Moving wine collection to US (green card holder)

[ricnally 259]

Hi All: I will have a green card when I go back to Canada for a visit. When I return to the US (driving), I'll be bringing 3 or 4 cases of wine with me. Anybody know if I'll have to pay duty? Thanks!

[Sirdaniel42 86]

Google is your friend,

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/190/~/bringing-alcohol-(including-homemade-wine)-to-the-u.s.-for-personal-use

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/356/kw/wine%20duty%20rates

[carocaro 22]

We shared my wine collection with friends and family who would be coming to visit in the future (and who we trusted not to drink it without us ;-) who would then be able to each bring a bottle with them. Not a fast process!

The big moving company that moved us would not agree to move any wine to the USA...said it is very complicated even shipping collections from one state to another.

[ricnally 259]

We shared my wine collection with friends and family who would be coming to visit in the future (and who we trusted not to drink it without us ;-) who would then be able to each bring a bottle with them. Not a fast process!

The big moving company that moved us would not agree to move any wine to the USA...said it is very complicated even shipping collections from one state to another.

Yes, that's why I didn't send it with my other stuff--too much hassle. CBP says they follow the rules of the state of POE and to look at the state policy. I'll be crossing with the wine in WA enroute to CA and just heard from the WA liquor board that it's fine, no limit, and no duty. Sounds good, but I'll be taking a copy of that email with me when I cross the border.

[Lemonslice 4,968]

I moved 5ish cases and had nothing to pay... same when we went to France, we brought back a case and they said the same thing, for limited quantities, it's more trouble than what it is worth. On that point, they've always been way more lenient than the agents I met when coming into Canada.

Also, if someone is ever in the situation where they are flying from one country to Canada, and then getting the merchandise/alcohol out of Canada to the USA (another flight or by car), there is a way not to pay duties and taxes in Canada (I couldn't declare "in transit" at the Nexus kiosk, but the agent knew what to do)...

In-transit travel through Canada

If you are an American resident, you can transport goods through Canada to the United States. To simplify the clearance process, carry three copies of the list of goods you are transporting. The list should include the description and value of the goods, as well as the serial numbers (if applicable). You should pack consumable goods such as alcohol, tobacco and food in containers that the border services officers can close and seal when you arrive. Source:

http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5082-eng.html#s2x4

Edited September 5, 2013 by Boston~Montreal

[ricnally 259]

I moved 5ish cases and had nothing to pay... same when we went to France, we brought back a case and they said the same thing, for limited quantities, it's more trouble than what it is worth. On that point, they've always been way more lenient than the agents I met when coming into Canada.

Also, if someone is ever in the situation where they are flying from one country to Canada, and then getting the merchandise/alcohol out of Canada to the USA (another flight or by car), there is a way not to pay duties and taxes in Canada (I couldn't declare "in transit" at the Nexus kiosk, but the agent knew what to do)...

Good to know. Thanks for posting. Yes, what a pain trying to bring wine to Canada. And they charge duty based on the value of the wine, as I recall, rather than the volume as in the US.