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.
Which UK bottle suppliers can supply imported European bottle formats, and what are the alternatives if stock isn't available?
Members looking for European bottle formats (particularly 750ml Dorica) report that UK bottle suppliers often struggle with stock for non-standard formats. Where to look: - **Allied** — recommended by multiple members who've switched to them for bottle supply - **Encirc** — suggested as an alternative when standard suppliers are out of stock - **Erben** — mentioned as another option to try - **Bruni** — Brendan at Bruni reportedly has access to a range of bottles, though availability of specific formats like 750ml Dorica bottles may vary If UK suppliers can't meet your needs, members report importing directly from Europe. For logistics, **DSV** was used for a pallet to Germany at around £300, and members importing from Germany to the UK report costs of approximately £640–£740 per pallet (including admin fees). Lead times and availability remain challenging; one member needed 5 pallets weekly and was still sourcing alternatives.
What are the regulations and requirements for shipping alcohol samples to the US without an established importer?
Shipping alcohol samples to the US typically triggers requests for a COLA waiver and TTB import permit, though enforcement appears inconsistent. **Key findings from member experience:** - **COLA waiver and TTB import permit** — Usually required by couriers; your US importer would typically handle obtaining these, but enforcement is inconsistent and some members have shipped without being stopped - **Personal luggage** — Several members suggest the practical workaround of carrying samples personally in your suitcase when travelling to the US - **Courier account type** — DHL has indicated that samples *can* be sent without an importer via a specific account type, though details on setup were not discussed; FedEx reportedly offered a similar special US service at one point - **State-by-state variation** — Members noted that requirements may vary by US state and destination; one member sending to Miami faced requests after previous shipments to other companies had not been stopped - **Enforcement appears inconsistent** — The "luck of the draw" comment reflects member experience that some shipments go through without issue while others are flagged, making it hard to predict which will trigger regulatory requests **Caveats:** This is an area where outcomes seem to depend on courier, destination state, and individual account setup. If you're regularly shipping samples, establishing a relationship with a US importer or exploring specialist courier accounts may reduce friction.
What are the UK commodity codes and customs procedure codes needed for importing spirits from the EU post-Brexit?
Post-Brexit spirit imports from the EU require both a commodity code and a customs procedure code (CPC). Members found the process significantly more complex than pre-Brexit. **Resources and codes:** - **UK Trade Tariff** (gov.uk/trade-tariff) — the official government tool for looking up commodity codes for imports; includes options for different container sizes (spirits over 2L have specific codes) - **Customs Procedure Code 0700000** — mentioned as the likely CPC for spirit imports, though members noted this is the area where complexity lies ("box 37" references suggest detailed customs declaration requirements) **Caveats:** Members found the CPC lookup particularly challenging and non-intuitive. The Trade Tariff tool is the authoritative source, but members recommend consulting it carefully and potentially seeking specialist customs advice if the procedural code isn't immediately clear. One member flagged that even experienced importers found box 37 (part of the customs declaration form) confusing.
Can a drinks producer qualify for Small Producers Relief on alcohol duty if their base alcohol is imported from a non-small producer?
The regulatory text suggests that imported base alcohol must also come from a qualifying small producer to access Small Producers Relief, which creates a challenge for RTD makers sourcing from large international suppliers. **Key findings from member experience:** - The official guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-youre-eligible-for-small-producer-relief-on-alcohol-duty) appears to require the supplying producer to also be a small producer, which excludes most large US alcohol suppliers. - **HMRC's interpretation is unclear and inconsistent.** Members report that HMRC internally disagrees on what constitutes "alcohol production," suggesting the rules may be applied differently depending on who you speak to. - One member suggested a potential workaround: establishing a small UK SPV (special purpose vehicle) to purchase and re-supply the imported alcohol, creating a chain where the immediate supplier is a small UK entity. This is technically possible but members acknowledged it sits in ethically grey territory and its legitimacy is unverified. - No members confirmed successfully using this approach or obtained explicit HMRC clearance for it. **Recommendation:** Before committing to a restructuring, contact HMRC directly to confirm their current interpretation, as the scheme's definition of "production" appears to be under internal debate. Members suggest being cautious of workarounds without explicit written approval.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation and how does it affect imported drinks products into the UK?
Extended Producer Responsibility requires producers and importers to track and report packaging data. **Reporting thresholds:** You only need to formally report if you have turnover over £1 million and generate 25 tonnes of packaging waste annually (approximately 35,000 glass bottles at 700g each). **For imported products:** If you're importing drinks, you'll need to clarify responsibility with your importer — either you or they may be designated as the responsible party for reporting packaging data. Members noted that communication from HMRC about the Advanced Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (APPA) has been limited, and several discovered the requirements through industry bodies like the BDA rather than direct government outreach. Even if below reporting thresholds, importers should still be recording packaging data for compliance purposes.
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.
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 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.
Where can I find reliable importers or distributors in Germany?
Members recommend reaching out directly to those with existing German distribution networks. The most practical next step is to **contact members with prospect lists** — one member offered to share a curated list of potential import partners via DM, noting that the best fit depends on your product category (spirits, non-alcoholic, etc.). Members also highlight the value of personal recommendations within the Kindred network, with several vouching for specific contacts' reliability.
What CPC code should be used for customs clearance of underbond alcohol imports?
For alcohol in duty suspense being moved via EMCS to a bonded warehouse, members recommend using the CPC code **0700F06**. This code is used specifically for underbond alcohol imports processed through the Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS) with an MGN (Movement Guidance Note) to a bonded warehouse for duty suspension purposes.
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.
How do I find and connect with UK distributors for imported spirits brands?
Members recommend leveraging founder networks and industry connections as the primary route. The specific approach shared was: - **Founder/supplier networks** — When importing spirits, ask your source partners (e.g., Mexican producers) if they have existing relationships with UK distributors or counterparts who might be interested in taking on additional brands. This creates warm introductions rather than cold outreach. - **Industry events** — Members mentioned **Prowein** as a venue where distributors and suppliers connect, suggesting attendance as a way to meet potential partners face-to-face. **Note:** The excerpts don't contain a detailed list of specific UK distributor names or a step-by-step process for vetting or approaching them. The community's answer here is primarily about leveraging warm introductions through your existing supplier relationships and attending trade shows.
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.