Customs & state laws
Jul 12, 2005 | 8:54 am
#1
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Join Date: May 2005
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Customs & state laws
When you land in the US and bring in alcohol, US Customs says you're supposed to be over 21 (even though that's state law).
Does US Customs enforce other state liquor importation and tax laws?
For example, will a DC (or VA, etc.) resident be arrested if they land at BWI with a bottle of alcohol? [Since it's a felony for anyone other than an MD resident to enter MD with a bottle of booze, or for an MD resident to bring in more than one liter, IIRC. This law was passed 6 years ago.] I assume in practice the answer is no, but could a Customs officer choose to enforce this kind of state law if he/she wanted to?
I found this related thread, which seems to indicate that non MD residents better not bring booze into BWI http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=397819
Does US Customs enforce other state liquor importation and tax laws?
For example, will a DC (or VA, etc.) resident be arrested if they land at BWI with a bottle of alcohol? [Since it's a felony for anyone other than an MD resident to enter MD with a bottle of booze, or for an MD resident to bring in more than one liter, IIRC. This law was passed 6 years ago.] I assume in practice the answer is no, but could a Customs officer choose to enforce this kind of state law if he/she wanted to?
I found this related thread, which seems to indicate that non MD residents better not bring booze into BWI http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=397819
Jul 12, 2005 | 9:36 am
#3
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: various cities in the USofA: NYC, BWI, IAH, ORD, CVG, NYC
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Originally Posted by cj001f
Federal Officials (Customs) do not enforce state laws.
Alcoholic Beverages: One liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages may be included in your exemption if:
* You are 21 years old.
* It is for your own use or as a gift.
* It does not violate the laws of the state in which you arrive.
* You are 21 years old.
* It is for your own use or as a gift.
* It does not violate the laws of the state in which you arrive.
So US Customs WILL ENFORCE STATE LAW, or at least they claim to.