While packaging will look very similar, the steps for shipping alcohol internationally are:
- Obtain Proper Licences: There are numerous permits required for shipping alcohol to another country. Making sure that...
- Select a Shipping Carrier: Once you’ve obtained the proper licensing, it’s time choose a shipping provider from UPS,...
- UPS International Alcohol Shipping Guide
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
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 ...
How much alcohol can I carry on international flights?
You can pack as much alcohol as you like if contains less than 24 percent alcohol – think wine and beer. If your bottles have between 24 and 70 percent alcohol content, you can pack as much as 5 liters (1.3 gallons) in your checked bags, as long as the bottles you're using can be sealed. The regulations of your destination country may differ.
Is it legal to ship alcohol?
It is technically legal to ship alcohol in the United States. … The only people who can legally ship alcohol are companies who are licensed to sell alcohol to parties in states that permit shipments. So, if you are not licensed to ship alcohol, then you will not be able to do so.
Does DHL ship alcohol internationally?
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 can I ship alcohol as a gift?
Can I ship alcohol as a gift? If you're an individual looking to send wine or beer as a gift, you'll need to do this through an approved retailer with a license to ship alcohol on your behalf.
Can I ship a bottle of alcohol to a friend?
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.
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.
Will FedEx know if I ship alcohol?
Only FedEx-approved, licensed businesses may ship alcohol. Your type of business, to whom you are shipping, and the destination of the shipment determine whether FedEx can accept your alcohol shipment.
Can I mail alcohol?
Alcohol can be shipped as land freight. However, depending on the destination, it may be possible to ship alcohol as air freight. Please note that if the alcohol is not professionally packed or packed using our packing materials, we are not able to ship your parcel.
How do I ship alcohol through UPS?
All shipments must meet UPS packaging requirements for Spirits. UPS will accept inner packaging of molded Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, folded corrugated tray, or molded fiber tray. Each packaging component secures the bottles into the center of the shipping container away from the side walls of the shipper.
Can you send a bottle of wine overseas?
You need a FedEx account. You have to sign an alcohol beverage shipping agreement. The wine shipment must be properly packaged, with the case completely covered in soft, protective materials to prevent breakage. The shipment should be clearly labeled to show it contains wine (or alcohol)
Read about our temperature-controlled wine shipping process
Get the details on how we route wine shipments to make sure they arrive in top shape. Available in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Save on FedEx shipping by joining a wine association
Membership can help you grow your business and give you a voice with lawmakers. Plus, you’ll get access to FedEx discounts.
Your customers can control their deliveries with FedEx
With FedEx Delivery Manager ®, your customers can pick up wine and alcohol shipments on their schedules at more than 6,000 locations.
How to ship a bottle of alcohol?
Place the bottle in the divider and fill the box with packing material or packing peanuts. Make sure you fill it to the top. Seal the box by taping it generously . Attach the shipping label with and clearly mention the package contains alcohol and is fragile.
How to keep a bottle from falling out?
Secure the bottom of the box with extra tape so bottles won’t fall out. The bottles should be tightly corked or sealed. Use bubble wrap around the bottle, and do it in such a way that the top and bottom of the bottle are also thoroughly covered.
Can you ship wine and beer?
Shipping bottles of liquid requires special handling, so you may come across a limited number of shipping solutions that allow you to ship beer, wine, and other liquor. Shipping alcohol via USPS. Beer, wine and liquor are considered restricted items with the USPS, and cannot not be shippped.
Can you ship liquor online?
Some of the states accept shipments only if they are done online by the customer. Basically, to avoid breaking the law, it's best to research each state you would like to ship to and be aware of their state laws around liquor to ensure you are legally shipping alcoholic beverages.
Does FedEx ship alcohol?
FedEx, like UPS, lets you ship alcohol but has a strict policy about how you can ship. You must have registered an account with FedEx and they require having a signed agreement with them that you will be shipping liquor. Other than, that the requirements are similar to UPS in terms of proper packaging, clear shipping label, license, ...
Can you ship wine within your state?
Even if you are shipping a bottle of wine within your own state, there are restrictions that you will have to follow. You may need to pay attention to how many shipments you are sending to customers, as some states have laws in place that allow only a certain amount of bottles to be sent to a single customer in a year.
Can you ship liquor between states?
For example, there are many states where you can’t import liquor at all. States like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Utah prohibit direct alcohol shipments.
Can You Ship Alcohol Overseas?
Yes, but unless you have the necessary permits, there’s no way to ship alcoholic beverages overseas. Legally, that is.
International Alcohol Shipping Requirements & Guidelines
Businesses selling alcoholic beverages commonly use FedEx, UPS, or DHL for their alcohol shipments. After you’ve applied for the necessary licenses, you can choose among those shipping carriers for your alcohol delivery.
How to Package Alcohol for Shipment
When shipping liquids like beer, wine, or distilled spirits, it’s very important to contain them in proper packaging to prevent spoilage and bottle damage.
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.
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.
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 to keep beer palatability?
To maintain palatability, keep beer in an environment that’s around 40 degrees. Light: Especially for brews that highlight their hoppiness, keeping light away from beer is a must-have for shipping. In order to preserve the designed taste and freshness, beer should be kept in a dark storage environment.
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.
How to protect wine bottles?
Make sure to protect bottles with padding and void-filling materials such as bubble wrap and cardboard dividers. Know the Product: Take note of how specific wines need to be stored, as some bottles need to be stored standing up while other blends may need to be placed on their side.
Can beer be shipped in glass bottles?
Bottles: Choosing to ship beer in glass bottles is a risky shipment decision that could lead to product leaking away throughout transit. This is the least preferable suggestion for shipping, especially long distance, but can be done with enough caution.