Come viaggiare in aereo con vino (…e altri alcolici )
Tutto quello che devi sapere sul trasporto aereo internazionale di alcolici in modo legale: quantità, costi e normative - e come spedire un'intera cassa di vino senza che si rompa!
State sorseggiando un vino straordinario a Bordeaux, in Borgogna, nella Champagne o in una qualsiasi delle splendide regioni vinicole europee, quando iniziate a chiedervi: "Come potrei portarmene un po' a casa?". La testa inizia a girare per la quantità di domande (o forse sono quegli inebrianti profumi)...
- Se non ho acquistato i prodotti al duty free, posso comunque portare vino o alcolici in aereo?
- Quanto posso riportare nel mio paese?
- Devo pagare dazi o tasse, e a quanto ammontano?
- Come posso proteggere le mie bottiglie dalla rottura?
- Devo metterli nel mio bagaglio normale?
- È più facile spedire?
Se avete sentito storie confuse sul trasporto internazionale di alcolici, non siete i soli! Ma grazie ai nostri amici della TSA e della Commissione Europea, abbiamo creato questa guida accurata e aggiornata che risponde a tutte le vostre domande.
E sarete felici di sapere che non è affatto difficile!
Esistono tre tipi di regolamentazione che è necessario rispettare:
- Regolamento internazionale sulla sicurezza dei trasporti
- Regolamentazione delle compagnie aeree
- Leggi sull'importazione dei singoli paesi, stati e province
1. Norme internazionali sui trasporti
Ciò include enti di sicurezza come la Transportation Security Administration (TSA) negli Stati Uniti, la Commissione europea e altri governi nazionali. Le loro normative riguardano l'alcol in cabina e nel bagaglio da stiva.
Trasporto di vino e alcolici nel bagaglio a mano
- Nel bagaglio a mano non è consentito trasportare liquidi in contenitori di capacità superiore a 100 ml.
- Eccezione alla regola (a partire da gennaio 2014): Vino o liquori in quantità superiori a 100 ml, acquistati in un negozio duty-free e riposti in una busta sicura e antimanomissione (STEB), sono consentiti nel bagaglio a mano per i passeggeri in viaggio verso Stati Uniti, Canada ed Europa .
Trasporto di vino e alcolici nel bagaglio registrato (stiva)
In genere, la quantità è illimitata, ma si prega di consultare le normative di ciascun Paese per verificare la quantità consentita e le relative tasse.
- Bevande alcoliche con una gradazione alcolica inferiore al 24% – nessuna limitazione di quantità
- Bevande alcoliche con un contenuto alcolico compreso tra il 24% e il 70% - 5 litri a persona a livello internazionale e 10 litri all'interno dell'UE
- Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol – prohibited
So, if you’re travelling home to the USA, Australia, or Europe with a selection of 12 or more wines from your favorite vineyards, your best option is hold luggage. In fact, it’s the only option.
2. Airline Regulations
Airlines adhere to the regulations outlined by the international security bodies. But each airline has its own rules about carrying alcohol too.
- Must be packed to avoid breakage and damage to others’ items
- Many airlines require you to use Styrofoam wine protectors
- Must adhere to checked baggage allowances, or
- Must adhere to fees for extra checked baggage (if applicable)
Most airlines include 23kg (50lbs) of checked baggage (32kg for Business Class). Simply pay for an extra bag and get your wine on the flight too! A typical bottle of wine weighs 1.4kg (3lbs), and a purpose-built wine suitcase like the Lazenne Wine Suitcase is only 4.8kg. So you can bring 12 bottles home in one purpose-built bag without it breaking the 23kg limit.
Remember to check your free baggage allowance and pay any extra baggage fees spelled out by your airline (typically $50 - $100 per extra bag).
[LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LAZENNE WINE SUITCASE]
Verifica le regole attuali della compagnia aerea
Le politiche delle compagnie aeree variano e possono cambiare. Prima del viaggio, verifica direttamente con il vettore le regole aggiornate su bagaglio registrato, imballaggio, peso e alcol.
3. Allowed Limits by Country
When it comes to bringing alcohol into a country, many people confuse duty-free limits with overall limits. They are not the same thing. You have two alcohol allowances: duty-free (no fees) AND total limit (taxes and duties are paid on units above the duty free limit). Duty Free gives you 1-5L, while total limits are usually unlimited on wine, sparkling and beer. You must be of legal drinking age in the country you are bringing alcohol into.
Duties/Taxes by Country
\nImportante: la tabella seguente è una guida generale e non costituisce consulenza legale. Franchigie, imposte e politiche delle compagnie cambiano; verifica la regola vigente con l’autorità di destinazione indicata nei riferimenti prima di viaggiare.
| Country | Alcohol Type | Duty-Free Limit | Duty & Tax Above Duty-Free Limit | Total Limit |
| USA | Wine | 1 Liter (34 o.z) | $0.35-$2 / bottle | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 1 Liter (34 o.z) | $1-$3 / bottle | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 1 Liter (34 o.z) | $0.35-$1 / bottle | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 1 Liter (34 o.z) | $2-$3 / bottle | 5 Liters | |
| Canada | ||||
| Alberta | Wine | 1.5 Litres | $2.50 / bottle | 45.45 Litres (60x750ml bottles) |
| Sparkling | 1.5 Litres | $3.75 / bottle | 45.45 Litres (60x750ml bottles) |
|
| Beer | 8.5 Litres | $0.34 / Litre | 45.45 Litres | |
| Spirits | 1.14 Litres | $5.00 / Litre | 5 Litres | |
| BC | Wine | 1.5 Litres | 85% min $1.83/bottle max $12.75/bottle | 45 Litres (60x750ml bottles) |
| Sparkling | 1.5 Litres | 85% min $1.83/bottle max $12.75/bottle | 45 Litre (60x750ml bottles) | |
| Beer | 8.5 Litres | 55% min $1.13 / Litre | 45 Litres (any type) | |
| Spirits | 1.14 Litres | 150% min $13.19/Litre max $40/Litre | 5 Litres | |
| Ontario | Wine | 1.5 Litres | 39.6% of pre-VAT value | 45 Litres (60x750ml bottles) |
| Sparkling | 1.5 Litres | 39.6% of pre-VAT value | 45 Litres (60x750ml bottles) | |
| Beer | 8.5 Litres | $0.676 / Litre | 45 Litres (any type) | |
| Spirits | 1.14 Litres | 59.9% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres | |
| Quebec | Wine | 1.5 Litres | 66% of pre-VAT value | 10.5 Litres (12x750ml bottles) without going through SAQ |
| Sparkling | 1.5 Litres | 72% of pre-VAT value | 10.5 Litres (12x750ml bottles) without going through SAQ | |
| Beer | 8.5 Litres | $0.40 / Litre | 17.5 Litres without going through SAQ | |
| Spirits | 1.14 Litres | 124% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres without going through SAQ | |
| Australia | Wine | 2.25 Litres | 49% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 2.25 Litres | 49% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 2.25 Litres | 49% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 2.25 Litres | 49% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres | |
| Brazil | Wine | 12 Litres (16x750ml bottles), & up to $500USD pre-VAT value | 50% of excess value above $500USD | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 12 Litres (16x750ml bottles), & up to $500USD pre-VAT value | 50% of excess value above $500USD | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 12 Litres (& up to $500USD pre-VAT value) | 50% of excess value above $500USD | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 5 Litres (& up to $500USD pre-VAT value) | 50% of excess value above $500USD | 5 Litres | |
| China | Wine | 1.5 Litres (2x750ml bottles), if above 12% alcohol | 50% of pre-VAT value after duty-free limit | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 1.5 Litres (2x750ml bottles), if above 12% alcohol | 50% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | unlimited, if below 12% alcohol | none; part of your overall duty-free import limit | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 1.5 Litres (if above 12% alcohol) | 50% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres | |
| Hong Kong | Wine | unlimited | unlimited | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | unlimited | unlimited | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | unlimited | unlimited | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 1 Litre (if above 30% alcohol) | 23 HKD / litre | 5 Litres | |
| Japan | Wine | 2.25L (3x750ml bottles) | 150yen per bottle (750ml) | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 2.25L (3x750ml bottles) | 150yen per bottle (750ml) | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 2.25L | 150yen per bottle (750ml) | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 2.25L | 225-450yen per bottle (750ml) | 5 Litres | |
| New Zealand | Wine | 4.5L | $2.13 NZD per bottle (750ml) | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 4.5L | $2.13 NZD per bottle (750ml) | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 4.5L | $1.4 NZD per litre | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 3 bottles, each up to 1.125 Litres | $51.8 NZD per litre of % alcohol | 5 Litres | |
| Norway | Wine | up to 3 Litres (4x750ml bottles), if not combined with other excise goods | NOK 45 / bottle | 27 Litres (36x750ml bottles), for simplified customs declaration |
| Sparkling | up to 3 Litres (4x750ml bottles), if not combined with other excise goods | NOK 45 / bottle | 27 Litres (36x750ml bottles), for simplified customs declaration | |
| Beer | up to 5 Litres (if not combined with other excise goods) | NOK 20 / litre | 27 Litres (for simplified customs declaration) | |
| Spirits | 1 Litre | NOK 115-325 / litre | 4 Litres (for simplified customs declaration) | |
| Mexico | Wine | 6 Litres (8x750ml bottles) | 90% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 6 Litres (8x750ml bottles) | 90% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 6 Litres | 90% of pre-VAT value | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 3 Litres | 90% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres | |
| Singapore | Wine | 2 Litres (3x750ml bottles) | S$88 per litre of % alcohol | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 2 Litres (3x750ml bottles) | S$88 per litre of % alcohol | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 2 Litres | S$76 per litre of % alcohol | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 1 Litre | S$88 per litre of % alcohol | 5 Litres | |
| South Africa | Wine | 2 Litres (3x750ml bottles) | 20% of pre-VAT value | 20000 ZAR (1800€) |
| Sparkling | 2 Litres (3x750ml bottles) | 20% of pre-VAT value | 20000 ZAR (1800€) | |
| Beer | 2 Litres | 20% of pre-VAT value | 20000 ZAR (1800€) | |
| Spirits | 1 Litre | 20% of pre-VAT value | 5 Litres / 20000 ZAR (1800€) | |
| Switzerland | Wine | 5 Litres (7x750ml bottles) | 2 CHF / bottle | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 5 Litres (7x750ml bottles) | 2 CHF / bottle | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 5 Litres | 2 CHF / bottle | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 1 Litre | 15 CHF / Litre | 5 Litres | |
| Within EU | Wine | 90 Litres | tax varies by EU country | none as long as for personal use |
| Sparkling | 90 Litres | tax varies by EU country | none as long as for personal use | |
| Beer | 110 Litres | tax varies by EU country | none as long as for personal use | |
| Spirits | 10 Litres | tax varies by EU country | 10 Litres |
Flying with Wine Checklist
Using the information in this article, and table provided you have all the knowledge you need to bring wine back from your favorite region. Follow this checklist each time you travel.
1. Check Your Home Country Rules, and Airline Rules
- How many litres can you bring back to your country?
- What is your checked baggage limit?
- Do you need to purchase an extra 23kg?
- Does your wine luggage meet airline safety rules?
2. Calculate Your Costs
Carrying wine in your hold luggage is not only the easiest method to getting wine home, but also the cheapest. The only costs you need to cover are:
- Purpose-Built Wine Suitcase
- Extra baggage fees if going over your allowed limit
- Duties/taxes per bottle/litre ABOVE your country’s duty free limit
3. Bring It Home!
- Now you’re all organized - you can start selecting your wine!
- Pack it in your airport approved wine suitcase
- At the departure airport check in as normal, and pay any excess bag fees
- On arrival, declare your alcohol at customs and pay any duties asked for
- Get your friends together and treat them to an incredible drop!
FAQ
Why can’t I just ship a case of wine home instead of taking it with me?
Most countries won’t allow you ship alcohol unless you apply for extra permits related to tobacco and alcohol importation. The restrictions are much greater and can become a hassle. Shipping is also a costly method, and may not be easily available from wineries that are well off the beaten track.
Can I just buy a cheap second suitcase and pack wine with bubble wrap?
You must check with your airline first, as some have strict rules around how bottles must be packed for hold luggage. It’s heartbreaking to arrive at the airport only to be told the packing is not suitable. Not only that, bulky bubble wrap limits your space. Keep it hassle free, a purpose-built wine suitcase is already airline approved, and able to fit up to 12 bottles!
Is it actually legal to take 12, or even 24 bottles of wine back to my home country? What about 5 litres of Tequila from Mexico?
Yes! So long as you adhere to your destination country’s allowed quantity, pay your duties and baggage fees, and package your wine (or tequila) securely to meet airline regulations, you are within the law.
Riferimenti ufficiali aggiornati
Regole e franchigie possono cambiare. Consulta queste fonti ufficiali e verifica la politica bagagli attuale della compagnia aerea prima di viaggiare.
- Lazenne — baggage-fee guide
- United States TSA — alcoholic beverages in baggage
- United States CBP — importing alcohol for personal use
- Canada CATSA — liquids and alcohol in baggage
- Canada CBSA — alcohol and tobacco limits
- European Union — carrying alcohol, tobacco and cash
- Australia Border Force — duty-free allowances
- Brazil Receita Federal — exemptions and quantity limits
- China Customs — passenger allowances
- Hong Kong Customs — liquor
- Japan Customs — passenger clearance
- New Zealand Customs — duty-free shopping
- Norway Customs — alcohol and tobacco
- South African Revenue Service — traveller arrivals
- Singapore Customs — duty-free concessions and GST relief
Disclaimer: Tutte le informazioni fornite sono, per quanto a nostra conoscenza, aggiornate regolarmente. Le compagnie aeree apportano modifiche frequentemente e non ci assumiamo alcuna responsabilità per l'accuratezza di queste informazioni. Si tratta solo di una guida. Si prega di verificare con la propria compagnia aerea e con l'ufficio doganale del proprio paese per le normative più aggiornate. Non esitate a contattarci via e-mail se riscontrate errori nella guida di cui sopra o se avete suggerimenti da condividere con altri viaggiatori.