DHL’s Agreement to Transport Alcoholic Beverages. Shipment must adhere to all FDA and TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) guidelines and regulations.
How old do you have to be to ship spirits?
All shipments must meet UPS packaging requirements for spirits. Must provide the signature of an adult 21 years of age or older upon delivery for confirmation. All packages must contain a special alcoholic beverages shipping label for domestic shipments.
Why should beer be airtight?
Make sure that beer is packaged in a cold environment and padded for protection to prevent unwanted air from getting inside storage.
What do you need to import alcohol into the US?
Get Required Approval: In order to import alcohol into the US, you must receive all necessary approvals from applicable government agencies. One of the first entities that you’ll need approval through is the Food and Drug Association (FDA). Each product will also need a COLA, a TTB-issued Certificate of Label Approval. This label essentially proves that the retailer/importers comply with all federal regulations within their alcohol labeling.
Why should beer be kept in dark storage?
In order to preserve the designed taste and freshness, beer should be kept in a dark storage environment.
What carriers ship alcohol?
Alcohol can be a tricky thing to ship. Different carriers have different rules. So we’ll cover three of the major carriers that you’re most likely to use: USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
What packaging do you need for alcohol shipping?
You must have an alcohol shipping agreement with FedEx (contact your account manager to start the process) You must use proper packaging: Inner packaging of EPS foam, folded corrugated tray, or molded fiber tray.
How old do you have to be to drop off an UPS package?
Document the shipment as alcoholic (this is easy to do on EasyPost) Require an adult signature at delivery. It can not be dropped off or delivered to anyone under the age of 21.
How old do you have to be to deliver a syringe?
Require an adult signature at delivery. It can not be dropped off or delivered to anyone under the age of 21.
Do you need a license to ship alcohol?
You must have a license to ship alcohol according to federal and state laws. You must abide by the alcohol regulations of the origin state AND the destination state. (UPS will only ship alcohol to-and-from certain states because of this)
Can you use alcohol in a package?
On top of this, if you plan on using packaging that was once used to carry alcohol, all labels or branding associated with alcohol must be covered or taken off in order to properly process the package. Otherwise, USPS will assume there's alcohol inside the package and reject it.
How many states allow wine to be shipped?
There are also rules around what type of alcohol can be sold. The specific beverage with the most flexibility is wine. 40 out of 50 states allow wine to be shipped in some capacity, either directly to another person, or to a liquor or retail store, or to a wholesaler. Only six states, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, allow the direct shipment of all spirits.
What is the ASR for alcohol delivery?
In order to have alcohol delivered, there is an adult signature requirement (ASR). This means somebody over 21 must sign for the package, or risk having it confiscated.
What is POS in liquor?
If you own a liquor store, you’ll need an expert Liquor Store Point of Sale (POS) system to manage your valuable inventory, and track the success of your store with ease.
What amendment gave states the power to regulate and set their own individual laws regarding alcohol?
When Prohibition ended, the 21st Amendment gave state governments the power to regulate and set their own individual laws regarding alcohol. So naturally, rules about shipping alcohol vary from state to state.
Which states have restrictions on alcohol sales?
Minnesota and Ohio both have limitations on the amount of alcohol sold to consumers. Missouri’s regulations are also slightly complicated, with direct deliveries to consumers from out-of-state being prohibited.
Can you send alcohol to family and friends?
There is a (legal) loophole to sending alcohol to family and friends, though. Consumers, or people without alcohol licenses, can still order from a retailer or winery and send it directly to your friend’s address within the same state.
Does FedEx require an alcohol license?
The sender must be approved by FedEx, and the recipient must be a business entity that hold s appropriate alcohol licenses. State and federal laws still apply [4].
Which states do not allow shipping of alcohol?
For instance, there are a few states that do not allow alcohol shipments of any kind. These include Mississippi, Utah, and Kentucky. Alabama was one of these states until October 2021 when limited alcohol shipments started to be allowed. Other states like Delaware and Arkansas allow shipping for on-site purchases only. This means that if you purchase a bottle of wine while visiting a winery in the state, then the winery can ship that bottle to your house. However, you cannot place an order over the phone or through the web and have the wine shipped. Finally, states like Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia have somewhat relaxed alcohol shipping laws. Breweries and other alcohol distributors are free to sell and ship alcohol to residents in these states.
What is the age limit for FedEx to ship?
FedEx must deem your package to be sturdy enough to withstand the shipping process. When it comes to addressing the package, your label must clearly contain both the shipping and return address, and the package must be clearly marked as containing alcohol. Lastly, an adult signature will be required upon delivery. This ensures that no one under the age of 21 is receiving the shipment.
Does UPS check packages for alcohol?
Yes, your package could be checked by UPS if they suspect that you are attempting to illegally ship alcohol. If you do not have the proper license, you could face criminal charges. Packages containing alcohol that are shipped with UPS are required to be clearly marked so that someone can easily see that there is alcohol inside the package. They must also meet strict packaging requirements to avoid breakage.
Will UPS deliver alcohol in 2021?
It should be noted that a bill has recently been introduced in Congress in 2021 that would allow the USPS to deliver alcohol. Since UPS and FedEx are already allowed to deliver alcohol, this would put the USPS on a more level playing field for those shipments. It is estimated that this change could bring in an additional $50 million in revenue for the postal service.
Can you ship alcohol without a license?
Needless to say, this makes the rules regarding alcohol shipments extremely complicated. As a general rule, you cannot ship alcohol without the proper license. The shipper needs to have a license to manufacture, sell, or distribute alcohol in order to ship alcohol to consumers. Online retailers who sell alcohol are required to be extremely familiar with these rules. Shipping alcohol can get you in some serious trouble according to some state laws. In fact, it can even result in a felony conviction in the states with some of the harshest alcohol shipping laws. Other state laws are not quite as strict, but they still prohibit the shipment of alcohol without a proper license.
Can you mail alcohol out of the country?
Many people ask, “Can you mail alcohol out of the country?” If you thought it was difficult to mail alcohol across state lines , then just imagine how hard it is to send it between countries. Regardless of the type of alcohol, it is extremely complicated to send alcohol products from one country to another. Not only do you have state and local laws to deal with, but you also have to worry about import and export rules of the origin and destination . Failure to abide by these rules could cause your shipment to be seized by customs and destroyed. You might also owe taxes or duties on shipments of alcohol coming into or out of the country.
Can you ship alcohol through USPS?
It is illegal to ship alcohol using the USPS. First, your package could be rejected if it contains alcohol. Next, you could be charged with a crime for attempting to send an illegal substance through the mail. Depending on your state, this might even be a felony. This is not something that you should risk as there are other ways that you can legally send someone alcohol.
What shipping companies accept alcohol?
UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL are the four major shipping firms most typically utilized by vendors transporting alcohol. There are a few things that all carriers that accept alcohol shipments will have in common.
How To Pack Liquids For Shipping?
When transporting glass wine bottles, beer bottles, liquor bottles, or liquids in other delicate containers, you must exercise extra caution.
Why do shippers have to avoid breaking?
Shippers must avoid breaking within the parcel to prevent wasted alcohol sales and product loss. Different varieties of alcohol will have distinct requirements depending on their contents. Make sure to think about the finer points before ordering a shipping label.
Why are the laws governing the transport of alcoholic beverages so complex?
The laws governing the transport of alcoholic beverages are notoriously complex. It is because each state has its own set of rules.
What happens if you don't have a license to sell alcohol?
If you have no license to sell and ship alcohol, UPS may punish you. The courier will immediately seize your cargo. However, there are no legal consequences.
What are the prerequisites for exporting alcohol?
One of the prerequisites for exporting alcohol would be that it was not available to consumers.
How to protect wine bottles?
You can also protect the bottles by wrapping them with bubble wrap. If you’re transporting costly wine, you might want to do this.
What shipping system does Spirits use?
The shipper must process the Spirits shipment with a UPS Compatible Shipping solution such as WorldShip or any approved third-party vendor system.
What is required to own a distillery?
A Distillery must hold all required licenses or permits; verified that the purchaser is of legal age to purchase Spirits; and lists the purchaser as the consignee
What is Spirits Contract Addendum A?
The Spirits Contract Addendum A is effective as of the "revised" date noted on the Addendum, and applies to all shippers who have entered into a UPS Agreement for Approved Spirits Shippers. It is the shipper's responsibility to ensure that all shipments comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the origin and destination states, and that the consignee is authorized to receive the shipment.
How old do you have to be to sign for Spirits?
All Spirits shipments must be made using the UPS Delivery Confirmation Adult Signature Required service, requiring the signature of an adult 21 years of age or older upon delivery.
Where can Spirits be redirected?
Spirits shipments can be redirected to UPS Access Point locations with the ability to accept restricted goods
Do spirits shippers need a license?
All spirits shippers must provide any required state licenses to UPS. State license must be submitted to upswinecompliance@ups.com
Does UPS ship beer?
For shipments containing beer or wine, shippers must enter into an approved UPS agreement for the transportation of beer or wine as applicable, must be licensed and authorized under applicable law to ship beer and wine. UPS accepts shipments of beer or wine only among and between selected states. For more information on shipping beer or wine visit How to Ship Beer and How to Ship Wine pages.