Can You Ship Alcohol? Legal Aspects of Shipment

Can you ship Alcohol? Today, the subject of shipping alcohol has garnered growing attention and has grown more complex. Shipping alcohol has emerged as a popular and convenient approach for breweries and distilleries to conduct their operations, whether by supplying retailers or delivering directly to customers’ doorsteps.

Nevertheless, there are specific guidelines when it comes to sending alcohol via mail services such as FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service (USPS).

We will look into the various aspects, regulations, and complexities linked to shipping alcohol.

Can You Ship Alcohol?

Shipping alcohol through is permitted in many areas, though not universally accepted but you have to be a licensed retailer.

To ship alcohol, you must first be aware of your customer’s or recipient’s address. This same principle applies when sending alcohol to friends and family.

The legality of shipping alcohol can vary depending on the specific city, county, and state regulations.

However, there are some fundamental guidelines that apply in regions where it’s allowed.

Note that these rules are in place to prevent alcohol from falling into the hands of minors.

There are three essential rules for shipping alcohol:

• You must inform the carrier that the package contains alcohol, usually by affixing a label to the exterior.
• An alcohol package fee must be paid as part of the shipping process.
• An adult signature is required upon delivery of the package.

Shipping Alcohol within the Same State

Shipping alcohol within your own state may appear to be the most direct choice, as you won’t have to contend with the regulations of another state.

Shipping alcohol locally is often the simplest option since you only need to be aware of the rules and regulations within your immediate area.

These local regulations cover city laws and in many regions, some form of alcohol shipment is allowed.

Alcohol distributors are familiar with these local regulations, making it the quickest and most convenient route to comply with local guidelines.

Make sure to carefully research the local rules before thinking about selling in different areas if you want to ship alcohol on your own or through a standard carrier.

Shipping Alcohol Outside of the State

Shipping alcohol across state lines is more difficult compared to shipping within the same state.

This complexity arises from the necessity to adhere to the regulations of both the sending and receiving states.

One way to address some of these limitations is by collaborating with carrier services. These carrier companies often have access to options that individual customers do not.

Therefore, if you intend to ship alcohol to another state, using a presents a more direct approach.

Shipping Alcohol Out of the Country

Shipping alcohol internationally presents the most significant challenge.

The most advisable and efficient approach for international alcohol shipping involves partnering with compliance companies experienced in handling such shipments.

It’s worth noting that the cost of international shipping can be notably high.

Shipping Alcohol Using FedEx

When it comes to shipping alcohol via FedEx, here are the key points to consider:

1. Consumer Limitation

Individual consumers are not permitted to ship alcohol through FedEx.

This means that if you’re a regular person looking to ship alcohol, FedEx’s services are not available to you for this purpose.

2. Businesses with Licenses

Businesses holding appropriate alcohol licenses can use FedEx for shipping, provided they are enrolled in the FedEx alcohol shipping program.

This applies to select states or countries.

3. State Regulations

Some states have strict rules regarding the shipment of wine to consumers, and some prohibit it.

For specific details, you can refer to the Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping State Reference Guide, which lists states and their direct shipping policies.

4. Service Options

Licensees enrolled in the FedEx alcohol shipping program can use FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, or FedEx Home Delivery services for their shipments.

FedEx Freight services are available exclusively when both the shipper and recipient are licensed wholesalers, dealers, distributors, manufacturers, or importers.

5. Eligibility

To use FedEx for shipping alcohol, you must be approved by FedEx, hold a valid alcohol shipping license, and have a FedEx Alcohol Shipping Agreement in place.

This requirement makes sure that people and companies using FedEx for alcohol shipments meet FedEx’s criteria and follow the law for shipping alcohol.

6. U.S. Shipping Requirements

The shipping requirements include:

1. Licensee-to-Licensee

The shipper must be a FedEx-approved alcohol shipper, the recipient must be a business entity with appropriate alcohol licenses, and the shipment must comply with applicable laws.

This type of shipment can use FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, or FedEx Home Delivery services.

2. Licensee-to-Consumer

FedEx exclusively transports wine licensee-to-consumer.

Direct-to-consumer wine shipments are limited to the destination states specified in the Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping State Reference Guide and must comply with applicable laws.

3. Transaction Definitions

• Intrastate: Wine shipping that both originates and ends within the same state.
• Interstate: Wine shipping originating in one state and terminating in another.
• On-Site: Wine shipments are purchased in person by consumers at wineries or tasting rooms, and then shipped to the consumer’s home state.

7. Licensee or Consumer Designation

Shippers are required to use updated versions of FedEx automation for alcohol shipments.

FedEx mandates shippers to specify whether the alcohol shipment is intended for a licensee or a consumer.

Shipping Alcohol Using the UPS

Shipping alcohol through UPS requires adherence to specific guidelines and agreements. All alcohol shippers must enter into a UPS Agreement for Approved Spirits Shippers.

If you wish to become an approved beer shipper, you can schedule a free 15-minute consultation with a UPS expert by booking a session.

Spirits shippers must provide any necessary state licenses to UPS, which can be submitted to UPS email.

The ability to ship spirits depends on the shipper’s license to sell spirits and the laws of the destination states.

UPS allows the following types of spirits shipments:

1. Licensed to Licensed

Licensed shippers can send spirits to licensed consignees, in accordance with applicable laws.

For instance, a licensed distillery may ship to a licensed distributor, but not directly to consumers.

2. Direct to Consumer

A distillery must possess all required licenses or permits, verify the legal age of the purchaser, and list the purchaser as the consignee when shipping spirits directly to consumers.

3. Interstate Distillery Shipments

Some states permit the direct shipment of spirits to consumers from licensed out-of-state distilleries.

You can refer to Addendum A of the UPS Agreement for Approved Spirits Shippers for a list of allowed Interstate Distillery Shipment States.

4. Intrastate Distillery Shipment

In some states, spirits purchased from licensed in-state distilleries can be shipped to consumers within the same state.

Certain destination states may only allow shipments from licensed in-state distilleries when the consumer has made an on-site purchase at the distillery.

Shipping Alcohol Using the USPS

USPS considers beer, wine, and liquor as restricted items, generally not allowed for shipping.

In certain situations, USPS may permit the shipment of liquor if it adheres to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Food and Drug Administration requirements.

Examples include medicinal cold remedies, cooking wine, and mouthwash.

Guidelines for Safely Packaging and Shipping Alcohol

Before you send out alcohol, it’s essential to understand how to pack it correctly to ensure courier acceptance.

Here are some useful tips:

1. Use specially designed boxes with dividers for wine or beer bottles.

2. Reinforce the box bottom with extra tape to prevent bottles from falling out.

3. Ensure bottles are securely corked or sealed.

4. Wrap each bottle in bubble wrap, covering both the top and bottom by placing the bottle diagonally on the bubble wrap and rolling it.

5Insert the wrapped bottle into a divider and fill the box with packing material or packing peanuts, ensuring it’s filled to the top.

5. Seal the box securely with ample tape.

6. Attach the shipping label and clearly indicate that the package contains alcohol and is fragile.

How to Import and Ship Alcohol

When engaging in the import and shipping of alcohol, it’s essential to be informed and adhere to certain aspects:

1. Shipping Limits

Begin by thoroughly researching and understanding the regulations regarding the quantities of alcohol you are permitted to ship to each destination.

Different regions may have varying restrictions, so ensure you are compliant with local laws.

2. Alcohol Types and Regulations

Familiarize yourself with the specific types of alcohol that can be sent to particular states or countries.

Some areas may have restrictions on certain alcoholic beverages, so it’s crucial to be aware of these limitations.

3. Know the Import Taxes and Duties

Investigate and be aware of the import taxes and duties that apply to the destinations to which you plan to ship alcohol.

These fees can vary significantly and may impact the overall cost of shipping.

4. Transparent Pricing for Customers

When presenting your alcohol products online, ensure transparency regarding pricing.

Clearly communicate any taxes, duties, and shipping costs to your customers.

When shipping alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, or spirits, it’s important to know the rules in both the destination state and the state you are receiving from.

Yes, it is possible to ship liquor, and it can be done successfully by adhering to specific inner packaging requirements established by alcohol shippers.

Also, it is important to comply with any legal agreements, such as the FedEx and UPS Alcohol Shipping Agreement.

You must also have a clear understanding of the alcohol content of the beverages you are transporting, whether it’s a bottle of wine or a can of beer.