Local Restrictions when Bringing Alcohol into The U.S.
May 30, 2019, 10:10 am
#61
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: EL AL Matmid, BA Executive Club GfL, GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Avis President's Club
Posts: 2,085
Generally speaking, no duty or IRT is due on anything that's not staying in the US. Even if CBP doesn't believe you, though, the tax on a 750mL bottle of wine under 16% ABV is 21 cents. Subtracting a liter apiece for three adults, you're on the hook for 8 bottles to the tune of $1.68, which I can't imagine anyone at JFK being bored enough to collect.
The most likely scenario is that CBP won't even ask about the wine.
The most likely scenario is that CBP won't even ask about the wine.
May 30, 2019, 11:30 am
#62
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,439
May 30, 2019, 9:51 pm
#64
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,801
Does anyone know what the federal tax/duty rate is on spirits? Thinking of buying 4l between two of us on the Washington State Ferry ship. 2l for friends in WA and 2l to bring back (WA tax is collected by self-declaration and includes exemptions for reexport out of state). Doing this way as WSF inventory management can make planning particular purchases dicey and there's a coupon for 10% off $50 or more purchase.
May 31, 2019, 6:30 pm
#65
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,543
Also check to see if your state collects. Alcohol is basically a states regulated item. Texas collects duty and a 3.00 admin fee. TABC has officers at the border and Galveston seaport but relies on CBP to enforce the state law at airports. Not huge amounts per se but they can, in theory, get you on the state rules also.
Jun 1, 2019, 2:36 pm
#66
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEL
Posts: 1,056
Does anyone know what the federal tax/duty rate is on spirits? Thinking of buying 4l between two of us on the Washington State Ferry ship. 2l for friends in WA and 2l to bring back (WA tax is collected by self-declaration and includes exemptions for reexport out of state). Doing this way as WSF inventory management can make planning particular purchases dicey and there's a coupon for 10% off $50 or more purchase.
https://www.ttb.gov/tax_audit/taxrates.shtml (the lower rates for small quantities apply only to producers, as a personal importer you pay the full rate)
Jun 1, 2019, 3:18 pm
#67
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Silver, Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Platinum
Posts: 2,375
I've put up to 21 bottles in my 2 checked suitcases, multiple times from South Africa to Europe. Never broken a bottle.
I have been known to also wrap the newspaper wrapped bottles in a plastic supermarket bag, before placing inside said sock. This is usually when a bottle is unusually shaped as extra protection.
If I'm buying wine directly from an estate the wrapped bottles go back into the estates own box.
Works very well for me.
Travelling with BA as Silver, I get 64 kg allowance and the only time I make full use of it is on my flights from South Africa.