Shipping whisky bottles outside the EU

Shipping whisky bottles outside the European Union (EU) involves significantly higher risks and responsibilities for both sellers and buyers. Customs rules, courier restrictions, and import laws differ from country to country and can change without notice.

Because Whiskybase has no control over local regulations or courier policies, it is entirely the responsibility of the seller and buyer to understand the risks and confirm whether alcohol shipments are allowed before completing an order.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. General advice
• 2. Shipping to the United Kingdom
• 3. Shipping to the United States
• 4. Shipping to South Korea
• 5. Final notes

1. General advice

Many countries outside the EU treat alcohol as restricted or dangerous goods, meaning it cannot legally be shipped through regular postal services. Couriers and customs authorities often apply strict controls, and parcels are commonly x-rayed, returned, or even destroyed if they contain alcohol.

Due to these stricter customs rules, it is not allowed to ship alcohol outside the EU using PostNL or similar postal services, as these services classify alcohol as dangerous goods. Attempting to do so carries a high risk of loss and no guarantee of refund or compensation.

Some private couriers may accept alcohol shipments under specific business agreements, but approval depends entirely on their own terms. Sellers should contact couriers directly to confirm if such shipments are possible.

2. Shipping to the United Kingdom

Although geographically close, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU, which means alcohol shipments from the EU to the UK are now subject to customs checks, import taxes, and excise duties.

These extra controls can result in delays, additional fees for the buyer, or even the return of the shipment if paperwork is incomplete or if alcohol imports are restricted.

Sellers should carefully verify UK customs regulations before agreeing to ship and must ensure that the buyer understands and accepts the potential risks and costs.

3. Shipping to the United States

The United States has very strict federal and state-level regulations on the import of alcohol. In most cases, alcohol shipments from private individuals are not permitted unless the recipient holds a valid alcohol import license.

Parcels containing alcohol are often intercepted, confiscated, or destroyed by customs authorities. Even when a courier accepts the shipment, there is no guarantee that it will reach the buyer successfully.

It is advised that only experienced sellers and buyers attempt to ship bottles to the United States.

These shipments tend to require constant and prolonged communication between both parties within the order page to track progress and handle courier issues. Sellers often need to contact the courier company multiple times on behalf of the buyer to resolve delays or customs inquiries.

Because of the complexity and risk, it is entirely up to the seller to decide whether to take on such a shipment and to manage the process until the order is completed or returned.

4. Shipping to South Korea

Shipping alcohol to South Korea is also considered high risk and is subject to strict customs inspections and import taxes. Alcohol shipments are often delayed, returned, or rejected due to labeling and documentation requirements.

South Korean customs may require detailed product descriptions, including alcohol percentage, origin, and intended use. Even small inaccuracies in the paperwork can result in the parcel being held or destroyed.

Only sellers with prior experience in international alcohol shipping should consider sending bottles to South Korea. Both the seller and buyer must maintain active communication in the order page and be prepared for a potentially long customs process.

As with other non-EU destinations, Whiskybase cannot assist or guarantee successful delivery if problems arise with customs or couriers.

5. Final notes

If you decide to ship a bottle outside the EU, make sure to:

• Confirm that both the origin and destination countries allow alcohol imports.

• Communicate clearly with the buyer about risks, possible taxes, and delivery uncertainties.

• Keep proof of shipment and packaging photos for your records.

• Understand that neither Whiskybase nor the payment provider can guarantee compensation for returned, damaged, or destroyed parcels.

Note: Shipping outside the EU should only be considered by experienced sellers who are familiar with customs processes and are willing to accept the associated risks.