Shipping wine (and other alcohol) from the UK to other countries is possible, but it comes with many caveats. Couriers and customs authorities have strict rules on alcoholic beverages – how much you can send, how strong it is (ABV), and even who can ship or receive it. The good news is that as both individuals and businesses in the UK you can export wine, provided you follow all relevant regulations . In practice, though, you’ll need to research your courier’s policy and the destination country’s import laws carefully.
Wine and beer under 24 % ABV may be sent via Royal Mail or Parcelforce—up to one litre per parcel, properly padded and labelled “Fragile”—and most other carriers impose similar volume limits. Spirits and high‑proof liquors above 24 % ABV are prohibited on standard postal services and must be shipped through specialist Dangerous Goods channels; those over 70 % ABV are generally banned outright.
| Alcohol Content | UK Mail (Royal Mail/Parcelforce) | International Courier/Postal (UK origin) | Notes/Requirements |
| Up to 24% ABV (e.g. wine, beer) | Allowed (≤1 L per item, special packaging) | Allowed (with ≤1 L limit and careful packaging) | Package in sealed plastic, mark FRAGILE. |
| 24–70% ABV (spirits) | UK mail allowed (≤1 L); international mail forbidden | Allowed only via courier (must be labelled DG; shippers must be licensed) | Considered Flammable Liquid (DG Class 3). Requires special packing and documentation. |
| Over 70% ABV | Not allowed | Not allowed | e.g. high-proof “rectified” spirits. |
Moreover, FedEx, DHL Express and UPS will only accept alcohol from licensed businesses enrolled in their alcohol‑shipping programmes, requiring a trade account, EORI number and relevant import/export licences—private individuals cannot ship. Always check your chosen courier’s detailed alcohol policy and confirm any uncertainties before booking.
Customs, Documentation and Duties
Shipping wine from the UK exits the EU customs zone, so it’s handled as an export at origin and an import on arrival, with customs declarations required both ways. You must list “wine” (or “alcoholic beverage”), quantity, value and alcohol strength on CN22/CN23 forms. Remember that many countries impose import duties, VAT and hefty excise taxes—even on low‑value shipments. As one blog warns, “Alcohol imports are heavily taxed—prepare for duty and VAT on all shipments of wine, regardless of value.”
Typical required documents include:
- A Commercial Invoice (detailing type of wine, volume in litres, alcohol %, HS code).
- Origin/Producer certificate (e.g. VI-1 certificate for European wine exports, or Certificate of Origin) where required by destination (some countries mandate it beyond certain volumes).
- Any import permits or licenses needed by the recipient country (often only importers can obtain these).
- If classified as dangerous goods: a Dangerous Goods Declaration form (see Dangerous Goods below).
- EORI number and VAT info (UK exporters must have an EORI; some couriers ask for VAT numbers even for gifts).
Label all packages containing alcohol clearly—both on customs forms (“Alcohol (NOT FOR CONSUMPTION)”) and on the box (“Fragile – Handle with Care,” “This Side Up”). Individually wrap each bottle (bubble wrap, styrofoam inserts or pack‑in‑pack systems), place them in a strong box with cardboard dividers and extra padding, then double‑box and tape securely, labeling top and sides as fragile. Record the exact weight, dimensions and contents on the waybill.
For UK exports, complete the appropriate export declaration (simplified for low‑value goods or full for higher values) and, where still required, obtain a VI‑1 certificate. Finally, classify wine under HS code 2204 on your invoice—listing alcohol content—so customs can assess duty correctly.
Destination Restrictions and Taxes
Across the globe, rules for importing wine vary widely. Many countries bar private shipments entirely—often for religious or health reasons—while others allow only licensed importers to handle alcohol (e.g. the USA, where importers must hold federal and state liquor licenses and can deliver only to nine approved states, including CA, NY, and TX; Canada, where every parcel must clear provincial liquor boards; and Australia, which requires import permits and imposes a 29 % Wine Equalisation Tax plus duty and GST).
Some nations cap gift or sample shipments (France limits wine gifts to 3 L or €25), and many Muslim-majority countries prohibit imports altogether. Post‑Brexit UK exports to the EU now follow non‑EU rules—requiring EORI numbers, CN22/CN23 forms, and, for large volumes (e.g. over 100 L in Germany), VI‑2 certificates—while all EU members apply their standard excise and VAT rates and enforce the new ICS2 import‑security regime.
Always consult official government sources before shipping: small “gift” consignments may simplify formalities, but duties and VAT still apply.
| Country | Private Shipments Allowed? | Licensed Importer Required? | Notes |
| Saudi Arabia | No – private shipments prohibited | Yes – only approved importers | Alcohol importation is banned; only diplomatic/official channels may bring in wine |
| Kuwait | No – private shipments prohibited | Yes – special permit from Ministry | Alcohol and related materials are denied entry; only diplomats/non‑Muslim residents with private‑consumption licences can import via official channels |
| Qatar | No – private shipments prohibited | Yes – permit from Qatar Distribution Company | Only licensed hotels/bars import; expats must hold a personal import permit; public consumption banned |
| United Arab Emirates | Yes – up to 2 bottles (non‑Muslims, personal use) | Yes – for commercial shipments beyond limit | Must present passport & residence visa; duty ≈ 50 % CIF |
| Bahrain | No – private shipments prohibited | Yes – commercial licence | Alcohol subject to 125 % duty; only licensed venues may import |
| Oman | No – private shipments prohibited | Yes – controlled by Ministry of Commerce | Alcohol available only in Muscat on‑license; strict import controls |
| Iran | No – private shipments prohibited | N/A | All alcohol imports banned under national law |
| Turkey | No – private shipments prohibited | Yes – monopoly licence | Individuals can only buy at duty‑free shops on arrival |
| Israel | Yes – personal imports allowed (duty + VAT apply) | Yes – commercial import permit for businesses | Limit: 1 L spirits or 2 L wine per person duty‑free; beyond that importer licence required |
| Jordan | No – private shipments generally prohibited | Yes – only approved importers | Duty ≈ 50 %; purchase via Amman‑based licensed importers |
| Lebanon | Yes – private shipments allowed | Yes – importer permit for commercial | Up to 2 L wine duty‑free; beyond requires commercial licence |
| India | No – private shipments prohibited | Yes – state excise licence | All alcohol imports must be via state‑licensed importers; personal imports banned |
| China | Yes – up to 1.5 L wine per person | Yes – AQSIQ licence for businesses | Must clear quarantine; duty and VAT apply; import permit for >1.5 L |
| Japan | Yes – up to 3 bottles (760 mL each) | Yes – importer registration | Duty‑free allowance applies; beyond that import licence required |
| South Korea | Yes – up to 1 L per person | Yes – importer permit | Personal allowance; beyond that formal import declaration & licence |
| Singapore | Yes – private shipments allowed (duty + 7 % GST) | Yes – AVA import permit for any shipment | Invoice must detail strength, quantity, brand, volume |
| Malaysia | Yes – private shipments allowed | Yes – customs import permit | Duty + GST apply; up to 1 L wine personal allowance |
| Thailand | Yes – private shipments allowed | Yes – excise and import licence | Duty + VAT (7 %) apply; up to 1 L wine personal allowance |
| Vietnam | Yes – private shipments allowed | Yes – importer licence | Duty + VAT apply; personal imports ≤1 L wine |
| Philippines | Yes – private shipments allowed | Yes – importer permit | Duty + VAT; personal allowance ≤2 L wine |
| Indonesia | Yes – private shipments allowed | Yes – customs import permit | Import permit required; duty + VAT apply |
| Pakistan | No – private shipments prohibited | Yes – government‑approved importers | Alcohol banned for private; imports only for non-Muslim minorities via licence |
| Bangladesh | Yes – limited personal imports | Yes – excise licence | Up to 2 L wine personal; duty + VAT apply |
| Australia | Yes – personal imports allowed (duty 5 %, WET 29 %, GST 10 %) | No – for personal imports; Yes – for commercial | Shipments ≤ A$1 000 via self‑assessment; labels must comply |
| New Zealand | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – customs import agent | Duty + GST apply; personal allowance up to 4 L wine |
| Canada | No – direct shipments to individuals not permitted | Yes – consigned to provincial liquor board | Non‑residents may bring limited wine in baggage (1.5 L) |
| United States | Yes – allowed in most states with per‑state limits | Yes – TTB Basic Permit + state shipping permits | DTC shipping legal in ~42 states; prohibited in some (e.g. UT, MS); state volume limits apply |
| Mexico | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – customs broker for >24 bottles | Duty + VAT apply; ≤ 24 bottles personal; beyond requires formal import declaration |
| Brazil | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – importer licence | Up to 12 L wine personal; duty + IPI + ICMS apply |
| Argentina | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – import licence | Duty + VAT apply; personal allowance ≤ 6 L wine |
| Chile | Yes – up to 24 bottles (same type) | Yes – SAG resolution for > 24 bottles | Duty 6 % CIF; tax 19 % VAT; additional 15 % tax apply |
| Colombia | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – import licence | Duty + VAT apply; ≤ 12 L wine personal |
| Peru | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – importer licence | Duty + VAT apply; ≤ 6 L wine personal |
| Venezuela | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – importer licence | Duty + VAT apply; ≤ 6 L wine personal |
| South Africa | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – customs clearing agent | Duty + VAT apply; ≤ 12 L wine personal |
| Egypt | Yes – limited personal imports | Yes – importer licence | Up to 4 L wine personal; duty + VAT apply |
| Morocco | Yes – limited personal imports | Yes – importer licence | Up to 1 L wine personal; duty + VAT apply |
| Nigeria | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – importer licence | Up to 1 L wine personal; duty + VAT apply |
| Kenya | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – importer licence | Up to 2 L wine personal; duty + VAT apply |
| Ghana | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – importer licence | Up to 1 L wine personal; duty + VAT apply |
| Cameroon | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – importer licence | Up to 1 L wine personal; duty + VAT apply |
| Uganda | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – importer licence | Up to 1 L wine personal; duty + VAT apply |
| Tanzania | Yes – personal imports allowed | Yes – importer licence | Up to 1 L wine personal; duty + VAT apply |
| Belgium | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No – not for private; Yes – for commercial | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| France | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence for businesses | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Germany | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Spain | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Italy | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Netherlands | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Sweden | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Denmark | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Finland | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Poland | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Czech Republic | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Hungary | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Romania | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
| Bulgaria | Yes – EU personal imports allowed | No; Yes – commercial licence | EU personal‑use exemption (4 L wine, 16 L beer) |
Key takeaways:
- Prohibited: Countries with total bans (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Pakistan), for religious or public‑health reasons.
- Allowed with strict limits: Gulf (UAE, Oman, Bahrain) and some Asian markets impose very low personal allowances (1–2 L) or require special permits.
- Major markets (US, Canada, Australia): Private shipments often face state/provincial rules or value thresholds; most require licensed shippers or consignment to liquor boards.
- EU: Personal imports are broadly permitted under EU single‑market rules (up to 4 L wine/16 L beer duty‑free) but commercial shipments require ordinary import licences.
Dangerous Goods Considerations
High‑alcohol wines and spirits (above ~24 % ABV) are Class 3 flammable liquids under IATA rules, so they must ship in UN‑certified packaging with hazard labels (e.g. UN 1170 for ethanol), carry special insurance and a Dangerous Goods Declaration, and gain approval from the courier’s DG department.
Impact Express even offers a dedicated Dangerous Goods Service and reminds shippers that all EU/UK legislation applies and they must know their goods’ class and group. Non‑compliance can lead to delays or cargo rejection. Some couriers may ease paperwork for just a few bottles—always check first—but if in doubt, route your shipment via a DG‑certified warehouse or air‑freight specialist with trained DG advisers.
Packaging & Insurance
To protect fragile wine bottles, wrap each in leak‑proof plastic or bubble wrap, use dividers, then double‑box with ample cushioning. Label the sturdy outer box “Fragile” and “This Side Up” (Impact Express suggests placing arrows on both ends for liquid contents), and—if shipping to hot climates—consider insulated packaging or dry ice.
As standard courier liability for liquids is often minimal, arrange insurance (via the carrier or a third party) and declare the full CIF value to cover true replacement costs and avoid under‑declaration penalties.
Top Tips for UK Shippers
- Research first. Before you pack a single bottle, look up both the destination country’s import rules and the courier’s alcohol policy. The Impact Express Wine/Alcohol Shipping Guide is a great resource for country-specific notes.
- Keep it legal. Only ship wine to destinations that allow it, and via approved means. Don’t try to slip alcohol through as “non-alcoholic wine” – customs scanners and sniffer dogs are adept at detecting booze.
- Label honestly. On the customs form write “Bottled wine – nn% ABV” with the actual percentage. Misdeclaration can lead to seizure.
- Package generously. Over-prepare. Use extra cardboard and cushioning than you think you need. Triple-boxing (box in box) is recommended.
- Use a trackable courier. Always choose a tracked international service. That way you or your consignee can monitor the parcel and be ready in case customs needs clarifications or payments.
- Prepare for costs. Budget for import VAT/duty at the destination – this can exceed shipping costs. You may need to pay Tax or a broker’s fee before the recipient gets their wine. For example, any UK-to-EU wine shipment is dutiable based on alcohol content and volume.
- Get help if needed. If any step feels uncertain, contact Impact Express or your chosen courier. Explain you want to ship wine overseas; they can usually advise on required permits or recommend their specialist services. Many will require you to open a business account for alcohol shipping.
In summary, yes, you can send wine overseas from the UK – but doing so safely and legally requires careful planning. Understand the rules of the road (and air): courier policies, customs paperwork, and destination laws all factor in. By following packing best practices, completing accurate customs declarations, and working with a courier familiar with alcohol shipments, UK shippers can successfully send wine worldwide. Always double-check each country’s regulations and be honest and thorough with paperwork. With the right precautions, your wine will reach its destination in good order and in compliance with the law.
Need Expert Help Shipping Liquids Globally?
Impact Express offers full-service international shipping and fulfilment solution for eCommerce retailers—including support for wine and alcohol.
Our team is trained in Dangerous Goods compliance, customs documentation, and courier coordination to help your products reach global customers safely and efficiently.
Contact us today to discuss your needs.
