Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What customs brokers or logistics partners should we use to handle Brexit customs clearance for glass bottle imports from the EU?
Post-Brexit, importing glass bottles from EU countries requires customs clearance paperwork that your glass manufacturer's logistics partner may not handle—you'll likely need a dedicated customs broker or freight forwarder familiar with the new regulations. Members recommend: - **Mannson** (https://mannson.com) — used for Far East logistics and reportedly handles European road freight too - **Transmec** (contact: Idavis@transmecgroup.com) — costs approximately £50 per delivery and can handle Brexit customs documentation - Check with your glass manufacturer's existing logistics company first — they may already offer customs clearance services One member mentioned **Saverglass** as a potential source of peer recommendations if you're using their bottles. When coordinating with your forwarder, consider stacking optimisation (double or multiple layers per pallet, adjusting pallet count) to maximise efficiency on road shipments.
Who are reliable customs brokers or agents for UK customs clearance and product imports?
Members recommend contacting established shipping and customs brokers with direct contacts in the UK spirits/drinks sector. The most frequently mentioned option is **Fardel**, with contact details: Danny Abbott (Operations Manager, Tel: 01472 828850, Direct: 01472 403730, Mobile: 07300 837389, Email: logistics@fardelshipping.com). Another recommendation is **Yes2Ship**, represented by Alan Hudson (Branch Manager, Aberdeen, Tel: 01224 060 009, Mobile: 07846 180969, Email: alan.hudson@yes2ship.com). Members note that introductions within the community can be arranged if needed. When seeking a customs agent, reaching out directly to established brokers or asking for an introduction via the community is the usual route.
What are the main compliance and logistics risks when importing alcohol (cased goods) into the UK?
Importing alcohol into the UK requires careful attention to regulatory compliance and supply-chain transparency. Members note that surprises are common, so thorough due diligence is essential. **Key compliance considerations:** - Be aware of trade sanctions and embargo restrictions on certain destination markets (e.g. current restrictions on direct sales to Russia). Large brands have faced scrutiny for using workaround routes (Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, India, Italy) to circumvent sanctions, which can expose smaller importers to legal risk if product is diverted. - Verify the legitimacy of your supply chain and end-customer destinations to avoid inadvertently facilitating parallel exports or sanctions evasion. - Understand that regulatory surprises are common in alcohol import, so consulting with a customs broker or compliance specialist before committing is strongly recommended. **Caveats:** - Members emphasised that enforcement action against major brands suggests regulators are actively monitoring import compliance, particularly around sanctions. Smaller operators should not assume they will escape similar scrutiny. - The discussion hints that some traders use geographic loopholes (routing through third countries) to circumvent restrictions, but this carries legal and reputational risk.
What are the import procedures and broker requirements for shipping bottling materials to Mexico for spirits production?
When importing bottles and corks into Mexico for spirits production (specifically tequila), you will need an import broker, whereas labels typically do not require one. **Key procedure:** - **Bottles and corks** are subject to Mexican taxation because they are directly tied to tequila production, which triggers the need for a customs broker to handle the import - **Labels** do not require a broker for import - Members recommend contacting **Forderline**, who can help identify a suitable broker and then forward your freight onwards to your distillery **Summary:** The distinction hinges on whether materials are considered inputs to taxable spirit production. Work with Forderline to connect with an appropriate customs broker for the bottle and cork shipment.
When importing products from Europe, how do customs brokers work and when are they required?
Customs brokers are sometimes required by customs authorities when importing goods from Europe, particularly for certain product types. One member's first experience importing ginger juice from the Netherlands was flagged by customs as requiring a broker declaration. **When required:** - Customs may ask you to declare a customs broker on your shipment, even if you haven't needed one previously. **Service providers:** - **3MD Logistics** — member used them for last-minute customs brokerage. They responded very quickly but at a significant cost, so budget accordingly. **Caveat:** Members have had scant exposure to customs brokers overall. The specific triggers for when brokers are mandatory versus optional are unclear from community experience; it may depend on product type, shipment value, or route. Recommend contacting potential brokers early rather than at the last minute to avoid premium pricing.