Claiming beer when coming back into the US

I usually do the same as you and I don't declare anything. Considering you have so much beer, it is probably best to claim it and let them check it out. I doubt they'll hassle you too much since all of the beer is sealed. Be sure to pack it well, baggage handlers are going to toss it around pretty severely.

 

On the customs form enter the total amount spent, being sure to indicate it was for 24 bottles of beer. They will probably send you right on through as you will still have less than your duty free allotment of alcohol. As indicated above, protecting against breakage in your checked bag is much more critical. Bubble wrap or plastic foam padding are essentiaL A sealed plastic bag for each bottle is also good insurance against leakage. Don't be surprised if you have to pay extra for the weight or bag.

 

I never want to take any chances with this and on two occasions have claimed each and every bottle I brought back. Neither customs official cared and one even told me about his home brewing days.

I brought back 34 bottles last time so you should be good. No reason to lie and risk it.

 

Declare it, the worst that happens then is you pay the small duty per bottle. I have never had to pay duty.

 

Absolutely declare it. I just brought back 34 bottles from Belgium (12 750mls & 22 375mls) and declared it all and customs did not bat an eye. The worst that could happen if you declare it is that you might have to pay a small duty, but I never have and I have brought beer home many times. If you don't declare it you risk confiscation and potential for much larger fines.

 

Emphatically yes! listen to the people who said declare what you have and pay the duty if any. People always think they have to get away with something or that they are doing something wrong and most of the time they aren't. It's not doing it that will arouse suspicion. The reason they have that form at customs is to declare what you have brought into the country. It's that simple. Follow the rules. What's it to ya?

 

I claim it and lowball the cost.

 

I generally claim it and lowball the amount/cost. My dad always used to say beer was negligable and they were more concerned with liqour. I would just put "beer" on the landing form/customs card and keep your mouth shut unless asked. I dont think they realize they are people like "us" that would even consider bringing that much back!!!

 

This. You are under your duty-free "limit" so you aren't going to have to pay anything anyways.

edit: Technically, you might owe excise taxes but I doubt they would do the work necessary (forms, calculations, etc.) to assess said taxes.

 

Just be honest and declare it. When we moved back to the states from Belgium we declared everything. No questions asked or wanting to inspect and search. You shouldn't have any problems.

 

I've brought a ton of beer back during my USAF aircrew days. Granted most of it we brought back on military jets but I've brought enough back on commercial planes as well. I too would declare it but would fudge the numbers as well. My buddy brought back a full rack of mort subite from Germany on a commercial plane. Never was searched or had to pay duties. Only thing was that 1 bottle was busted in the bag he used.

 

I'll add another response for always declaring. I always declare it and always mark that I'm bringing food in to the country. I've done this quite a few times now and every single conversation has gone like this:

Customs Agent - What food are you bringing in?
Me - Beer
Customs Agent - (Hands back passport and declaration form.)

I haven't brought anything back since joining Global Entry so no idea if that will drive any changes in response. (Computerized vs paper)

 

Better safe than seized.

Be sure to check out Bull & Castle, Black Sheep and W J Kavanagh before you leave Dublin.

 

I declared my beer when I came back from Belgium and the guy just smiled and waved me along. I think that's the safe way to go, and you may not even have to pay the taxes.

 

Has anyone on here ever been made to pay a duty or taxes for bringing in beer? I never have and have never even heard of anyone who has.

 

The only place I've ever been asked to pay duties/taxes was in Singapore. (I think it cost me all of $10 SGD for a case and I knew more about their import duty and tax than the person calculating it.)

 

i mark it as "food" on the customs form. they see it circled, say "what kind of food?" i reply "beer" and mention that i listed it on the back of the card. they wave me through. done.

worst case, you pay duty which shouldn't be a whole lot on the quanities you're bringing in. you're almost definitely under the dollar amount for goods brought in free of duty, so you're fine.

 

As I understand it, both duty and the Federal Excise Tax rate on beer coming into the country are figured on volume, not dollar value. US Customs states there is currently no duty at all on beer ("2203.00.00 - Beer made from malt --- Free" but, as noted, it's based on liters for other alc. beverages) and the max. FET is $18/barrel which works out to be a nickel for a 12 0z. bottle. Not worth the paperwork to charge you at that rate.