How do you legally handle UK duty stamps when exporting spirits?

UK duty stamps on exported spirits can be legally covered or removed, but the approach depends on the destination market and importer requirements.

**Key options members mentioned:**

- **Ask the importer first** — The safest approach is to contact the importer in the destination market and ask permission to over-sticker or cover the UK duty stamp. If they approve, there's no issue. - **Bonded warehouses** — Facilities like Chichester have licenses to destroy, remove, or cover duty stamps on spirits before export. This is a regulated, compliant route. - **Over-sticker approach** — Members suggested printing a black spot or cover sticker to conceal the UK duty mark, though legality varies by destination market.

**Important caveat:** Legality "depends totally on the market" — different countries have different requirements about what can be on the bottle when imported. Always clarify with your importer or customs broker for the specific destination before proceeding. Attempting to cover stamps without proper approval from the receiving market could create compliance issues.