Looking to ship your beer samples internationally? 

It’s without a doubt that the process for shipping any alcoholic beverage internationally can be tricky. That being said, it isn't impossible nor is it uncommon. Informing yourself of the restrictions and regulations that apply to your beer sample shipments will help you in navigating them with a bit more ease.

We have created the below quick guide in order to help you better understand and navigate the process of packaging and preparing your samples for international shipping.

How to Go about Shipping Beer Samples Internationally:

• Firstly, you will need to find out what restrictions and prohibitions your possible shipping companies have when shipping certain alcohol products to other countries (Most shipping couriers prefer to have strict policies on shipping beer, wine, and other alcoholic products). 

• And then, you will need to inform yourself about the import restrictions that each destination country may have. (Some countries have additional taxes for specific goods).

A good option is to open an account with the shipping company of your choice. This is especially recommended if you are going to be sending beer frequently. That way, you can automate your payments and save on time.

Six Steps to Ease Your Beer Shipment Process:

1. Make sure that your carrier is aware that your shipment contains beer.

2. Fill out all necessary documents (like customs declarations & commercial invoices) and state whether the beer is intended for commercial consignment or as a gift.

3. Research and stay up to date with the specific export and import rules of the countries that you wish to ship to regularly (as the rules applied to beer and alcohol shipments differ from country to country).

4. Check whether there are any additional taxes or duties that you’ll need to pay on your beer shipments - find out how much they will cost and how you can make these payments.

5. Package your beer samples correctly in order to ensure no damage occurs during transit.

6. Label your packages correctly (and state that they are fragile).

Customs & Beer Shipments:

When preparing for your shipments, you will need to provide accurate documentation in order for your beer samples to be shipped internationally. Customs will use this information in order to correctly evaluate and decide which duties and taxes should be applied to your shipment.

One of the most important documents with regard to your international beer shipments will be your Commercial invoice. 

How to Include Your Beer Samples on Your Commercial Invoice:

Detailed description of your beer samples need to be included on your commercial invoices. 

Many countries around the world charge duties based on the type of beverage as well as its alcohol content. It’s important to be very specific with your descriptions in order to ensure that your shipments aren’t held up at customs and that the correct taxes will be applied.

When shipping beer samples internationally, the information in the table below this article should be clearly indicated on your Commercial Invoice.

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Duties & Taxes when Shipping Beer Samples:

Duty rates will be charged on your beer shipments (as with any alcoholic beverages). These rates are usually based on the alcohol content of each bottle (and so they would generally be higher for vodka and other spirits). 

It is important to note that these rates differ from country to country. In order to figure out exactly what duties and taxes you’ll need to pay, we recommend checking your destination country's official website

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Why are Duties & Taxes Placed on Beer Shipments?

Governments place these fees on certain imported goods, including alcoholic beverages including beer and wine, in order to:

• Protect the local brewers industry from foreign competitors.
• Manage and control the flow of certain alcohol products.
• And most importantly, in order to generate revenue for the country.

Packaging Beer Samples for International Shipping:

In order to make sure that your samples arrive at their destinations in one piece and without incurring any damage, you will need to make sure you understand how to properly pack your beer for its shipment. 

Materials Needed when Packaging Beer Samples for International Shipping:

• Sturdy (double walled) cardboard boxes (you will need at least 3 per package).
• Cardboard cartons or dividers
• Protective wrapping materials (like bubble wrap)
• Polystyrene or other filler materials
• Adhesive tape

Steps for Packaging Beer Samples Correctly:

• Wrap your bottles of beer individually using bubble wrap or any other material that will protect them from shock during transit.
  
  
• Put your beer bottles into smaller boxes, separating them using cardboard dividers (or any other cushioning materials) and make sure that no glass is touching.
  
  
• Fill up any empty spaces in order to minimize any movement. Use plenty of filler material (Packing peanuts and bubble wrap work well).
  
  
• Seal your smaller boxes and place them into a larger box.
  
  
• Again, fill up any spaces in between the boxes with available cushioning materials and make sure that nothing moves when you shake the box.

• Once the larger box is correctly secured, seal it with your adhesive tape.
  
  
• Attach polystyrene sheets to the outside of the bigger cardboard box for further protection and shock absorption.
  
  
• Put your sealed package into a third sturdy box and fill any empty spaces with more cushioning. Again, place more polystyrene over the top.
  
  
• Tape the lid shut with a generous amount of adhesive sealant tape.
  
  
• Label your package with signs stating ‘fragile’ or ‘handle with care’ on the top and all sides.

Looking for more information?

For further assistance or to speak directly with one of our knowledgeable team members, please contact us at InXpress Sandton. We’re here to simplify your shipping process and provide you with the best possible service.