Is there a limit on how much liquor you can bring into the US?

Question

I am trying to bring four of my friends each a bottle (a fifth probably) of scotch back from Scotland. Is this over the limit of spirits you can bring into the US, is there even a limit for how much liquor you can bring into the US?

BQ: Would I be able to get around it if I shipped some of it in a box to the US then brought a bit with me in my bag?

stan l · Accepted Answer

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Bringing alcohol (including homemade wine) to the U.S. for personal use

Can I bring back alcohol for my personal use or as a gift?

Generally, one liter of alcohol per person may be entered into the U.S. duty-free by travelers who are 21 or older, although travelers coming from the U.S. Virgin Islands or other Caribbean countries are entitled to more.  Additional quantities may be entered, although they will be subject to duty and Federal excise taxes.

Alcoholic beverages purchased in duty-free shops are subject to duty and federal excise tax when accompanying you into the United States.  Note:  Federal excise tax rates are for informational purposes only as actual tax or fee may vary according to a person's circumstances.

It is not legal for travelers under the age of 21 to import alcohol - even as a gift.

Most States restrictions on the amount of alcohol that can be brought into that State apply only to residents of that State. Usually people transiting a state are not subject to those restrictions, but sometimes regulations change, and if this is a matter of utmost importance to you, you can check with the state Alcohol Beverage Control Board where you will be arriving to find out what their policies are.

There is no federal limit on the amount of alcohol a traveler may import into the U.S. for personal use, however, large quantities might raise the suspicion that the importation is for commercial purposes, and a CBP officer could require the importer to obtain an TTB import license (which is required for all commercial importations) before releasing it.  A general rule of thumb is that 1 case of alcohol is a personal use quantity - although travelers are still subject to state restrictions which may allow less.

NOTE:  The above information is applicable to homemade wine and follows the same procedure as store bought wine.  The bottles should be properly labeled.

Duty rates on alcoholic beverages can be obtained in Chapter 22, "Beverages, Spirits and Vinegar," in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Updated 02/07/2012 04:18 PM
So, yeah, but it's gonna cost ya'.

Is there a limit on how much liquor you can bring into the US?

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