Hi all -

I haven't posted in a long while.

Planning another trip down to Panama in June.

Wondering if anyone recently brought back more than one bottle of liquor through Customs?

Everything I find online says I am limited to only one bottle tax free. However, beyond one bottle I would have to pay a duty. But I cannot find what the US Customs liquor duty rates are other than the rates vary according to alcohol content.

Many years ago I crossed the border into Mexico. I went to the nearest liquor store. I bought a bottle of Bourbon, Kalua and Tequila. When I crossed back the border dude told me I could only bring one bottle back. Thinking I totally screwed up and would lose the other two bottles the border dude said, "no big deal, you just have to pay a duty" then pointed me to another window/booth. At that time, some 10-years ago or more, I think I paid just a couple of bucks and some change, like $2.35 for the extra two bottles.

I assume the duty per extra bottle of liquor has gone up in the past 10-years. I can only fit about three or four bottles in my checked luggage. The alcohol content would be 80 proof.

The price of the liquor in Panama is pretty cheap, perhaps discounted as much as 35-50% from what I would pay in the US. Rum might be discounted even more than 50% from US prices.

But before I lug with me 3 or 4 bottles of booze I want to know if the duty on the extra bottles will cancel out the discount making the "hassle" not worth it.

Little help please.

AJ

AJ,

Here is a source/link with your requested info, albeit some effort must be made.

http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/archive/9910/991C22.PDF
Rum: $1.32 per liter
Gin: $1.99/L
Vodka: $1.78/L
In containers over 4 Liters: $1.32/L
Liqueurs and cordials: $3.08/L
Brandy: $2.35/L
In containers over 4 Liters: $1.32/L
Tequila: $1.68/L
In containers over 4 Liters: $1.32/L
Mezcal: $1.78/L


Generally duty is 3% of value and the IRS excise tax is generally between 21-31cents per 750ml bottle of wine, 67 cents/champagne, and $2.14/ hard liquor.

With today's prices, depending on your selection, substantial savings could make the effort worthwhile. Certain types are not worth it IMO, bring back only what you know to be of value or expensive, thus realizing greater savings over the US prices and worth what extra duty/tax is involved.

-CFK

(Message edited by copperfieldkid on April 28, 2013)

Coperfieldkid -

Thank you. Your answer is awesome. Exactly what I need to know.

V/r,

AJ

Keep in mind that if you only have 2 or 3 bottles, there's an excellent chance that they won't say a thing to you. If you're bringing in a couple of cases, then sure. But, they tend not to go through the hassle of doing the paperwork just to collect a couple of bucks. So don't walk up to Customs and say "where do I pay my import tax on booze." Just declare you bottles truthfully and let them decide if they want to tax you.