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 duties and taxes apply when sending product samples to Latvia after Brexit?
When exporting samples from the UK to Latvia post-Brexit, the recipient will incur duty at their end. Latvia, as an EU member state, applies its own applicable taxes and alcohol duty on imported goods, just as the UK would charge duty on spirits imported here. The exact duties depend on the product category and Latvia's current rates. Members suggest obtaining the **Excise Duty EU.pdf** document (41 pages, available online) as a reference for understanding the framework. Key point: this is a cost borne by the recipient in their country, not a workaround—it's standard practice for any alcohol export to the EU. If you're trying to minimise costs for promotional samples, clarify with your Latvian contact upfront that they will be responsible for paying applicable import duty on receipt.
How can we route EU imports through another EU country to avoid UK post-Brexit complications?
Members have successfully used EU-based logistics and distribution partners to handle imports that would otherwise route through the UK. This approach simplifies customs and regulatory processes for EU importers. Recommended routing partners: - **TOP Spirits (TOP Logistics)** in the Netherlands — mentioned by multiple members as a reliable option for routing EU imports - **Premium Spirits** in Belgium — another EU-based alternative suggested for similar routing arrangements The strategy appears to involve establishing a distribution or logistics point within the EU (Netherlands or Belgium suggested) rather than importing directly into the UK, which reduces paperwork and complications for EU customers. Members indicated this works particularly well when your EU importer prefers to source directly from within the EU.