What customs regulations should be paid attention to when transporting alcohol abroad?

Transporting alcohol abroad requires strict compliance with customs regulations of various countries, involving licenses, taxes, packaging, labels and other requirements. The following are key points:

1. Export country requirements (taking China as an example)

Export qualifications

It is necessary to apply for a “Liquor Production License” or “Liquor Circulation License”.

Provide a “Recordation Certificate for Export Food Production Enterprises” (registered with the General Administration of Customs).

Inspection and quarantine

Alcohol is a food and must pass the customs’ food hygiene and safety inspection and issue an “Export Food Inspection and Quarantine Certificate”.

Export tax rebate

Qualified alcohol exports can apply for VAT rebates (usually at a rate of 13%).

2. Common regulations of importing countries
   Different countries have strict restrictions on alcohol imports, and it is necessary to check the regulations of the target country in advance:

United States

License: Importers must hold a TTB (Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) license.

Label: Alcohol content (ABV), origin, ingredients, etc. must be marked, and English labels are required.

Taxes: Taxes are levied based on alcohol concentration, and federal excise taxes are required (e.g., wine is about $1.07/liter).

European Union

Tariffs: Tariffs on wine are about 0.2-0.5 euros/liter, and tariffs on spirits (such as white wine) are higher (10%-25%).

Labels: Allergen information and energy value must be marked, and some countries require local languages ​​(such as French and German).

DOC certification: Wines may require protected designation of origin certification.

Middle East (such as Saudi Arabia)

Alcohol ban: Most Islamic countries strictly prohibit the import of alcohol, which is limited to specific duty-free zones or diplomatic channels.

Japan

Tax declaration: A “Wine Import Declaration” must be submitted, and the sake tax is about 120 yen/liter.

Additive restrictions: Certain preservatives are prohibited (such as sulfites exceeding the standard will be rejected).

III. General precautions
Packaging and transportation

Use shockproof materials to avoid breakage; some countries require wooden boxes to be fumigated (such as Australia).

Sea transportation requires a “flammable liquid” label (alcohol content ≥ 24% is considered dangerous goods).

Document preparation

Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, health certificate, bill of lading (indicate the alcohol concentration).

Embargo risk

Some countries prohibit high-alcohol alcohol (such as India’s strict restrictions on spirits), and the HS code must be confirmed in advance.

IV. Recommended steps

Contact the importer or customs agent of the target country to confirm the latest regulations.

Entrust a professional logistics company (such as DHL and FedEx have a special line for alcohol) to ensure compliance with transportation.

Purchase transportation insurance to cover risks such as damage and tariff disputes.