Alcohol Packaging Requirements – Getting your alcohol shipments to their destination in one piece is key. Shipping glass bottles in appropriate drop-tested packaging is your best bet for them to arrive safely, and for you to avoid the cost of damages.
- You can buy a range of drop-tested alcohol packaging from UPS or we can refer you to third-party vendors that also offer packaging meeting the necessary standards.
- These special packaging products are typically a set of high-quality outer boxes with an insert system that holds the bottle(s) in place, preventing direct impact when dropped.
All of our approved packaging products are extensively drop-tested, sustainable and suitable for different categories of alcoholic beverages, including single and multiple bottle shipments. We may also accept other packaging if it has been drop-tested to the necessary standards.
Contents
Can you send alcohol in a box?
How To Mail Alcohol with USPS – So can you send alcohol through the mail? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The United States Postal Service will not ship alcohol under any circumstances. In fact, you can’t even use an old beer or wine box to ship other goods. If there’s any alcohol-related branding visible on the outside of the box, the USPS won’t accept the shipment, regardless of what’s inside.
Can I send alcohol in the mail Europe?
UK & International – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Volume should not exceed 1 litre per item. Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from breakage.
Can I check alcohol in my luggage?
Alcoholic beverages Carry On Bags: Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) Check with your airline before bringing any alcohol beverages on board. FAA regulations prohibit travelers from consuming alcohol on board an aircraft unless served by a flight attendant.
Additionally, Flight Attendants are not permitted to serve a passenger who is intoxicated. Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.
Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on must be able to comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag. For more information, see FAA regulation: : Alcoholic beverages
Can you ship liquids in a box?
Shipping liquids with FedEx – FedEx allows the shipments of a broader range of liquids than USPS, but it also prohibits aerosols, flammable liquids, and any hazardous material. You can use any of the following options to ship your liquid including:
Flat Rate Shipping: packages under 50lbsFreight Shipping: packages above 150lbsSame-day deliveryOvernight shipping.
Liquids must be packed in a waterproof, sealable container. The container must be kept upright in the cardboard box, and the box must be marked as “Fragile” to ensure it is not kept upside down during shipping.
Can you send drinks in a package?
Rules for USPS – Nonflammable liquids and nonhazardous liquids can be sent via USPS, if sealed inside a waterproof container. A recently proposed rule change states that mailers must mark the outer container of a mailpiece containing liquid to indicate the nature of the contents, and include orientation arrows.
This is regardless of whether the package is deemed “breakable” by the shipper. If you are shipping liquids in containers greater than 4 oz, you are required to triple pack these containers. This means you need to pad around the original container(s), then surround the original packaging with another sealed, leak-proof container which includes absorbent materials, then have that packing in the rigid packaging noted far above, such as a Priority Mail box, USPS Flat Rate box, or Regional Rate box,
Liquids are also perfect candidates for cubic pricing like ShippingEasy’s Flat Rate Green. This applies to smaller, heavier packages (2 – 20 lbs.). A ShippingEasy customer who sells 6 and 12-packs of vitamin-infused water cut 40% off their shipping budget by switching from FedEx to using Flat Rate Green,
| 2021 USPS First Class Pkg (weight not over) | Zones 1 & 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | $3.01 | $3.03 | $3.06 | $3.12 | $3.22 | $3.35 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| 2 oz | $3.01 | $3.03 | $3.06 | $3.12 | $3.22 | $3.35 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| 3 oz | $3.01 | $3.03 | $3.06 | $3.12 | $3.22 | $3.35 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| 4 oz | $3.01 | $3.03 | $3.06 | $3.12 | $3.22 | $3.35 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| 5 oz | $3.46 | $3.49 | $3.51 | $3.57 | $3.58 | $3.69 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 6 oz | $3.46 | $3.49 | $3.51 | $3.57 | $3.58 | $3.69 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 7 oz | $3.46 | $3.49 | $3.51 | $3.57 | $3.58 | $3.69 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 8 oz | $3.46 | $3.49 | $3.51 | $3.57 | $3.58 | $3.69 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 9 oz | $4.04 | $4.09 | $4.12 | $4.20 | $4.38 | $4.53 | $4.68 | $4.68 |
| 10 oz | $4.04 | $4.09 | $4.12 | $4.20 | $4.38 | $4.53 | $4.68 | $4.68 |
| 11 oz | $4.04 | $4.09 | $4.12 | $4.20 | $4.38 | $4.53 | $4.68 | $4.68 |
| 12 oz | $4.04 | $4.09 | $4.12 | $4.20 | $4.38 | $4.53 | $4.68 | $4.68 |
| 13 oz | $5.19 | $5.23 | $5.27 | $5.42 | $5.66 | $5.81 | $5.98 | $5.98 |
| 14 oz | $5.19 | $5.23 | $5.27 | $5.42 | $5.66 | $5.81 | $5.98 | $5.98 |
| 15 oz | $5.19 | $5.23 | $5.27 | $5.42 | $5.66 | $5.81 | $5.98 | $5.98 |
| 15.999 oz | $5.19 | $5.23 | $5.27 | $5.42 | $5.66 | $5.81 | $5.98 | $5.98 |
If you’re shipping liquids in primary containers with less than 4 oz of liquids, you recently dodged a bullet. The USPS was considering enforcing the triple packing rule across the board, meaning companies like essential oils, CBD oils, and beauty supplies would have had to invest in more padding and packaging, driving up the cost of shipping these products.
Can you send alcohol through the post?
Aerosols for toiletry or medicinal purposes. Aerosols for personal grooming or medicinal purposes, (including deodorants, body sprays, hair sprays, shaving and hair removal creams, medicinal aerosols for prevention or cure such as flea sprays,etc). Packaging guidelines: Valves must be protected to prevent inadvertent release of contents.
Volume per item must not exceed 500ml. No more than two items in any one parcel, tightly packaged.The senders name and return address must be clearly visible on the parcel. These items must be sent via the Post Office only, and presented at the counter. Yes No Aerosols for any other purpose (including spray paints, etc.) No No Alcoholic beverages containing more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV) No No Alcoholic beverages containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV) e.g.
gin; rum; vodka;whiskey; Packaging guidelines: Volume must not exceed 1 litre per item. No more than two items in any one parcel. Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with absorbent material and cushioning to prevent breakage. Mark as ‘FRAGILE’ when sending glass bottles.
- Sender’s name and address must be visible on the parcel.
- These items must be sent via the Post Office only, and presented at the counter.
- Yes No Alcoholic beverages containing 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) or less (e.g.
- Beer; wine; and champagne).
- Packaging guidelines: Volume must not exceed 1 litre per item.
Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with absorbent material and cushioning to prevent breakage. Mark as ‘FRAGILE’ when sending glass bottles. Yes Yes Arms and Ammunition All firearms, other than low-powered air weapons sent within the UK (air rifles, air guns and air pistols), including imitations and antiques; paint-ball or toy guns; taser guns; components of firearms and all other items similar to, or resembling, the foregoing are prohibited.
These items must be sent on an express48 service only These items must be sent via the Post Office only, and presented at the counter Enhanced compensation cover is not available
Yes No Batteries that are classified as dangerous goods and certain used batteries (including wet spillable lead acid/lead alkaline batteries (such as car batteries), used alkaline metal, nickel metal hybride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air batteries, and damaged batteries of any type).
No No Batteries, specifically new alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd) and zinc-air Packaging guidelines: Must be new and sent unopened in their original retail packaging. Surround with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap. Yes Yes Batteries, specifically new and used lithium batteries when not sent with or connected to an electronic device.
No No Batteries – new wet, non-spillable (e.g. sealed lead acid batteries, absorbed glass mat and gel cell batteries). Packaging guidelines: No more than one battery in any one parcel. Maximum weight 1.5kg. Item must be protected against short circuit (by insulation of exposed terminals) and securely packaged.
- Package must be marked ‘NOT RESTRICTED’ and ‘SPA67/SP238’.
- Yes No Biological Substances (Diagnostic specimens including blood, urine, faeces and animal remains).
- Category B (UN3373) as classified in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The total sample volume/mass in any parcel must not exceed50ml/50g. All biological substances must be posted in packaging that complies with Packaging Instruction 650. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
- Yes No Biological Substances, Category B.
- Used Covid testing kits No No Bladed Items (Bladed Articles and Bladed Products as defined by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 ) including, but not limited to, any knife (including a folding pocket knife), any knife blade, cutlery knife, scissors with sharp edges or points, sporting equipment with a blade, tools with a blade, replica and antique knives including those used for re-enactment purposes, handmade and bespoke knives, cut-throat razors, open razors where the blade is exposed, any axe, any sword, and any other article which has a blade – Excludes knives prohibited under UK law.
No No Car Parts, panels, doors, bumpers and bonnets are prohibited. Other car parts are acceptable as long as packaging guidelines are followed. No No Christmas Crackers Yes No Clinical and medical waste (e.g. contaminated dressings, bandages and needles).
- No No Controlled drugs and narcotics (such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD, opium and amyl nitrate, leaves from the Catha Edulis plant, morphine, opium, pyschotropic substances etc).
- Those discovered in transit will be stopped, and handed to customs or the Police, who may take legal action against the sender and/or recipient.
No No Corrosives (including dyes, acids, corrosive paint and rust removers, caustic soda, mercury and gallium metal). No No Counterfeit currency Counterfeit currency and counterfeit stamps are prohibited. No No Dry Ice No No Electronic devices sent with lithium batteries (including mobile phones, digital cameras, etc) where the battery is not connected to the device.
Packaging guidelines: The maximum number of lithium batteries allowed in each parcel is the minimum number required to power the device plus two spares. For lithium ion/polymer batteries the Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery. For lithium metal/alloy batteries the lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery.
The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per parcel. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Cells or batteries that are defective or damaged are forbidden.
Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery and protect them from short circuit. The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
Sender’s name and address must be visible on the parcel. These items must be sent via the Post Office only, and presented at the counter. Yes No Electronic devices connected to lithium batteries (including mobile phones, digital cameras, etc) where the battery is connected to the device.
- Packaging guidelines: Each parcel must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in a device.
- For lithium ion/polymer batteries the Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery.
- For lithium metal/alloy batteries the lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery.
The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per parcel. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Cells or batteries that are defective or damaged are forbidden.
- The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
- Sender’s name and address must be visible on the parcel.
- Country restrictions apply, please see our worldwide directory for details.
These items must be sent via the Post Office only, and presented at the counter. Yes Yes Environmental waste (including used batteries and used engine oil). No No Explosives (including fireworks, flares, blasting caps, party poppers). No No Financial documents Any financial documents (money, bankers drafts, cheques, dividends, bonds, securities etc).
which can be exchanged themselves, or with any other document, for money, goods or services, cannot be sent on Parcelforce Worldwide international services. They can be sent on a Parcelforce Worldwide UK service, but are excluded from compensation. Yes No Flammable liquids (including petroleum, lighter fluid, certain adhesives, solvent based paints, wood varnish, enamels, acetone and all nail varnish removers).
No No Flammable solids (including magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, zinc powder and fire lighters). No No Gases, including flammable, non-flammable, toxic and compressed gases Gases including flammable, non-flammable toxic and compressed gases, new, used and empty gas cylinders, butane, ethane, refills for lighters, fire extinguishers and scuba tanks, life jackets, nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide canisters (culinary foaming devices and soda stream).
No No Hoverboards and electric scooters are prohibited to all destinations (UK and international) No No Human and animal remains Human remains (including ashes) and dead animals (including preserved animal parts and skins) are prohibited. No No Illegal lottery tickets Tickets and related advertisements for illegal lotteries are prohibited.
No No Indecent, obscene or offensive articles Indecent, obscene or offensive communications, prints, photographs, books or other articles, and packets bearing grossly offensive, indecent or obscene words, marks or designs are prohibited. Those discovered in transit will be stopped, and handed to customs or the Police, who may take legal action against the sender and/or recipient.
- No No Infectious substances and pathogens (UN2814 or UN2900) as classified in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
- Used Covid testing kits are prohibited.
- No No Lighters and refills containing flammable liquid or gas (including new, used and empty butane, petrol cigar and cigarette lighters).
No No Liquids over 1 litre Liquids over 1 litre (containing liquids not classified as dangerous goods). Packaging guidelines: Items must be securely closed and placed in a leak proof liner, such as sealed polythene bag. Mark as ‘Fragile’ when sending glass bottles.
- Some liquids, such as alcohol or paints, have their own additional restrictions or prohibitions.
- Must be sent be express48 only.
- Maximum 5 Litres per box or container.
- Yes No Living creatures, bees, spiders fish fry and coral are all prohibited from our UK and International services.
- No No Magnetized material (with a field strength of 0.418A/metre or more at a distance of 4.6 metres from the outside of the package).
No No Matches (including safety matches). No No Miscellaneous manufactured articles Goods made in foreign prisons, except those imported for a non-commercial purpose of a kind not manufactured in the United Kingdom, or those in transit. No No Misleading endorsements Parcels must not bear words, marks or designs which are unauthorised and which may reasonably lead the recipient to believe that the parcel has been sent On Her Majesty’s Service.
No No Nail varnish, polish or gel Packaging guidelines: Volume per item must not exceed 30ml. No more than four items in any one parcel. Must be placed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage. Sender’s name and address must be visible on the parcel. These items must be sent via the Post Office only, and presented at the counter.
Yes No Oxidising materials or organic peroxides (including disinfectants, nitrates and hair dyes or colourants containing peroxide). No No Perfumes and aftershaves (including eau de parfum and eau de toilette). Packaging guidelines: Volume per item must not exceed 150ml.
- No more than four items in any one parcel.
- Must be sent in its original retail packaging, placed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage.
- Sender’s name and address must be visible on the parcel.
- These items must be sent via the Post Office only, and presented at the counter.
- Yes No Perishable foodstuffs and articles (including fresh fruit, fish, plants, flowers, seeds and medicines).
Consignments for delivery in the UK must be sent by a guaranteed next day delivery service as a minimum requirement, and be able to withstand transit times of at least two working days. Items sent on a Friday must be sent on a next day Saturday delivery service,
- Packages must be clearly labelled “PERISHABLE”.
- Packages of fish should be smoked or chilled, and sealed in vacuum packs before sending.
- In all cases they must be enclosed in adequate polystyrene containment to prevent contamination.
- It is the responsibility of the shipper to package all perishable articles in such a manner that during transport within the system the contents are kept at an appropriate temperature that is unlikely to give rise to a risk to health.
Frozen water and dry ice are prohibited. Perishable articles cannot be sent using our globalexpress, globalvalue or globaleconomy services. Certain international destinations prohibit the import of perishable articles, including perishable and non-perishable foodstuffs.
Please check individual country restrictions before sending consignments containing perishable foodstuffs or articles (including plants, flowers, medicines, seeds and other vegetable products intended for further processing) using our globalpriority service. For more information about service availability, or for country-specific prohibitions, exclusions or licence requirements please check our country directory before sending.
Yes Yes Perishables Frozen / fresh pet food and meat for human consumption are prohibited. No No Plants Live plants may only be sent in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in ‘Perishable foodstuffs and articles’ above. Yes Yes Pesticides (e.g.
Weed killer and any chemical used to kill pests and insects including fly sprays). No No Poisons, toxic liquids, solids and gases (including substances that are liable to cause death or injury if swallowed or inhaled or by skin contact, including arsenic, cyanide, fluorine, rat poison). No No Prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific or medical purposes (non-toxic and non-flammable including asthma inhalers).
Packaging guidelines: Medicines must be securely closed and placed in a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a siftproof container (for solids). Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage. Sender’s name and address must be visible on the parcel.
We advise that prescription medicines should not be sent using global express because individual country regulations are complex and the item may be refused. However when using our global express service, a copy of the prescription must be attached to the outside of the consignment. Yes Yes Radioactive materials and samples (Classified as dangerous goods such as luminous dials from aircraft).
No No Sharp objects and instruments (which are not classed as a prohibited item) may only be posted if they are packaged appropriately so that they do not present a risk to employees, other packages, or recipients. Broken glass / broken ceramic items are prohibited from being posted.
- Yes Yes Waste, dirt, filth or refuse Waste, dirt, filth or refuse (including household waste).
- Soil samples sent for analysis are permitted provided they are packaged so that any leaks and spills are contained in the outer packaging.
- No No Water-based paints, wood stains and enamels Volume per item should not exceed 150ml.
There is no restriction on the number of items than can be sent in each package. Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from damage. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
- Any item which resembles a restricted item may be subject to additional scrutiny which may cause delays.
- Yes Yes Weapons Weapons (including Section 5 firearms, CS gas and pepper sprays, flick knives, and other knives that are banned knives under UK laws, tasers and stun guns).
- No No Works of art Works of art cannot be exported to certain destinations on the globalpriority and globalvalue services, so please check our country directory before sending.
Works of art are excluded from compensation for loss and damage with globalexpress although they can be sent using this service. Yes Yes
How do I send liquids internationally?
How do I pack liquids for international shipping? – You can pack your liquid items securely by using sealed plastic bags and containers, cellulose wadding, absorbent packets, corrugated cardboard boxes, adhesive tape and thermal bubble wrap. Don’t forget to tape the bottoms of your boxes and wrap each container in packing paper.
What courier can I send alcohol with?
Interparcel can help deliver alcohol to your friends, family, or customers, no matter where they live. Our partnership with APC and Parcelforce lets you ship your chosen beverage far and wide. However, sending alcohol does require a bit of ex-beer-ience before booking.
How do you pack wine for international shipping?
2) Choose a sturdy box or wine carrier – Use sturdy, corrugated cardboard boxes with dividers that are designed specifically for packaging wines. Choose a box with a thicker outer shell if you are planning to ship the wine standing upright. Wine carriers are a great alternative to having to adjust any boxes or dividers to perfectly fit your wine bottles. Shop the noissue Custom Two or Three-Bottle Wine Carrier It’s not advisable to use shipping boxes intended for other purposes because multiple wine bottles in a box can be heavy and a generic box may not be sturdy enough to withstand the weight. You should also seal the bottom of your box with extra-heavy, water-activated tape for added reinforcement.
How do you ship a bottle of whiskey?
We recommend using polystyrene inner packaging with a corrugated outer container when shipping wine or alcohol bottles. You can also use molded pulp or die-cut corrugated packaging to protect beer, wine, liquor, and champagne. Reinforce the bottom of the box with extra tape.
Can you use plastic wrap for shipping?
Shipping Plastic Wrap or Shrink Wrap? When shipping, people usually focus on the container to use, be it pallet or crate. Although the shipping container is important to protect a product’s integrity, there are also various other packaging materials to think of.
Two of them are the shipping plastic wrap and the shrink wrap. A shipping plastic wrap, or stretch wrap as it’s commonly called, is a clear, elastic plastic film that is used to secure products for transportation, especially when they’re loaded on pallets. It is wrapped tightly around an item multiple times to stabilize it and prevent movement during shipping or storage.
Because it’s highly elastic, it provides enough tension to make it an excellent protective material. People usually confuse the plastic shipping wrap with shrink wrap, but the two are different. Shrink wrap is also made of clear plastic but it doesn’t contain a stretchy property.
Can you bring alcohol on a plane internationally?
Regulations for checked (hold) baggage: – Wine and alcohol in checked (hold) baggage is accepted as under the following conditions:
- Alcoholic beverages with less than 24% alcohol – no restrictions
- Alcoholic beverages with alcohol content between 24% and 70% – 5L per person internationally and 10L within the EU
- Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol – prohibited
“While beverages with an alcohol content of greater than 70 percent are prohibited and those with an alcohol content between 24 and 70 percent are limited, there is no TSA-regulated quantity limit on beverages with less than 24 percent alcohol, such as wine.
Airline-created checked baggage limits still apply, but passengers are free to use the entirety of their quota for wine transport.” USA TODAY Travel Tips: Air Travel With Wine Bottles “Please note, you can’t take alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 95% grain alcohol and 150 proof rum, in your checked luggage.
You may take up to five liters of alcohol with alcohol content between 24% and 70% per person as checked luggage if it’s packaged in a sealable bottle or flask. Alcoholic beverages with less than 24% alcohol content are not subject to hazardous materials regulations.” TSA: Carrying Alcohols in Your Checked Baggage “You can pack bottles of alcohol (including homemade wine and beer, and commercial products) in your checked baggage if: 1.
- The percentage of alcohol by volume is 70% (140 proof) or less.2.
- The quantity does not exceed five litres per person for alcoholic beverages between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume.
- Alcoholic beverages containing 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations on quantities.” Government of Canada: Transporting Alcohol The EU Commission has similar rules.
Wine and alcohol can be checked-in as long as limits are respected. Individual airlines adhere to the regulations outlined by the international security bodies. In addition you must follow the checked-baggage weight limits outlined by each airline, For international travelers this is typically 23kg (50 lb) per checked baggage for economy class, and 32 kg for business class or if an overweight baggage fee is paid. 
Not all airlines have an explicit written policy on alcohol checking alcohol in your hold luggage, but the general rule is that it must be packaged to completely prevent breakage, which could damage other customers’ luggage and property. Some airlines require Styrofoam padded packs to be used. 
It is advisable to check with your airline if any requirements exist. See: Baggage Allowance Info * Please note the Italian airline, Alitalia does not allow any ” bottles of liquids even if perfectly packaged, such as oil, wine and vinegar ” to be checked in hold baggage.
To our knowledge this is the only airline who has such a policy. Your final set of regulations of how much alcohol you can bring with you, comes by way of import laws set by the country you are entering. Many people confuse duty-free limits with overall limits on bringing in alcohol into a given country.
In general, most countries permit you to bring in alcohol over the duty-free limit, but you may (or may not) have to pay the associated duties and taxes, depending on how strict the country and its customs officers are. Duty-free and overall limits vary by country and even individual state or province within countries like Canada and the US.
Can I bring alcohol abroad?
Luggage: Never pack this or risk serious trouble 
Flights: Many people have very little idea of what the duty-free allowance actually is (Image: Getty Images) Flights back to the UK end with travellers passing through customs at the airport. If you have been on holiday outside the European Union (EU) you have a duty free allowance.
- Many people have very little idea of what the duty-free allowance actually is.
- According to a poll of Britons carried out by flight-comparison site Jetcost, 47 per cent of Britons quizzed didn’t realise there was any restriction on the amount of what you could bring back.
- The survey showed that 90 per cent of respondents don’t know how much spirits they are allowed to bring in.
- The answer is just one litre of spirits and other liquors over 22 per cent alcohol.
- You must not pack more than this in your luggage with declaring it and paying excise duty.
Travellers have to pay £28.74 of Spirit Duty per litre of pure alcohol as well as standard rate VAT at 20 per cent on alcohol and tobacco products. 
Flights: You can bring just one litre of spirits and other liquors over 22 per cent alcohol (Image: Getty Images)
- For beer, the allowance is 16 litres and for wine (not sparkling) it’s four litres.
- The limit for fortified wine (for example port, sherry), sparkling wine and alcoholic drinks up to 22 per cent alcohol is two litres.
- The duty for both wine and beer depends on their strength.
Gov.uk explains that travellers should “use the red channel at customs if have something to declare. “If there’s no red channel, use the red-point phone to declare goods to customs.” The site adds that “you and your baggage can be checked for anything that must be declared.” 
Flights: Not declaring goods over the duty-free allowance could land you in trouble (Image: Getty Images) Not declaring goods over the duty-free allowance could land you in trouble. “If you do not do what you’re asked, your goods and any vehicle you use to transport them may be seized,” explained Gov.uk.
- There are no limits on the alcohol you can bring in from EU countries.
- However, you’re more likely to be asked questions if you have over 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine, 20 litres of fortified wine or 110 litres of beer.
- Commenting on the findings of their study, a spokesperson for Jetcost.co.uk, said: “It’s a habit for many savvy people to make purchases from duty free either before or after a holiday in order to stock up on whatever it is they need.
“However, you need to be aware of the restrictions that are applied, because you may end up having to pay the excess tax at the airport for breaking the rules, something that is going to make a dent in your wallet.” Earlier this year it was revealed that, under new measures, any will need to be packed into a sealed plastic bag ahead of a flight.
What is the cheapest way to ship liquids?
The US Postal Service is the Cheapest Carrier Option to Ship Liquids – If you’re looking to ship water or other liquids, USPS is the best choice. From a broad view, USPS offers the best mix of affordable rates and quick delivery times. More specifically, USPS offers specially-discounted mail classes such as the dimension-based Priority Mail Cubic,
- This “secret” mail class is like any other Priority Mail Service, with delivery times between 1 and 3 business days.
- However, it is priced based on dimensions and not weight.
- Therefore, you can load your packages up with as much packaged liquids as you can fit, and the cost of shipping won’t change! Priority Mail Cubic alone makes USPS the perfect carrier for shipping small, heavy packages like boxes containing liquids.
Pro Tip : No matter what you’re shipping, it’s good to know what each carrier’s strengths are. Generally speaking, UPS is the best choice for shipping large, heavy items, and FedEx specializes in overnight delivery.
What liquids are OK to ship?
USPS –
USPS allows shipping of non-hazardous liquids, as long as they are in sealed containers with all contents clearly labeled. If you want to ship over 4 oz. of liquid, you must use insulating materials, triple-pack your boxes and use tightly sealed containers like shipping glass bottles,
If you’re shipping domestically, USPS is an excellent choice since it doesn’t charge extra for shipping liquids. Its website has a comprehensive list of regulations, and you can also contact your local post office for more information. It also allows the shipment of perishables, as long as they reach their destination before spoiling.
Consider using a styrofoam shipping cooler to keep your perishable liquids cool during their journey.
- You must declare to the carrier that a shipment contains alcohol, normally by putting a label on the outside of the package.
- You must pay an alcohol package fee.
- An adult signature has to be given when the package is received to ensure alcohol isn’t getting delivered to minors.
- Maybe you tried a craft beer in California and you ask a buddy to ship some to your home state.
- Or perhaps your buddy in upstate Washington would like to try some of your latest homebrewed beer.
- You’ll need to meet the regulations in both states although in general, transit through another state is acceptable as long as nobody physically opens the package in transit.
Can I mail beer to a friend?
Current State Regulations (2023) – Mailing a bottle of your favorite craft beer to a friend is actually legal in most states, but not all. It’s important you know the address where you will be sending the beer before a shipping company will accept the order.
Shipping beer in-state is the easiest option as you will only need to know the local rules. Most in-state carriers will be fully aware and compliant with the special rules. When you start shipping beer across state lines things get significantly more complex.
If it’s a case of sending a commercially produced beer as a gift, it’s often easier to check if any retailer or beer shippers in the state of the receiver stock that particular beer and can ship in-state.
| State | Shipping Alcohol | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Prohibited | N/A |
| Alaska | Allowed | N/A |
| Arizona | Allowed | N/A |
| Arkansas | Allowed | From on-site purchases |
| California | Allowed | N/A |
| Colorado | Allowed | N/A |
| Connecticut | Allowed | N/A |
| Delaware | Allowed | From on-site purchases |
| Florida | Allowed | N/A |
| Georgia | Allowed | N/A |
| Hawaii | Allowed | Shipping is expensive |
| Idaho | Allowed | N/A |
| Illinois | Allowed | N/A |
| Indiana | Allowed | 216-liter limit per year |
| Iowa | Allowed | No beer shipments |
| Kansas | Allowed | 12 case limit per year |
| Kentucky | Allowed | From on-site purchases |
| Louisiana | Allowed | 12 case limit per year |
| Maine | Allowed | 12 case limit per year |
| Maryland | Allowed | N/A |
| Massachusetts | Allowed | N/A |
| Michigan | Allowed | N/A |
| Minnesota | Allowed | 2 cases per month |
| Mississippi | Allowed | Must use state liquor store |
| Missouri | Allowed | 2 cases per month |
| Montana | Allowed | 18 cases of wine, 12 cases of beer per year |
| Nebraska | Allowed | 1 case per month |
| Nevada | Allowed | Must use an importer |
| New Hampshire | Allowed | 12 cases of wine, 27 gallons of beer per year |
| New Jersey | Allowed | N/A |
| New Mexico | Allowed | N/A |
| New York | Allowed | 36 cases per year |
| North Carolina | Allowed | N/A |
| North Dakota | Allowed | 27 liters of wine, 288oz beer, 9 liters of spirits per year |
| Ohio | Allowed | 24 cases per year |
| Oklahoma | Allowed | 6 cases of wine per year |
| Oregon | Allowed | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | Allowed | 36 cases per year |
| Rhode Island | Allowed | From on-site purchases |
| South Carolina | Allowed | N/A |
| South Dakota | Allowed | N/A |
| Tennessee | Allowed | N/A |
| Texas | Allowed | N/A |
| Utah | Allowed | Extremely limited. Check laws. |
| Vermont | Allowed | 29-36 gallon annual limit by drink type |
| Virginia | Allowed | N/A |
| Washington | Allowed | No beer shipments |
| West Virginia | Allowed | Confusing rules, check the laws |
| Wisconsin | Allowed | 108 liters of wine limit |
| Wyoming | Allowed | 108 liters of wine limit |