Taking Beer Overseas?

Question

I'm in the Netherlands for a few months and have access to a number of amazing Belgian beers. I would like to take a few bottles home for my friends. I understand that it is fine with the TSA as long as they're in my checked baggage, but I'm worried about two things.

1. They have more alcohol than any beer I've ever seen in St. Louis; some over 11%. Are there laws restricting possession of such strong beer in the US, or just restricting its sale?

2. I don't even know what "duty" or "customs" really mean. Do I have to "declare" such items and/or pay taxes on them?

Thanks time ten.

Answer 1

You are allowed one litre of alcohol duty free, which means you do not need to pay any duty, levy or tax on it. Anything over that amount as long as it's in small enough quantities and deemed for personal consumption or as a gift, you will have to pay duty or a tax on it. For beer it's very low, something like $.16 per litre, as long as you don't have more than a few bottles. Always tell the Customs Agent it is for personal consumption or a gift and especially not for resale. Unless you are singled out for a thorough search you probably can easily "sneak" it through, but I recommend you declare it and pay duty on the beer, for just a few bottles they may even let you slide. You would be subject to fines and a lifetime of hassle everytime you travel if you are caught without it declaring it. I don't know about in St. Louis, but most of the Belgian Trappist Ales, like Chimay are available at specialty liquor stores all over the US. Here's the US Customs Service regulations regarding alcohol:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/paying_duty.xml

Answer 2

i do not think that the alcohol content matters . there are alcohols that are stronger. do not think of even trying to import any other substance.

duty / customs are taxes. yes , you should declare how much you spent overseas / what you bought. you are usually allowed so much value before you have to declare. nothing slides by these inspectors. they will let you know if anything is due and you pay at the airport / keep reciept for a few years.

you are allowed up to a certain amount in dollars tax free. honestly, i do not know amount. i am thinking a few hundred per family ? the forms will have the amounts. the stores usually know how much you can bring back. too. it is blasted / well communicated. it is better to level with your inspectors / they can be quite accomodating. if whatever you are bringing back is in a reasonable personal use sort of quantity there should be no issues . other than money . they are looking for people that are bringing back a lot for resale .Making multiple trips . your passport tells the story. Resale is not a problem as long as imported and you pay the government their share.

if you do want to resale a speciality beer , there is a proper import process that can be followed to do business legally and proper. I believe their is a government agency that regulates firearms , alcohol and tobacco.

Answer 3

http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/duty_free.xml
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/types_of_exemptions.xml
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/paying_duty.xml

Read the 3rd link carefully. It looks like not only can the federal government limit your beer but state liquor authorities may be able to as well.

Rather than trying to bring home a selection ( you might be allowed 1 litres, not much at all), make a note of the good stuff and try to find them here in the US.

Here's a spot to start:

http://www.globalbeer.com/body_pages/pages-where-to-buy/WhereToBuy.html

Maybe even send the link to friends at home and have them pick some up and try the beers while you find more good stuff!!
I feel your pain, there are some awesome brews that you just wanna share with everyone you know who'll appreciate them!

Good luck! Have an awesome trip!!

Answer 4

You have to declare them and pay the taxes on them... on EACH BOTTLE and it can be expensive.