Import one bottle of liquor to the US
I'm going to a trip to the US (California to be precise) and would like to bring a bottle of liquor (1 l, ~40%) as a present. It is not a commercial brand and as such has no official etiquette.
I searched the internet with various results about if this is possible. I don't mind paying duty on it (as long as it is reasonable) - but I would mind about the bottle being confiscated upon arrival.
Edit: To answer the questions several times asked. I'm well over 21 and will be traveling by plane from Switzerland.
Best Answer
The US Customs and Border Protection allows a traveler to bring homemade wine into the US. So it seems that the absence of official etiquette should not be a problem. The amount of 1 liter should not be a problem if you´re older than 21 years and should also be duty-free. The CBP link above says:
Generally, one liter of alcohol per person may be entered into the U.S. duty-free by travelers who are 21 or older.
California state has some laws of its own about importing alcoholic beverages for personal or household use. It depends where you coming from, your transport and a few other things. I didn't find any case where you're not allowed to bring 1 liter of liquor.
All in all, it seems that you'll have no problem bringing your liquor as a gift!
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How do I import alcohol into the U.S. for personal use?
To apply for a special license, file Form TP-125, Application for Temporary License to Import Liquors for Personal Use and Consumption. You must pay the alcoholic beverages tax due on any imported liquors.How much spirits can I take to USA?
Federal and state regulations allow you to bring back one liter of an alcoholic beverage for personal use duty-free. However, states may allow you to bring back more than one liter, but you will have to pay any applicable Customs duty and IRT.Can I import Whisky to USA?
According to the TTB, those who seek to import beverages containing alcohol -- including wine, malt beverages and distilled spirits -- must file for an Federal Basic Permit. Sometimes referred to as an alcohol impot license, this document puts importers in compliance with the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA).How many bottles can you bring through customs?
Technically there is no federal limit on how much alcohol can be brought in for personal use, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will likely flag you if you're carrying more than a case (e.g. 12 bottles of wine) in your luggage.How to Import Alcohol
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