Let’s debunk a dangerous myth.
The courier wont't handle on your behalf excise duties when shipping to private customers within Europe
In the European Union (EU), certain goods like alcoholic beverages are subject to excise duties, a tax that applies to the sale and shipping of these items. When you sell and ship alcohol to private customers within the EU, it is mandatory to pay excise duties and complete customs procedures, even if the excise duty is zero. It’s essential to understand that this responsibility lies with you, the seller, not the courier. The courier only handles transportation and does not take care of these legal formalities.
Have you checked your courier’s policies?
“For shipments within the European Union, the courier does not manage any customs documentation…
Prohibited items: alcohol beverage”.
“It is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure the shipment complies with all applicable customs regulations and to provide the necessary customs documentation.”
“The sender must ensure compliance with government regulations in each destination country.”
In black and white: if the shipment originates from your business or warehouse, you, as seller, bear full responsibility for ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed and duties are paid.
There are those who can handle these processes on your behalf, but traditional couriers are not among them. As their policies clarify, couriers only manage the transport, not the excise duties or the necessary customs procedures…
Let’s read more from the conditions set by couriers:
“In terms of shipments, all alcoholic beverages are considered special goods subject to special restrictions. The items we transport under certain criteria are: alcoholic beverages…”
“The courier prohibits the following types of shipment: shipments or goods subject to excise duty…”
As you can see, your courier prohibits the shipment of your alcohol in the European Union, or will only handle it if accompanied by the proper customs documentation.
Do you think there are ways to circumvent these rules?
You are wrong!
Separating payment for the product from the shipping or using an external warehouse to have the customer place the order is no longer permitted.
Due to the OSS (One Stop Shop) regulation governing distance sales, along with the new DAC7 directive aimed at preventing VAT fraud (here’s an article on the subject), everything will be traced. These tricks will no longer be possible!
The risk? Penalties will be imposed on sellers: not couriers.
What do you need to keep in mind when selling and shipping directly within the European Union?
If you have not correctly handled the customs procedures and do not have the documentation proving the payment of the excise duty, the responsibility is yours. Don’t risk compromising your business and your investments.
The courier only handles transportation; they are not responsible for what is being shipped or how it is managed. Before selling alcohol to private customers abroad, you must inform yourself about the mandatory bureaucratic and customs procedures for the European Union and verify the shipping conditions of your courier.
Don’t despair! Securing your future without giving up direct sales abroad is possible.
