Global demand for alcohol is expanding rapidly as more consumers look beyond their local markets for wine, spirits, and craft beer.
Retailers are eager to tap into this interest and reach customers overseas, but sending alcohol across borders is rarely a straightforward process. Every shipment needs to account for a patchwork of regulations, delicate packaging requirements, and taxes that vary widely depending on the destination.
Shipping alcohol internationally isn’t the same as shipping clothing or electronics – carriers apply strict rules, and customs authorities often require extensive paperwork. At the same time, the opportunity that’s there is significant for businesses ready to take it on.
To help companies enter new markets beyond their respective borders, this guide outlines the essentials of alcohol shipping, covering regulations, costs, packaging, carrier options, and practical steps that allow you to expand your global customer base with complete confidence.
Can you ship alcohol internationally?
Yes, it’s possible to ship alcohol across borders, but the process is subject to strict control and numerous regulations. Every country sets its own standards, and what is acceptable in one region may be completely prohibited in another.
Some countries allow the import of alcohol as long as you pay the duties and provide the necessary documentation, while others completely prohibit such shipments. For example, several Muslim-majority countries do not permit any alcohol to cross their borders.
Carriers also impose their own restrictions. For instance, the United States Postal Service prohibits the shipment of alcohol altogether, so retailers must rely on private couriers.
Companies like DHL, UPS, and FedEx have programmes in place to handle alcohol shipments, but they typically only accept them from licensed businesses. Before working with one of these carriers, companies need to sign formal agreements and demonstrate that they hold the necessary alcohol shipping licenses.
Compliance requirements extend beyond the sender. Importers are often required to hold valid permits, particularly for larger shipments or commercial trade, and this double layer of regulation means that both parties to the transaction need to be aligned before a shipment can go ahead.
The takeaway is straightforward: while it’s possible to ship alcohol internationally, doing so requires careful research into the regulations that apply in both the country of origin and the destination. Retailers who prepare themselves thoroughly will grow in the global market, while those who ignore regulations risk having shipments delayed or confiscated.
How much does it cost to ship alcohol overseas?
Alcohol tends to be more expensive to ship than most consumer products. Glass bottles are heavy, fragile, and require reinforced packaging that drives up freight charges.
A shipment of wine or spirits weighs considerably more than clothing or electronics of a similar size, which means higher dimensional weight and increased handling costs. On top of that, carriers often insist on moulded inserts, double-walled cartons, and other specialised materials that add protection but also increase shipping costs.
Carriers typically apply surcharges when alcohol is involved; fees for adult-signature services are mandatory, and in some cases, an additional handling charge is applied to cover the extra procedures required for alcohol deliveries. These costs may appear small on their own, yet they add up quickly when shipping at scale.
Duties and taxes are the biggest variables, as every country applies its own system of excise duties or customs taxes, and the difference between markets is dramatic. For example, Singapore levies an excise duty of roughly S$88 per litre of alcohol content on wine and spirits, which can easily exceed the base shipping charge.
The UK and EU apply duty based on alcohol units, while Australia and New Zealand maintain their own excise structures. Retailers must understand that taxes may surpass the price of the product itself in certain destinations.
Insurance and temperature control also influence costs since standard shipping insurance often excludes alcohol, so getting specialised coverage is recommended. Temperature-sensitive products like fine wine may require insulated boxes, gel packs, or even refrigerated transport, which significantly increases costs.
In practice, shipping alcohol overseas or across borders can prove more costly than you might expect. We recommend using carrier calculators, research destination taxes in advance, and maintain transparency with customers to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How to ship alcohol internationally
Shipping alcohol across borders involves more than just dropping some cans into a box and sending them off by courier.
Retailers need to consider every stage of the process, from licensing requirements and packaging standards to customs paperwork, climate conditions, and delivery updates. Each step plays a part in making sure that fragile products arrive safely, legally, and in a way that meets customer expectations.
Navigating alcohol shipping regulations
The first challenge for any business sending alcohol abroad is compliance. Most countries require the shipper to hold a valid alcohol license, and in many cases the recipient must be licensed as well. Shipments may face delays, confiscation, or return at the retailer's expense if they lack the necessary approvals.
Requirements vary by market. So, for instance, in the United States, exporters must follow Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations, while importers need to be licensed before they can receive alcohol shipments.
Within the European Union, VAT rules are harmonised, but excise duty rates differ from one member state to another. For example, if a French retailer sends wine to Germany, German excise duty applies even though the goods are moving within the EU.
Carriers add another layer of rules. DHL, FedEx, and UPS typically require retailers to sign alcohol shipping agreements before accepting shipments. These agreements confirm that the sender holds the correct licenses and will meet the carrier’s packaging and labelling standards.
How to pack alcohol for shipping
Glass bottles and cansfilled with liquid are fragile and prone to damage, so careful packaging is essential to ensure they arrive safely at their destination. A damaged shipment can be costly for both the retailer and the customer relationship, which is why most carriers publish strict guidelines for alcohol packaging.
Best practice starts with sturdy double-walled cardboard boxes that can withstand the weight of multiple units. Inside, moulded pulp trays or inserts hold products snugly in place to prevent any movement.
Bubble wrap around any bottle necks and filler material inside the carton add extra protection against knocks during transit, while using leak-proof liners or shrink wrap helps contain spills in case anything leaks. Finally, packages should be clearly labelled as fragile, with orientation arrows and alcohol contents noted where required.
Getting paperwork right: Duties, taxes, and customs
Customs paperwork is another area where accuracy matters. Retailers need to provide a detailed commercial invoice that lists the number of bottles, type of alcohol, alcohol content, country of origin, and declared value.
HS codes and any necessary permits or certificates must also be included. Using vague terms like “beverages” can result in delays or seizures at the border.
Taxes and duties are often the biggest unknown for retailers entering new markets. Two common delivery terms are important to understand:
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): The customer pays duties and taxes upon arrival.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The retailer pays all charges upfront, creating a smoother experience for the customer.
Valuation methods also matter. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) includes product value plus shipping and insurance in duty calculations, while FOB (Free On Board) only counts the product cost. For example, Singapore requires permits, demands the exact ABV be declared, and applies some of the world’s steepest alcohol duties.
Starshipit tip: Automating customs forms and HS codes within Starshipit reduces the risk of errors and makes international paperwork far less time-consuming.
Keep alcohol cool: Temperature control in transit
Alcohol can potentially spoil if it’s exposed to extreme temperatures. Hot warehouses or long customs delays in the summer can compromise product quality, and freezing conditions can cause glass to crack.
Retailers protect shipments using insulated foam packaging, gel packs, or fast air freight. For bulk loads, reefer containers provide reliable temperature control. Some retailers even suspend ground shipping during extreme weather, preferring to delay delivery rather than risk product damage.
Track it: Delivery updates to keep customers happy
High-value alcohol shipments demand visibility at every step. Customers want reassurance that their purchase is on its way and handled properly, especially when adult signatures are required at delivery.
Clear communication reduces the volume of “where is my order?” messages and creates a smoother overall experience. Retailers that provide proactive updates on customs clearance, delays, or missed delivery attempts often build stronger customer trust.
Starshipit tip: Utilise automated branded tracking pages, combined with SMS or email notifications, to keep customers informed without adding extra admin work for your team.
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Download your copy nowWhich carriers ship alcohol overseas?
Not every courier accepts alcohol shipments, and some prohibit them altogether. USPS, for example, doesn’t allow alcohol. Businesses that want to send products abroad usually rely on private carriers with organised alcohol programmes.
DHL, FedEx, and UPS each provide pathways for licensed shippers, although the conditions and paperwork can be demanding.
DHL alcohol shipping
DHL currently operates in more than 220 countries and territories, and is widely regarded for its customs expertise. Retailers must sign an “Agreement to Transport Alcoholic Beverages” before shipping, and eligibility is often restricted to licensee-to-licensee transactions rather than direct-to-consumer deliveries.
The strength of DHL lies in its compliance support and global network, but the process requires more paperwork than standard freight services.
FedEx alcohol shipping
FedEx offers dedicated alcohol shipping services for wine and spirits, making it a strong choice for licensed businesses. Only FedEx-approved alcohol shippers can access the programme, which means businesses must first apply and meet eligibility requirements.
FedEx is well known for offering cold chain options and reliable express shipping that keeps fragile products moving quickly. The service places a strong emphasis on compliance, requiring both the sender and receiver to be properly licensed.
Can you ship alcohol through UPS?
UPS has long experience serving wineries, breweries, and distributors. Shippers must sign an Alcohol Shipping Agreement and use carrier-approved packaging that meets safety standards. UPS provides strong tracking and logistics infrastructure, giving retailers reliable visibility across international routes.
Shipments are typically restricted to licensed businesses, and direct-to-consumer deliveries are only permitted in select countries where local regulations permit it.
Alcohol retailer spotlight: Mountain Culture Beer Co.
One business that demonstrates how alcohol shipping can be handled effectively is Mountain Culture Beer Co., a highly regarded craft brewery based in Australia.
The company has cultivated a loyal customer base that extends beyond the local community, attracting buyers across the country eager for limited releases and specialty brews. Shipping alcohol presents plenty of hurdles, yet their approach shows how thoughtful planning and smart systems can help smaller retailers succeed.
Compliance sits at the heart of their process: age verification is non-negotiable, and every shipment is handled in line with licensing rules to avoid delays or rejections.
On the cost side, Mountain Culture has streamlined its fulfilment operation through bulk packaging methods and automation tools, which have reduced manual processing time by as much as 6 to 10 hours per week.
Product quality is another focus at the heart of their operations. Quality craft beers are highly sensitive to temperature, and the company prioritises speed in its shipping methods to reduce the risk of spoilage.
In some cases, customers have reported receiving orders that were still cold when they arrived, illustrating the importance of careful planning. Customer communication rounds out the experience, with proactive tracking updates and clear information about delivery timelines that help set expectations.
The Mountain Culture example illustrates that even independent retailers can achieve broader reach when they combine compliance, cost management, product care, and effective customer communication. With the right systems and partners, alcohol shipping becomes a realistic growth channel rather than an overwhelming barrier to deal with.
Next steps: Successfully selling alcohol across the globe
Shipping alcohol can feel complicated, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to differentiate your brand through exceptional service and reliability that truly stands out. Retailers who commit to doing it well often find themselves building trust and repeat business from customers across the globe.
Starshipit makes the process simpler by automating customs forms, integrating multiple carriers in one place, and sending branded tracking updates that keep customers informed. Ready to see how it works? Start a free trial today or book a quick demo, and for more insights, download the Food & Beverage Shipping Guide.
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Kimberley Hughes
Kimberley is Starshipit's Content Marketing Lead. Her days are filled with creative storytelling and innovative content strategies. Off the clock, she's an all-seasons iced coffee fan, a Catan strategist, and skincare explorer. For a peek into her world, find her on LinkedIn.
