Sending alcohol internationally. Legal?

Drez

So I want to send my friends in France a bottle of Cognac for Christmas. I'd rather purchase here and send there. Is that possible?

If not, what would my other options be?

Joe Camacho MKII

I found this on UPS's website: http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/imp_exp/reference/verify_export.html

Restricted and Prohibited Items
The following items may be shipped to countries outside the United States, where service is allowed, on a contractual basis only:

Alcoholic beverages*
Dangerous goods
Diagnostic specimens
Perishables
Personal effects**
Plants
Seeds
Tobacco

...

*Alcoholic beverage shipments are accepted for transportation only on a contractual basis. Please contact your UPS international account executive.

Drez

Ok thanks.

Midshipman

Seems kind of strange to buy something from France that was imported to the US only to ship it back to France and pay lot for the trouble. Do you have some kind of extra special deal for the Cognac that you are interested in? I'm not sure how the shipping situation over there is with regard to getting alcohol shipments delivered but it seems like it would be much cheaper to find a retailer in France that will deliver to your friends.

Aldo

If it isn't in an obvious bottle and you're willing to risk losing it you could just ship it as non-alcoholic beverage.

But really, shipping alcohol is a pain. I concur with buying locally.

Vesty

Aldo wrote: »

If it isn't in an obvious bottle and you're willing to risk losing it you could just ship it as non-alcoholic beverage.

But really, shipping alcohol is a pain. I concur with buying locally.

I wouldn't advise putting false information on custom forms. That being said it would still fall under perishable goods / food which may be restricted. I don't recall France's restrictions as its been a while since I've worked for a shipping company. It's a country by country thing.

ceres

Yeah let's not advocate lying on customs forms here.

JaysonFour

If you want to send them a bottle of your/thier favorite, contact the manufacturer and see if they will let you send a bottle as a gift overseas. If not, well... buy a bottle and save it for the next time they come visit you.