Shipping Liquor To Belize: What You Need To Know

Belize is known for its local rum and beer, but if you want to enjoy other alcoholic drinks, it can be expensive. It is possible to ship liquor to Belize, and there are a few options for doing so. One option is to purchase liquor at the duty-free shops in the Belize airport, where prices are significantly lower than outside the airport. Another option is to bring liquor into Belize in your checked luggage, as long as it is in its original, unopened bottles, and you fill out a customs form. It is important to note that the amount of liquor you can bring into Belize may be limited, and you may be taxed if you bring more than the allowed amount.

Shipping liquor to Belize: customs forms and regulations

If you are shipping liquor to Belize, you will need to be aware of the relevant customs forms and regulations. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Customs Forms

When shipping liquor to Belize, you will need to fill out and submit several customs forms. These forms are essential to ensure compliance with Belizean regulations and to facilitate the smooth clearance of your shipment. The specific forms required may vary depending on the type and quantity of liquor being shipped. However, some of the commonly needed forms include:

• Import permit: An import permit is required for all goods shipped to Belize, including alcoholic beverages. This permit can be obtained from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). The application process typically takes up to a week but can sometimes be completed in as little as three days.
• Customs Declaration Form C-100 (SAD): This form, also known as the Single Administrative Document, is a crucial component of the customs clearance process. It must be completed and submitted to the customs authorities upon the arrival of your shipment.
• Certificate of Origin: This document certifies the country of origin of the goods being imported.
• Health and Sanitary Certificates: Depending on the specific requirements for importing liquor, you may need to provide health and sanitary certificates to ensure the products meet the necessary standards.
• Other Certificates: In some cases, additional certificates may be required. For example, a Phyto-sanitary Certificate may be needed, depending on the product being imported.

Regulations

In addition to completing the necessary customs forms, it is essential to be aware of the regulations surrounding the importation of liquor into Belize:

• Labelling Requirements: All processed products, including alcoholic beverages, must be labelled in English. While U.S. labels often satisfy Belize's labelling requirements, it is advisable to consult with an importer before shipping your products. The label must include the name of the product, a list of ingredients in descending order, net contents and weight/volume, the name and address of the manufacturer, and storage instructions.
• Import Licenses: Import licenses for alcoholic products are issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. You can contact the ministry by phone at (501) 822-2249.
• Duties and Taxes: Almost all agricultural products entering Belize, including alcoholic beverages, are subject to a duty of 40%. Additionally, specific alcoholic products may also incur a Revenue Replacement Duty. For example, as of 2005, the Revenue Replacement Duty for vodka, cordials, and liquors was BLZ $35.00 per gallon.
• Quantity Restrictions: Belize has quantity restrictions for importing liquor. For example, travellers from non-European Union countries can bring 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content over 22% duty-free.
• Restricted Items: It is essential to be aware of items restricted from entry into Belize. These include meat and its products, processed food items, and live animals.

Tips

• Take advantage of duty-free shopping: Belize offers duty-free arrival shopping at its international airport, which can provide significant savings on liquor purchases.
• Be prepared for customs clearance: Have all the necessary documentation ready and ensure your presence during customs clearance, as it is required for importing goods into Belize.

Duty-free liquor allowances for visitors to Belize

Belize is one of the few places in the world that offers duty-free arrival shopping, with prices 50% lower or more than prices outside the airport. There are two duty-free stores at the airport, where you can buy up to four bottles of spirits or wine. These won't be counted towards your regular import allowance.

If you are entering Belize from a non-European Union country, you can bring the following items into the country duty-free:

• 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content over 22%
• 2 litres of dessert wine with alcohol content no more than 22%
• 2 litres of wine

You can also bring in 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 250g of tobacco, and 50 cigars duty-free.

If you are entering Belize from a European Union country, you may be able to bring in more than 1 litre of spirits, but you will need to check with Belize customs.

It is important to remember that you must declare any alcohol you are bringing into Belize on your customs form. If you do not declare it, you may be taxed on it when you leave the country.

In addition to the duty-free allowance, visitors to Belize can also purchase liquor at the duty-free shops located near the baggage claim in the Belize airport. These shops offer a broader selection than just liquor, including sunglasses, makeup, candy, American brand cigarette cartons, and wine.

Buying liquor in Belize: prices and availability

Belize is a local rum and beer destination. If you want to drink anything else, such as vodka, tequila, gin, or whiskey, it is recommended to purchase it at the duty-free store at the airport, as it will be much more expensive elsewhere. For example, a bottle of Tito's Vodka at the duty-free shop costs $18 US, whereas in San Pedro, the same bottle costs $60 US.

There are two duty-free stores at the airport, and it is worth checking both, as prices vary. For example, 1 litre of Absolut Vodka costs $18 USD ($36 BZD) in the first shop and $15 USD in the second, whereas in town, it costs around $60 BZD. Jack Daniels, 1 litre, costs $23 US. Fireball "Whiskey" is $20 US.

If you are travelling to Belize from a non-European Union country, you can bring the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 250g of tobacco, and 50 cigars. You may also bring in 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content over 22%, 2 litres of dessert wine with alcohol content no more than 22%, 2 litres of wine, 250ml eau de toilette, and 60cc of perfume.

If you are looking to try local drinks, there are plenty of options. From locally brewed beers and fruit wines to rum, there is no shortage of choices. Belikin is the beer of Belize, with several different varieties, including Stout, Premium, and Lighthouse Lager. For something stronger, the Panti Rippa is a popular cocktail, made with pineapple juice and coconut rum.

Local wines are also available, made from fruits such as soursop, cashew, and ginger. A bottle of Bel-Mer Soursop Wine costs $11.75 Belize Dollars ($5.87 US), Mr. P's Genuine Cashew Wine is around $12 Belize Dollars ($6 US), and Fandango Ginger Wine is about $10 Belize Dollars ($5 US).

Packing liquor in checked baggage when travelling to Belize

When packing liquor in your checked baggage while travelling to Belize, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your alcohol arrives safely and in compliance with local regulations. Here are some detailed instructions to help you pack your liquor securely:

Understand the Quantity and Alcohol Content Restrictions:

Belize allows travellers to bring in a limited quantity of liquor for personal use. The general guideline is 1 litre of liquor per person, with an alcohol content of over 22%. However, customs officials may be lenient if you have slightly more, but additional bottles may be subject to duty charges.

Prepare the Liquor Bottles:

It is recommended to transport liquor in its original, unopened packaging. Wrap each bottle securely with protective materials like bubble wrap, newspaper, or clothing. Sweaters and thick socks can provide good cushioning. You can also use wine shipping packaging or a metal case for added protection. Place each wrapped bottle in a plastic bag, preferably a resealable one, to contain any leaks in case of breakage.

Pack the Bottles in Your Checked Baggage:

When arranging the bottles in your checked baggage, create a barrier between them to prevent smashing. You can use items like pairs of shoes or rolled-up bulky clothing. Pad the sides, bottom, and top of your luggage with clothing, towels, or blankets to provide extra cushioning and protect the bottles from external impacts.

Be Mindful of Local Customs Regulations:

When entering Belize, travellers must declare certain items, including arms and ammunition, and currency exceeding a certain amount. It is important to review the customs regulations before your trip to ensure you comply with any specific requirements for importing liquor.

Alternative Options:

If you are concerned about packing liquor in your checked baggage, consider purchasing liquor at the duty-free shops at the airport. These shops often offer a wider selection and lower prices than what you might find in Belize. Additionally, you can bypass the hassle of packing and avoid the risk of breakage during travel.

Importing goods into Belize: required documentation

If you are importing goods into Belize, you will need several documents to clear customs. An import permit is required for certain goods, including some foodstuffs, live animals, plant and plant materials, and veterinary vaccines. These import permits are issued by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), which also requires phyto-sanitary and zoo-sanitary certificates, health-risk analysis documentation, and certificates of origin for animals and certain plant materials.

The Customs and Excise Department requires a commercial invoice, bill of lading/air waybill, and a packing list. Health and sanitary certificates, fumigation certificates, and certificates of origin may also be required. When shipping goods to Belize, the importer must be present for customs clearance.

BAHA has specific requirements for the importation of goods, including sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. All goods, including the steel on flatbeds, require inspection to ensure they conform to BAHA's import requirements and to prevent pests or diseases from entering the country.

Some goods, such as furniture in non-commercial quantities and "unique wooden articles" for the tourism industry, do not require an import license. However, other goods, such as wooden furniture included in household effects, require an import license from the Ministry of Trade.

It is important to note that there are restrictions on certain items. For example, meat and meat products, milk and poultry products, and plant and plant products require permission from BAHA before importation. Additionally, all cats and dogs being imported require a special import permit from the Agriculture Department in Belmopan, along with a general health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate.

Frequently asked questions