What carriers and logistics options are recommended for shipping duty-paid spirits from the UK to EU countries?

Shipping duty-paid spirits from the UK to the EU is possible but comes with significant HMRC scrutiny. Members strongly recommend reconsidering your approach before committing to duty-paid exports.

**Key considerations:**

- **Claiming duty back on do-stock exports is very difficult** — HMRC deliberately makes the process hard to prevent duty-avoidance fraud, so expect heavy scrutiny and a complex claims process if you proceed with duty-paid stock. - **Use under-bond stock instead** — Members advised that if you have stock held under bond, shipping that rather than duty-paid stock is a materially easier route and avoids the HMRC complications. - **Be prepared for HMRC engagement** — If you do proceed with duty-paid exports claiming duty reclaim, budget time and resources for regulatory oversight.

**Note:** The discussion did not include specific carrier recommendations (e.g., freight forwarders, hauliers, or logistics companies). Members' focus was on the duty and compliance structure rather than the logistics provider itself. For carrier options, you may need to seek separate recommendations or clarify your specific needs (pallet weight, temperature control, lead time) with the community.