How to export Wine internationally
“I want to export wine. What do I do?” If this is a question you’re dying to find answers to, you’ve come to the right place. Exporting wine can be a profitable endeavor. Wine exports from the United States alone totaled over $1.36 billion in 2019.
There are many factors to consider when exporting wine, such as shipping and customs regulations, tariffs, and market conditions in the destination country. In this article, we provide you with everything you need to know about how to export wine.
Regulations That Apply to Wine Exports
Before exporting wine, it is important to understand the various regulations that apply to wine exports. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is responsible for regulating alcohol products exported from the United States.
The TTB’s regulations governing wine exports are contained in Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The TTB has a variety of resources available to help exporters navigate the regulatory process, including an online guide to exporting wine.
In addition to federal regulations, each destination country may have its own set of regulations governing wine imports. It is important to research these regulations prior to exporting wine to ensure compliance.
Who Can Export Wine from the U.S.?
To export wine from the United States, you must: - Be a registered alcohol exporter with the TTB - Obtain a permit from the TTB if you plan to engage in wholesale operations - File export notifications with the TTB - Comply with state laws and regulations regarding alcohol exports
In addition, you will need to obtain a license from the destination country’s alcohol board or regulatory agency in order to import wine into that country.
Requirements To Export Wine
Export Permit
The first of the required documents to export wine is the export permit, which is obtained from the TTB. The permit application can be submitted online and typically takes about 10 business days to process.
Once you have your export permit, you will need to create a shipping manifest for your wine shipment. The shipping manifest must include the following information:
- The type of wine being exported
- The quantity of wine being exported
- The country of destination
- The consignee’s name and address in the destination country
- The shipper’s name and address
- The bill of lading number
Export Label
All wine exported from the United States must be labeled with an export label. The export label must include the following information:
- The country of origin (US)
- The name of the product (wine)
- The net contents (measurement of quantity)
- The statement “Product of the United States”
- The name and address of the producer, bottler, or shipper
In addition to the export label, wine must also be labeled with a health certificate. The health certificate must be obtained from the Department of Agriculture in the state where the wine was produced.
Labels for wine exported from the United States must comply with TTB labeling regulations. These regulations are contained in Part 4 of the CFR. The most important labeling requirement for exporters is that all wine shipped outside of the United States must have a label that states “For Importation Into” a particular country.
In addition, each country has its own specific labeling requirements that must be complied with. For example, wines exported to Canada must have a bilingual label that displays both English and French text.
Customs Declaration
Once your wine is packaged and labeled, it is ready to ship. When shipping wine internationally, you will need to file a customs declaration form with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The customs declaration form will list the value of your shipment and any applicable tariffs. Tariffs on wine exports vary depending on the destination country. For example, the tariff for wine exports to Canada is currently 14%.
It is important to note that the value of a wine shipment for customs purposes is based on the purchase price of the wine, not the shipping cost. This means that even if you are only exporting a small quantity of wine, you may still be subject to high tariffs.
Packaging Wine for Export: Packaging and Shipping Requirements
After you have obtained the necessary permits and licenses, you need to focus on packaging and shipping your wine. The type of packaging you use will depend on the volume of wine being shipped and the distance it is traveling.
For small shipments, it is often possible to use ordinary cardboard boxes. However, for larger shipments, it is necessary to use special shipping containers designed for wine transport. These containers are made of wood or steel and can hold up to 12,000 bottles of wine.
It is also important to use special packing material designed for wine transport, such as bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts. This packing material will help protect your wine bottles from breakage during shipping.
In order to comply with federal shipping regulations, wine must be packaged in approved containers. The most common type of container for wine exports is the carton. Cartons are typically made of corrugated cardboard and are designed to protect the wine during transport. Other types of approved containers include fiber barrels, wood barrels, and kegs.
If you are packaging your wine in a non-approved container, you will need to obtain a special permit from the TTB.
Customs and Tariffs in Wine Exports
When exporting wine, you also need to be aware of customs regulations and tariffs. Customs regulations vary from country to country, so it is important to research the regulations in the destination country prior to shipping your wine.
Tariffs are taxes that are imposed on imported goods. The amount of tariff imposed on wine varies from country to country. In some cases, tariffs can make exporting wine to certain countries impractical.
The United States currently has tariffs in place on imported wines from certain countries, including Australia, Canada, Chile, the European Union, and Mexico. These tariffs range from zero percent to 26.4 percent depending on the country of origin.
It is important to note that many countries have their own tariffs and other trade barriers that can make it difficult to export wine. For example, China currently has a 25 percent tariff on imported wines.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a helpful tool that allows you to search for tariffs by country and product.
Customs and tariffs are just one of the many factors that you need to consider when exporting wine. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can ensure that your wine exports go smoothly and comply with all applicable regulations.
Market Conditions for Wine Exports
One of the most important factors to consider when exporting wine is market conditions in the destination country. The demand for wine can vary significantly from country to country.
It is important to do your research and understand what types of wines are popular in the destination country. If you are exporting a type of wine that is not in demand, it will be more difficult to sell your product.
Another factor to consider is the price of wine in the destination country. If the price of wine is low, you may have difficulty selling your product at a profit.
Shipping and Logistics for Wine Exports
You need to determine how you will ship your wine. There are a few different options available for shipping wine, including air freight, ocean freight, and ground transportation.
Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You need to evaluate your specific shipping needs in order to determine the best shipping method for your wine export business.
iContainers can help you ship wine to your end customers with ease. We offer various shipping routes and instant quotes. Through our digital platform, you can ensure the success of your wine export venture.
European Company Exporting Wines
As the world’s leading wine producer, Europe is a key market for wine exporters. In 2016, the European Union exported $11.5 billion worth of wine.
The majority of European wine exports are shipped to other countries in the EU, with France, Italy, and Spain being the top three destinations.
How To Export Wine From Chile
Chile is one of the world’s leading producers of wine. Chilean wine exports totaled $1.3 billion in 2016, making Chile the fifth largest exporter of wine in the world.
The majority of Chilean wine exports are shipped to the United States, Europe, and Asia. In order to export wine from Chile, you need to obtain a permit from the Chilean government.
You also need to be aware of customs regulations and tariffs in the destination country. Shipping and logistics are important factors to consider when exporting wine. iContainers can help you ship wine from Chile with ease.
Resources for Wine Exporters
There are a number of resources available to help exporters navigate the regulatory process, including an online guide to exporting wine.
In addition, the TTB offers export counseling services and can provide assistance with labeling and permit requirements.
The Small Business Administration also has a program specifically for small businesses that are interested in exporting. The program provides training and support on a variety of topics, including market research and financing.
Final Note
Exporting wine can be a complex process, but it can also be a rewarding experience. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can ensure the success of your wine export business. iContainers is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for all your shipping needs.