How to ship alcohol: Regulations, restrictions and package

Shipping alcohol can be lucrative, but a really complex aspect of eCommerce business, especially when you deal with international shipping. In fact, alcohol delivery can be challenging not only for the business, but also for the shipping carrier and even the end customer. To succeed in that field you need to understand and comply with various regulations and packaging requirements.

While Qwintry doesn’t ship alcohol due to regulatory restrictions and limitations, this guide covers all essential details to help eCommerce businesses and private customers navigate the difficulties of shipping alcohol domestically and internationally. Learn about the basic rules for mailing alcohol, shipping regulations, and how to properly package alcohol.

Understanding Regulations and Restrictions

Ordering alcohol online seems convenient, but shipping it can be challenging. Small business owners face difficulties in shipping alcohol domestically in the US. But shipping alcohol internationally is even more complex. While it is not impossible, there are legal and technical considerations you should take into account. Keep in mind that you should follow your state’s or country's laws when shipping alcohol.

Domestic Shipping Restrictions within the US

If you intend to ship alcohol within the United States, pay attention to some common origin and destination requirements.
Each state in the US has unique laws regarding alcohol shipments. For example, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Utah prohibit direct alcohol shipments. Meanwhile in certain states such as Delaware, alcohol can be shipped directly by a licensed wholesaler. Other states permite only online shipments made by the customer.

Some states have quantity limits and restrict the number of bottles that can be shipped to a single customer each year. Also, many states require specific licenses for shipping alcohol, even within the state. Without such a license, you may ship only a bottle of wine in the best case scenario.
When shipping between different states, first you should research and understand the laws and regulations of each state to avoid any legal issues. This includes being aware of the liquor laws of both the origin and destination states to ensure legal shipment of alcoholic beverages.

International Shipping Restrictions

When it comes to the international delivery of alcohol, the requirements that must be met are even stricter, but in general do not differ much from domestic. However, there are additional restrictions.

Different countries have varied regulations regarding alcohol imports. Some Islamic countries, for instance, do not allow alcohol imports at all. You should also learn and understand the import taxes and customs duties applicable in the destination country to avoid unexpected costs.

Necessary Licenses

As we mentioned above, to succeed in the business of selling and delivering alcohol you'll need a liquor license so that you don't break the law of your state or country. You will need the appropriate licenses to sell from the place of origin and for the destination.
Obtaining such licenses can be a very challenging and time-consuming process, and often contradictory. It is worth considering that the laws of different states may conflict with each other. The situation can be even more complicated with international alcohol delivery.

For domestic licenses first of all you’ll need to obtain licenses specific to each state you wish to ship to. This process can be bureaucratic and time-consuming. After that ensure that you have agreements in place with couriers like UPS and FedEx. They may require signed agreements for alcohol shipments.

For international licenses you’ll need Export Licenses from your country of origin.
And then you need to obtain import licenses from the destination country to ensure compliance with local laws.

Courier Regulations for Shipping Alcohol

While technically the answer to the question “Can I ship alcohol?” is yes, keep in mind the courier delivery regulations before you start.

Because liquids are considered dangerous goods in the delivery world and can cause harm to those who handle them during transportation if handled carelessly, many courier companies place restrictions on alcohol delivery and or refuse to deliver it at all.

However, do not despair, we will tell you about these couriers who can deliver beer, wine and other liquors. As with shipping any other bottles of liquid, you should make sure that they are packed in a way that minimizes the chance of breakage and as required by the particular courier service.

Shipping Alcohol via USPS

Beer, wine, and liquor are considered prohibited items by the USPS and cannot be shipped. However, under certain circumstances, alcoholic beverages may be shipped if they meet IRS and Food and Drug Administration requirements. These exceptions may include, for example, cold remedies, cooking wine, and alcohol-containing mouthwashes or sanitizers.

Shipping Alcohol via DHL

When it comes to shipping alcohol through DHL, their requirements are similar to the USPS. That is, you can ship alcohol-containing products, such as medications if you have FDA approval, as well as alcoholic beverages, but only if you are a licensed producer or wholesaler.

Shipping alcohol via UPS

UPS authorizes the shipment of alcohol, but has fairly strict requirements that you must follow. You will need the proper license, a registered UPS account, proper packaging, clear shipping labels and proper supporting documentation.
It is important to remember that UPS can only accept shipments for certain states. Also, an adult signature is required to pick up or drop off the shipment at the address listed. The shipping label must also state that the package contains alcohol so they can ship it.

Shipping alcohol via FedEx

FedEx, like UPS, allows you to ship alcohol, but has strict rules regarding shipping methods. They also require you to register an account with FedEx, and sign an agreement with them that you will ship alcohol. Otherwise, the requirements are similar to UPS. FedEx requires proper packaging, a clear shipping label, a license, appropriate documentation, and an adult's signature.

How to Package Alcohol for Shipping Properly

One of the most important things in alcohol delivery, apart from the possibility and legality of doing it, is how to properly package alcohol for shipping. This is especially important when it comes to long or international delivery.

Tightly seal the bottles;
Use bubble wrap for each bottle in addition to special covers;
Use boxes with dividers for packing wine or beer bottles;
Use extra tape to secure the box, especially from the button side, so the bottles won't fall out;
When putting the bottles into the divider add packing material or packing peanuts. Be generous and make sure to fill each divider to the top;
Don’t forget to label the box with caution, stating that it contains fragile items and alcohol.

To summarize when you’re shipping and importing alcohol you need to be sure that:

You know exactly what type of alcohol you can ship to a particular state or country;
You know exactly the quantity of each type of alcohol you're allowed to ship into a particular state or country;
You know exactly the restrictions and taxes on shipping alcohol from origin to destination.

Although Qwintry does not deliver alcohol, we are ready to provide you with a full range of international delivery services with our bonuses and special offers:

Shipping Calculator,
Qwintry Plus Program,
Insurance,
and more!

Hope this article has given you a full understanding of the complexities involved in alcohol delivery, as well as shown you how to solve them. And now you are ready to approach the issue of international or domestic alcohol shipping with more confidence.