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 do UK bond facilities currently charge to remove duty stamps from cases for export?
De-stamping (obliteration of duty stamps) for export is a standard service offered by bonded warehouses. Current market rates reported by members: - **LCB** — £4 per dozen cases - **MSX** (Totton) — £1.30 per case (2020 pricing; likely higher now) - Members reported paying **£2 per physical case of 6** at LCB within the last month, consistent with the £4-per-dozen quote Note: Pricing appears to vary by facility and may have shifted since 2020. It's worth confirming current rates directly with your bonded warehouse, as costs may have increased.
Can duty stamps be incorporated into back label artwork, and do you need to use freestanding labels, or can you switch between both options?
Yes, duty stamps can be incorporated directly into your back label artwork. Here's what members reported: **Setup process:** - Incorporation into the label design is possible, but requires HMRC to send you a disc with your registered duty stamp codes - Once HMRC approves and provides the disc, label printers can typically turn around incorporated-stamp labels within 10 days of receiving artwork - The initial setup takes some time to coordinate with HMRC **Recommended label printers (duty stamp capable):** - **Labelapeel** (Leicester) — speedy turnaround, competitively priced; ask for Craig Goodman. Multiple members confirmed they use them and praised the team. - **Labmak** (Label Makers) — excellent quality, though members noted they're not the fastest option - **Quality Labels** — noted for best pricing **Note on switching between formats:** The excerpts confirm members have incorporated stamps into labels, but don't explicitly address whether you can easily switch back to freestanding labels once set up with incorporated stamps. This may be worth clarifying directly with your label printer and HMRC during setup.
What are the options for incorporating HMRC duty stamps into back labels, and what are the timelines and process involved?
Members describe two main routes: incorporating duty stamps directly into printed labels (faster, cleaner), or applying physical stamps post-production. **Direct incorporation into labels:** - You must obtain a CD-ROM from the HMRC Duty Stamps office and send it to your label printer, who incorporate the stamp digitally into the design before printing - **Label Apeel** (contact James Label Apeel) has been specifically praised by members for making this process straightforward - **LabelTech** (based outside Dublin, Ireland) is recommended as an alternative for smaller label runs to avoid overstock; they handle the CD-ROM process - Timeline: Registration for your own UK duty stamp number takes approximately 2 weeks, plus another week for the stamps/CD-ROM to arrive (based on a French distillery's experience). Printed labels then arrive on normal lead times - Important caveat: obtaining a CD-ROM from HMRC reportedly prevents you from ordering labels without the stamp incorporated—you cannot get both options simultaneously - You need either your own UK duty stamp registration or access to your importer's duty stamp number; the registration process is not described as onerous - You will need a UK duty representative to take responsibility for the CD-ROM **Post-production application:** - **LCB** applies duty stamps for a fee post-production, but typically causes 1–2 week delays before product is available for sale **Important caveats:** - Duty stamps are scheduled to be phased out in 2025; consider the longevity of large label orders - The replacement process for post-2025 compliance is not yet clear, though there is mention of potential on-line engraving during production - If you use a non-UK printer (e.g., in Oaxaca or Mexico), incorporating duty stamps into labels becomes more complex; applying physical stamps locally may be easier than attempting label incorporation from abroad
What is the timeline for phasing out physical duty stamps, and what should producers plan for?
Duty stamps are scheduled to be phased out in 2025, so producers should avoid bulk-printing labels with current stamp designs. Members are already using two approaches: - **2024 technology with UK-approved printers** — using a CD sent to the printer to apply stamps to labels; this is the current compliant route for incorporation into label artwork - **ROI-based printers (e.g. LabelTech, based outside Dublin)** — used for smaller label runs to avoid waste and being left with excess stock - **Future technology: on-line engraving** — there is potential for stamps to move to engraving directly on bottles during production, which could cover both food standards and HMRC requirements simultaneously **Key considerations:** If using a UK-approved printer, the brand owner needs a UK duty representative and someone must take responsibility for the CD-ROM containing the stamp data. For producers using overseas printers (e.g. in Mexico or Oaxaca), it may be simpler to have the supplier register locally and apply stamps at source rather than attempt to incorporate pre-printed stamps into labels. Registration and stamp arrival typically takes 2–3 weeks once applied for via the gov.uk guidance.
How do UK drinks brands obtain duty stamps from HMRC, and what changes are coming in 2025?
Duty stamps are currently free to request directly from HMRC; they are category-specific and can be applied to bottles before shipment to the UK. However, this system is being phased out. **Current process:** - Request duty stamps directly from HMRC at no cost - Stamps are category-specific (spirits, wine, etc.) - Overseas brands can apply stamps before shipping or have UK distributors apply them on arrival **Regulatory change:** - Duty stamps will be discontinued in May 2025, ending the requirement entirely - Until then, brands can continue using stamps or have Licensed Customs Brokers (LCBs) apply them on import - Members noted that stamp application (whether manual or via LCB) adds cost and process friction; using an LCB to handle this until the April 2025 deadline is a practical option if stamps are not pre-applied **Context:** Members flagged that the stamp system has had limited impact on grey-market reduction and is considered by some a bureaucratic process of questionable value—hence the planned abolition.
Do RTD beverages need duty stamps or VAT stickers when imported to the UK?
RTD beverages do not require duty stamps when imported, even if they contain spirits fortification. Members clarified that duty stamps (which differ from VAT stickers) are not applicable to RTDs. For the definitive rules on which products require duty stamps, refer to the UK government's Excise Notice DS5 on the UK duty stamps scheme, particularly Section 3, which sets out the full list of products subject to the requirement. If your RTD is non-fermented and fortified with spirits, duty stamps do not apply based on community experience.
What are HMRC's specific requirements for duty stamp placement on spirit labels?
Duty stamps must not be touching any other labels on your bottles. Members learned this requirement directly from HMRC during compliance checks, and discovered it matters enough that production errors can cause significant delays. One member caught a placement error before HMRC involvement, but it required corrective action on the production line.