Ask the Collective

How should commercial alcohol samples be declared on customs invoices to minimise import duty complications?

Members report declaring samples as "commercial samples" on invoices and boxes, combined with clear alcohol labelling (ABV strength included). The key tactic is working with the recipient to understand their local tax system and have them advise on precise invoice wording to ensure samples fall outside duty eligibility. **Key practices:** - Declare honestly as alcohol with ABV strength stated - Label boxes clearly as "commercial samples" - Coordinate with the recipient on invoice wording that reflects local tax exemptions for samples in their country - Understand that recipients usually know their own tax regime and can guide appropriate declarations - Note that straight commercial orders cannot use this approach—samples-only shipments are the context where this applies **Caveats:** Members acknowledged this approach has worked for them so far, but also noted luck may be involved ("people at the other end never seem to get hit so far"). Shipping via duty-paid routes (e.g. DHL for some routes like Italy & Ireland, or UPS) resulted in unexpected charges and complications for others. UPS was specifically flagged as problematic—one member reported multiple parcels sent back without reason, charged for delivery and return, with a 6-month wait for a promised refund despite a credit note being issued.