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Old Mar 19, 2012, 12:44 pm
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JDiver
Moderator: American AAdvantage
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
First, the U S Postal Service regulations prohibit the carriage of wine, so you will have to use a shipping service or courier. As far as I know, further:

U S Customs and Border Protection will collect duties (it is not duty free) of $1~2 per liter, and enforce the laws of the state your shipment is entering (not arriving in) the country.

In your instance, beyond this, Virginia's laws about the importation of wine and taxation will also apply (assuming you reside in Virginia), I believe.

So, according to the VABC you are limited to one gallon of alcoholic beverages, including wine, unless you are relocating to Virginia and wish to import such beverages as part of your household goods - in which case you need to apply for a permit to do so. However, if you have your wine shipped by a licensed shipper, you may have two cases shipped to your home. (See page link below to link to resources to find a licensed shipper.)

As to whether the costs and fees incurred are worth it, only you can decide.

A bit complicated? ABC laws are some of the strangest and most ununified in the USA...

Link to State of Virginia / VABC page regarding shipment of wines.

Link to USCBP page on shipping of wine for personal use.
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